Entering the 21st century, people have found that international exchanges which are enforced by mutual understanding and cooperation, have deepened their friendships. In its role as a member of international society, Saitama City has sister and friendship affiliations with six cities abroad and treasures these relationships by contributing to various fields.

[Toluca, Mexico]
　This sister city affiliation was formed in 1979. The city of Toluca is the state capital of Mexico State and is adjacent to the national capital, Mexico City. The population is about 570,000 people and there are important facilities supporting government and education within the city. Soccer is very popular, which is a common point of interest between us. As a memento of forming this affiliation, the city of Toluca gave us three bells, now placed on the east side of City Hall. The bells are rung five times a day to announce the hours.

[Zhengzhou, China]
　This friendship city affiliation was formed in 1981. The city of Zhengzhou is the capital of the Henan Province. Being the center of the government and economy, it is considered as a key junction for railroads and seaways. The city’s population is 6.77 million people. The Yellow River flows spectacularly along the northern part of the city and Mount Song can be seen to the west. The vast Huanghuai plain stretches to the east and south. Popular industries are the textiles and agriculture, which produces flour, rice, corn, and millet.

[Hamilton, New Zealand]
　This sister city affiliation was formed in 1984. The population is 120,000 people. The city is in the center of the Waikato region and is located 127 km south of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. The Waikato River flows through the city. It is one of the largest dairy lands in New Zealand with ranches all around. There are powder milk factories and agricultural laboratories, which actively conduct research of soil, pasture grass, and livestock.

[Richmond, United States of America]
　This sister city affiliation was formed in 1994. The city of Richmond is the capital of the State of Virginia and has a population of 200,000 people. It is located about 160km south of America’s capital, Washington D.C.. Richmond was founded in the 17th century, when the State of Virginia was under British control. Back then, Richmond’s inland economy was the growing tobacco market. Today, there are many educational facilities built, such as colleges and museums.

[Nanaimo, Canada]
　This friendship affiliation was formed in 1996. The population of the city of Nanaimo is about 70,000 people. It is the second largest city on Vancouver Island of the British Columbia Province. There are many nature sites, such as Bowen Park, where you can pet the deer and beavers. In aboriginal language, Nanaimo means “a place where people meet”. Because of the city’s beautiful nature, fishery, forestry and tourism industries all thrive.

[Pittsburgh, United States of America]
　This sister city affiliation was formed in 1998. The population of the city of Pittsburgh is about 340,000 people. It is the second largest city in the State of Pennsylvania and is located on the delta where the Allegheny River and Monongahela River meet. Having grown as a city of the steel industry, today there are thriving industries in service, high tech, and medical related. Pittsburgh is also called an academic city because there 28 colleges within it.