Torrance and Bizen, Japan celebrate Friendship City agreement

Torrance celebrated the signing of a Friendship City agreement with Bizen, Japan on Aug. 8, which brought together officials for the start of a cultural exchange between the cities approximately 5,500 miles apart.

Torrance Mayor George Chen said the signing with Bizen Mayor Takeshi Yoshimura at City Hall is a “beginning of a journey” that would be prosperous for the cities and countries as well.

“We are cities from different nations and we’re looking forward to building a stronger relationship that’s mutually beneficial with respect to economics, culture, education and athletics,” said Chen at the signing.

The delegation from Bizen, the hometown of Los Angeles Dodgers pitching superstar Yoshinobu Yamamoto, arrived earlier this week to “experience American history and traditions and culture in Los Angeles,” said Yoshimura at the signing.

They received a tour, according to the city, of the Torrance Municipal Airport, the Del Amo Fashion Center, the American Honda Collection Hall, City Hall, and more.

“I am looking forward to potential full scale exchange programs in the near future,” said Yoshimura, adding to “deepen mutual understanding and cooperation.”

Deputy Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, Naoshige Aoshima, said at the signing the “this new friendship will lead to many enriching opportunities that benefit people on both sides of the Pacific.”

“I would like to pay tribute to the contribution of the people of both cities in achieving this great agreement,” Aoshima said. “I must say that much more work is needed to maintain active exchanges. Please remember that we, the Consul of Japan, will always support your efforts.”

Chen presented Yoshimura a key to the city as well as a Torrance baseball jersey with Yoshimura on the back.

Yoshimura presented Chen with a “Commemoration of Friendship Agreement” award.

Bizen is the first Friendship City agreement with a city in Japan.

The city previously entered agreements with Changhua and Tainan in Taiwan, as well as most recently Hwaseong, South Korea in 2023.

The city of Torrance has one Sister City agreement with Kashiwa, Japan, which celebrated its 50th year in 2023.