Madison-Obihiro Sister Cities Inc.
Close friendship across the Pacific
Close friendship across the Pacific
By Heidi M. Pascual
True friendship can be gauged by how two parties
care for each other and exchange the best of what they
have. The cities of Madison and Obihiro in Japan have
enriched each other through this positive relationship
nurtured by the Madison-Obihiro Sister Cities, Inc. (MOSC)
and its counterpart, the Obihiro Madison Koryu
Association. For many years now, both associations have
exchanged delegates and shared knowledge in the areas
of culture, education, trade and mental health, among
others.
Most recently, they hosted a cultural night and fund-
raiser on March 26 at Edgewater Hotel, highlighting food,
music, photo exhibit and products of both Madison and
Obihiro. The highlight of the night was a photo exhibit of
the late Kouichi Urashima, a well-known Obihiro
photographer whose life story and photos are included in
Japan’s high school textbooks. His son, Hisashi, was on
hand to tell guests about his father’s work. The delicious
sushi and other finger foods were graciously provided by
Shinji Muramoto, the great chef of Muramoto Restaurants,
while entertainment was graciously provided by Satoko
Someya who played beautiful Koto music.
Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz was in high spirits
as he greeted attendees and spoke about his experiences
in Obihiro during his visit there last year, as well as the
positive exchanges both cities have had through the
years. He focused on the similarities between Madison
and Obihiro and the strong relationship between its
people through MOSC and Obihiro-Madison Koryu
Association. He also announced the presence of young
visitors from Obihiro (who got an ice-cream treat in his
office earlier) and their teachers in the audience.
MOSC Board Pres. Jo Oyama Miller was visibly glad of
the turnout, the presence of “representatives” from both
cities, the warm feedback of attendees for the silent
auction, the extraordinary photo exhibit and the “local” but
very delicious Japanese food by Muramoto. Miller
acknowledged the sponsors of the occasion: Kikkoman,
Inc.; Keva Sports Center, Edgewater Hotel, and Hisashi
Urashima.
True friendship can be gauged by how two parties
care for each other and exchange the best of what they
have. The cities of Madison and Obihiro in Japan have
enriched each other through this positive relationship
nurtured by the Madison-Obihiro Sister Cities, Inc. (MOSC)
and its counterpart, the Obihiro Madison Koryu
Association. For many years now, both associations have
exchanged delegates and shared knowledge in the areas
of culture, education, trade and mental health, among
others.
Most recently, they hosted a cultural night and fund-
raiser on March 26 at Edgewater Hotel, highlighting food,
music, photo exhibit and products of both Madison and
Obihiro. The highlight of the night was a photo exhibit of
the late Kouichi Urashima, a well-known Obihiro
photographer whose life story and photos are included in
Japan’s high school textbooks. His son, Hisashi, was on
hand to tell guests about his father’s work. The delicious
sushi and other finger foods were graciously provided by
Shinji Muramoto, the great chef of Muramoto Restaurants,
while entertainment was graciously provided by Satoko
Someya who played beautiful Koto music.
Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz was in high spirits
as he greeted attendees and spoke about his experiences
in Obihiro during his visit there last year, as well as the
positive exchanges both cities have had through the
years. He focused on the similarities between Madison
and Obihiro and the strong relationship between its
people through MOSC and Obihiro-Madison Koryu
Association. He also announced the presence of young
visitors from Obihiro (who got an ice-cream treat in his
office earlier) and their teachers in the audience.
MOSC Board Pres. Jo Oyama Miller was visibly glad of
the turnout, the presence of “representatives” from both
cities, the warm feedback of attendees for the silent
auction, the extraordinary photo exhibit and the “local” but
very delicious Japanese food by Muramoto. Miller
acknowledged the sponsors of the occasion: Kikkoman,
Inc.; Keva Sports Center, Edgewater Hotel, and Hisashi
Urashima.
MOSC Board President Jo Oyama Miller with
husband, State Sen. Mark Miller
husband, State Sen. Mark Miller
Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz with visiting young
“delegates” from Obihiro
“delegates” from Obihiro
| (L-R) Bob Graebner, Shinji Muramoto, & Kayo Hardiman |
| (L-R) Sharyl Kato, Majid & Mahroo Sarmadi, Satoko Someya |
Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and Hisashi
Urashima
Urashima
(L-R) Shinji Muramoto & Sharyl Kato
| Hisashi Urashima explains his late father’s photo exhibit to guests; |
Obihiro Madison Koryu
Association Secretary Takeshi
Sanuki
Association Secretary Takeshi
Sanuki
Equine poster from a top
competition in Japan
competition in Japan
| A young guest tries stuff from the sushi table |
| Satoko Someya entertains with her Koto music |
