Consul-General Wajima Attends Alberta/Japan Twinned Municipalities Association Annual General Meeting
2026/5/22
Consul-General Wajima visited Lacombe, AB on May 22-23 to attend the 2026 Alberta/Japan Twinned Municipalities Association (A/JTMA) Annual General Meeting.
The A/JTMA is currently comprised of nine municipalities and one friendship society. For the annual general meeting, representatives from each organization attended to detail their activities from the past year, as well as exchange information.
On May 22, a commemorative ceremony was held marking the 40th Anniversary of the twinning between Lacome, AB and Rikubetsu, Hokkaido, which featured congratulatory speeches from the Mayor of Lacombe, Thalia Hibbs; MLA Jennifer Johnson; the Mayor of Rikubetsu, Manabu Honda; as well as a written message from MP Blaine Calkins.
During the same ceremony, Consul-General Wajima recognized the 40th Anniversary of the two municipalities, as well as the 45th Anniversary between Taber and Higashiomi, and 35th Anniversary between Barrhead and Kitami. The Consul-General also extended his deep gratitude and respect to all those who have helped to support each twin city partnership throughout the years.
Next year’s AGM is planned to be held in Barrhead, which is twinned with the city of Kitami in Hokkaido.
The A/JTMA is currently comprised of nine municipalities and one friendship society. For the annual general meeting, representatives from each organization attended to detail their activities from the past year, as well as exchange information.
On May 22, a commemorative ceremony was held marking the 40th Anniversary of the twinning between Lacome, AB and Rikubetsu, Hokkaido, which featured congratulatory speeches from the Mayor of Lacombe, Thalia Hibbs; MLA Jennifer Johnson; the Mayor of Rikubetsu, Manabu Honda; as well as a written message from MP Blaine Calkins.
During the same ceremony, Consul-General Wajima recognized the 40th Anniversary of the two municipalities, as well as the 45th Anniversary between Taber and Higashiomi, and 35th Anniversary between Barrhead and Kitami. The Consul-General also extended his deep gratitude and respect to all those who have helped to support each twin city partnership throughout the years.
Next year’s AGM is planned to be held in Barrhead, which is twinned with the city of Kitami in Hokkaido.
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| Consul-General Wajima delivering remarks | Mayor Honda & Mayor Hibbs |
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| The event in progress | The event in progress |
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| In front of Rikubetsu Street |