Dublin has a new friend – or, around 25,000 new friends, who live across the globe in Mashiko, Japan. The two communities share a few things in common, such as their love of taiko drumming. But more importantly, the leaders of each community share a passion for culture and international cooperation.
The two communities signed off to become Friendship Cities at a community reception in December, agreeing to participate in at least one exchange annually.
While in Dublin, delegates from Mashiko explored every corner of the City for the first time. From City Hall to Brazenhead, Akisa Fukuzawa was with them every step of the way. As executive director for the Japan-America Society of Central Ohio, she was a natural choice to help guide our visitors.
“It was an honor to be a part of this historical moment for the City,” says Fukuzawa. “I was happy to help give a warm welcome to the people of Mashiko, and proud to show them around our community.”
While JASCO serves the entire central Ohio region, Dublin businesses and residents are the biggest recipients of support from the organization. That’s because Dublin is home to the largest Japanese community in the state, with more than 2,200 residents hailing from Japan. Twenty five Japanese businesses in Dublin employ nearly 500 people.
The Dublin community has embraced its Japanese connections, with every high school in the district teaching Japanese language classes, as well as a taiko drumming club with nearly 100 students. It’s easy to see why City officials pursued a Japanese community for its first international partnership.
A BLOSSOMING FRIENDSHIP
The first official meeting of the two communities occurred when the consul general of Japan invited Mike Keenan, mayor of Dublin at the time, to visit Japan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan coordinated a tour of the country with stops at the U.S. Embassy, the headquarters of Dublin business Hidaka, the site of the 2020 Olympic Games, the Suntory whiskey distillery and beyond. Mashiko happened to be a stop on the tour.
“It reminded me of a typical town in the U.S.,” says Keenan. “It was out in the country, not part of a big metropolitan area. They have a historic district similar to ours in Dublin. They took me to their museums – they’re world-famous for their ceramics – and took me to one of their schools, and to their government buildings. We had sushi and a nice dinner. They were very gracious. As we talked more about our communities, we realized we weren’t all that different. We thought it would be mutually beneficial to start a cultural exchange.”
The two communities stayed in contact. In September, Fukuzawa joined Dublin’s economic development team along with regional partners in attending the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference in Tokyo.
“It’s a big opportunity to connect with and recruit Japanese businesses,” says Fukuzawa.
And, this time, it was also an opportunity to further develop relationships with Mashiko officials. Fukuzawa, along with then-Dublin City Council member Marilee Chinnici-Zuercher and Economic Development Administrator Jeremiah Gracia, were given a warm welcome.
“We saw how passionate they were about engaging our city,” Fukuzawa says. “The people there are so outgoing and energetic. I was born and raised in Tokyo, but never had a chance to visit Mashiko. Next time I go to Japan for my personal visit home, I’m definitely taking my husband and son to visit Mashiko. I’m glad I now have friends there.”
TAIKO TIES
As fate should have it, Mashiko Mayor Tomoyuki Ohtsuka actually has a personal connection with Dublin.
“Mayor Ohtsuka and I went to the same elementary school, middle school and high school,” says Isao Yamakawa, volunteer for the Dublin Taiko Group, whose children are members. “We played baseball together all throughout middle school.”
In 2004, on opposite sides of the world, both the Dublin Taiko Group and Ohtsuka, as a member of Mashiko’s Tenjin Kaze no Kai taiko group, studied under renowned taiko master Eitetsu Hayashi.
“Pondering this coincidence, I felt a special fate had been laid before me,” says Yamakawa. “How amazing would it be if the two groups played together? When I proposed the idea, both sides were enthusiastic.”
Last June, Dublin Taiko Group made the trek to Mashiko to participate in a collaborative workshop and concert with Tenjin Kaze no Kai.
“We were passionately welcomed with warm hospitality wherever we went,” says Yamakawa. “The practices, the performances, and the unstoppable applause from a full auditorium made an unforgettable memory for all of us.”
MAKING IT OFFICIAL
The two mayors didn’t waste any time sealing the deal. After the rest of Dublin City Council signed off on the idea, arrangements were made for Mashiko officials to fly out to Dublin in December. Ohtsuka – along with representatives from Mashiko’s government, tourism association, cultural organization and taiko group – were all eager to see Dublin for the first time.
After three days of sightseeing, the two communities came together at a reception on Dec. 15 at the Marriott Northwest in Dublin. Ikebana flower arrangements, which were created by local artists, adorned each table. Dublin Taiko Group performed several numbers, and of course Ohtsuka had to join in. Guests enjoyed Mashiko-brewed sake poured in Mashiko-crafted ceramic glasses, which were theirs to keep.
“It was exciting to witness my hometown and current community become Friendship Cities,” says Yamakawa. “I’m extremely optimistic about the possibilities. People from both sides have great pride for their cities, and have the passion to make both cities better.”
Moving forward, the communities are discussing several options for cultural exchanges, which could involve education, local government, business or the arts.
GOING GLOBAL
As Dublin grows more diverse in business and population, it’s becoming even more important to embrace our diverse cultures. According to census estimates, 15 percent of Dublin residents are foreign-born. More than 8 percent of businesses are Asian-owned. Students in Dublin schools represent more than 90 countries and 60 languages. Furthermore, racial and ethnic minorities are expected to account for a majority of the region’s growth through 2050, according to the regional insight2050 planning initiative.
“We host a monthly history club at the Dublin Entrepreneurial Center for people to learn about Japanese culture,” said Fukuzawa. “Recently we hosted a session on World War II that drew around 10 to 12 residents, which is typical. What surprised me was the diversity of the participants. American, Japanese, Indian, Russian, Polish, Chinese – I counted six different cultural backgrounds. That’s how diverse Dublin is.”
Formalizing a Friendship City relationship with Mashiko is a watershed moment for Dublin. It’s yet another sign of Dublin’s commitment to understanding cultures and expanding globally.
Sarah McQuaide is a public information officer for the City of Dublin. Feedback welcome at hbealer@cityscenecolumbus.com.
