Signing Ceremony Sister Ancient Battlefield Agreement Sekigahara and Waterloo

On August 31, Ambassador Hayashi visited Waterloo with a delegation consisting of the Governor of Gifu prefecture Hajime Furuta, Gifu Prefectural Assembly President Takao Murashita, Sekigahara Mayor Yasuo Nishiwaki and others. There, Ambassador Hayashi attended the signing ceremony of the “Sister Ancient Battlefield Agreement” by representatives of the Province of Walloon Brabant and four relevant cities, as well as town mayor Nishiwaki. The objectives of the agreement are to share with one another experience and techniques concerning the preservation and managing of historic sites as well as the transmission of historic facts.

Governor Furuta stated: “I was impressed by the event for the 200th anniversary of the battle of Waterloo. Using that effort as a reference, I would like to make a big effort in 2020, which will be 420 years after the battle of Sekigahara.” Ambassador Hayashi stated that: “Starting cooperation and exchange between the historical cities of Waterloo and Sekigahara on the occasion of the 151st anniversary of the establishment of friendship relations between our countries is of deep significance. I am convinced that through the preservation of the historic sites and the transmission of the facts of the battles, the value of peace can be taught.” It is expected that initiatives like these will broaden the scope of exchange between Waterloo and Sekigahara, and increase its number of visitors.