June, 2022
Tom Butt
Mayor of the City of Richmond,
Shimada Big festival (Invitation)
I hope this email find all of you well.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your understanding and cooperation of long friendship program with Shimada City.
Now, I would like to inform you that the 110th “Shimada Big Festival (Obi Festival)” will be held for three days from October the 8th to 10th in downtown Shimada.
The festival started in 1695 and is traditionally held every three years. Also, it is known as one of the most three unique festivals in Japan.
The highlight is the parade of gorgeous daimyo (feudal lords), and you can also enjoy watching omikoshi (portable shrines). Shimada City is bustling with many tourists during the days.
I sincerely expect my friends of Richmond visit Shimada, and touch on our history and culture. I am pleased to meet my guests in Shimada from the bottom of my heart.
If my friends could come to Shimada, I hope to hear from you , until the end of July, about their names and the days they would stay in Shimada.
I would like the continuous exchange programs to the further development and expect our further bond of friendship between Richmond City and Shimada City.
Finally, I look forward to your continued success and prosperity.
Thank you very much.
Best regards,
Kinuyo Someya
Mayor of Shimada City