- Japanese garden a tribute to Sister State relationship with Hyogo prefecture
Premier Colin Barnett today paid tribute to Western Australia's strong bonds with Japan as he accepted a traditional garden to mark the Sister State relationship with the prefecture of Hyogo.
The Hyogo Friendship Garden was presented by Hyogo Vice Governor Tomoyuki Yoshimoto in a ceremony near Dumas House this morning.
The garden is a gift to the people of Perth to mark the 30th anniversary of the Sister State relationship with WA.
Mr Barnett said the garden was designed by Professor Yue Shen from the University of Hyogo who came from Japan to supervise the garden building project. It took two months to construct and featured tiles from Awaji Island, in Hyogo.
Mr Shuto from the Awaji Horticulture Institute also came to Perth for 10 days to work on the garden. Mr Okitsu, a highly respected tile specialist from Awaji, also came to Perth to work on the garden.
Mr Aji Morozumi, a Perth-based garden designer, supervised the work.
The Premier said the friendship garden was a symbol of the ties between the two States.
"Western Australia and the prefecture of Hyogo share a strong bond that it built on mutual respect and a commitment to a shared future," he said.
"We are proud to say that the Sister State relationship with the prefecture of Hyogo is our oldest.
"It is a tribute to our relationship that it has grown since starting with the iron ore industry and has since fostered trade, cultural and even sporting ties across many years."
Mr Barnett said Japan remained one of WA's most important trading partners and investment by Hyogo-based Kobe Steel and Nippon Steel had brought great benefits to WA.
"Japan played a pivotal role in helping this State pioneer iron ore and natural gas industries that are so important to WA's economy," he said.
Japanese gardens are small landscapes meant to represent the larger environment - they have a Buddhist connection in terms of peacefulness and serenity and bringing large elements of nature into small environments. The rocks represent water and the plants represent life.
"Western Australia's gift to Hyogo to mark this 30th anniversary was four koalas and these are now among the most popular attractions at the Awaji Farm Park in Japan," Mr Barnett said.
"One of the koalas has actually had a baby, so that is a real credit to the park and the way the koalas are being cared for."
The Premier made the announcement on the eve of his visit to China and Japan which starts this weekend.
"Japan was my first overseas visit when I was elected in 2008; and so it is pleasing that my first overseas visit on being re-elected is also to Japan and China," he said.
Fact File
In 2012, WA's trade with Japan was valued at $24.9billion (exports and imports)
WA contributes 45.6% of total Australian exports to Japan
Sister State Relationship was signed in June 1981 by Premier Sir Charles Court and Hyogo Governor Tokitada Sakai
WA government office established in Kobe in 1989 and Hyogo Prefectural Cultural Office was established in Perth in 1992
In 2012 established Hyogo Marathon Exchange programme with a runner, exchange each year competing in Perth Marathon and Hyogo Marathon alternatively
WA-Hyogo Banshu Textile Program established in 2011 to assist WA Fashion and Design graduates to enter into the professional fashion/design industry
Premier's office - 6552 5000
