Sister Cities

Oyama - Japan

Cairns and Oyama signed a formal Sister City agreement on Monday, May 15, 2006.

Oyama City is a historically rich and culturally significant city located in the Tochigi prefecture of Japan. Oyama is well known for its mix of traditional and contemporary lifestyles, as the city is abound with century old rice fields as well as industrial mega-factories of some of Japan's biggest companies.

With a population of 160,000 people, Oyama's rapidly expanding agricultural and industrial sectors have given Oyama City the economic step to expand the city infrastructure and focus on what matters most to the citizens of Oyama: a comfortable and relaxed 21st century lifestyle.

Oyama City and Cairns have shared a unique relationship over the past four years. This intercity friendship began with a multitude of student exchanges between both cities, and as the friendship expanded both cities quickly began incorporating many other aspects into the friendship, including cultural affairs, arts, council exchange, business and tourism.

Three different delegations, including town planners and engineers visited Cairns to gain knowledge of typical Queensland style architecture and it is understood this style is being used in the construction of the International Centre in Oyama City.

Cairns’s sister city relationship with Oyama will be for a 10-year term, to be reviewed after that time.