Osaka City Forges Sister City Alliance with Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Osaka, Japan – September 8, 2025 – In a significant step towards fostering international cooperation and mutual development, the City of Osaka today announced the formal establishment of a sister city relationship with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. This landmark agreement, officially signed on September 8, 2025, heralds a new era of collaboration between these two dynamic metropolitan regions, renowned for their rich industrial heritage, innovation, and vibrant cultural landscapes.
The signing ceremony, held in Osaka, marked the culmination of extensive discussions and a shared vision to strengthen ties between Japan and the United Kingdom. Representatives from both Osaka City and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing the immense potential for exchange and collaboration across a wide spectrum of areas.
Osaka City, a historic center of commerce and culture in Japan, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, a leading economic powerhouse in the North of England, share many commonalities. Both regions boast a deep-rooted history of industrial innovation, a commitment to technological advancement, and a thriving arts and cultural scene. This sister city affiliation is expected to leverage these shared strengths to the mutual benefit of both communities.
Key areas identified for future collaboration include:
- Economic Development and Innovation: Both Osaka and Greater Manchester are at the forefront of their respective national economies, with a strong focus on emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing, and research and development. The partnership will facilitate the exchange of best practices, promote joint ventures, and encourage investment opportunities, fostering innovation and economic growth in both regions.
- Cultural Exchange and Tourism: The agreement aims to deepen understanding and appreciation of each other’s unique cultures. This will encompass exchanges in arts, music, heritage, and gastronomy, alongside initiatives to promote tourism and inbound visitor numbers, enriching the cultural fabric of both Osaka and Greater Manchester.
- Education and Research: Collaborative programs in higher education and research are anticipated, providing students and academics with opportunities for joint study, research projects, and knowledge sharing. This will foster intellectual curiosity and contribute to the advancement of academic disciplines.
- Urban Planning and Sustainability: Both cities are actively engaged in developing sustainable urban environments and addressing contemporary urban challenges. The sister city relationship will provide a platform for sharing expertise in areas such as smart city initiatives, environmental conservation, and sustainable infrastructure development.
The Mayor of Osaka expressed great pleasure at the establishment of this new relationship, stating, “We are honored to welcome the Greater Manchester Combined Authority as our sister city. This partnership represents a profound commitment to shared prosperity and cultural enrichment. We believe that by working together, we can unlock new opportunities and address global challenges with renewed vigor. We look forward to a fruitful and enduring relationship.”
Echoing these sentiments, a representative from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority remarked, “This is a momentous occasion for Greater Manchester. Osaka’s rich history and forward-thinking approach are truly inspiring. We are eager to learn from each other and to build a strong, lasting bond that will benefit our citizens for generations to come. The potential for collaboration in areas such as innovation, culture, and education is immense.”
The sister city agreement is expected to foster a greater sense of global citizenship and understanding between the residents of Osaka and Greater Manchester, paving the way for a future of increased cooperation and shared success. Further details regarding specific joint initiatives and exchange programs will be announced in due course.
グレーター・マンチェスター合同行政機構と姉妹都市提携を締結しました
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大阪市 published ‘グレーター・マンチェスター合同行政機構と姉妹都市提携を締結しました’ at 2025-09-08 00:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.