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23 September 2026
Medway · Ito · Yokosuka
A friendship that crosses continents.
The Medway-Japan Friendship Association promotes and cultivates Medway’s twinning relationships with Yokosuka and Ito. We also celebrate Gillingham’s special legacy as the birthplace of William Adams.
Rooted in history.
Connected through people.
United Kingdom
Medway
Where our story begins.
Japan
Ito
A friendship across cultures.
Japan
Yokosuka
A connection across generations.
A connection with a story
From a shared past
to a world of possibilities.
Founded in 2006, the Association oversees cultural ties between Medway and its twin cities, Ito and Yokosuka. Our story reaches back to William Adams, born in Gillingham in 1564, who became the first Englishman to reach Japan.
Explore our shared history
Different places. Lasting friendships.The student exchange
Two cultures.
A life-changing experience.
Each year, we organise a cultural exchange with our counterparts in Japan. We believe there is no better way to celebrate these friendships – and the legacy of William Adams – than through the eyes of the young people who travel to Japan and those who visit us.
Read about the 2027 exchange ↗Look back at past exchanges →From our community
The latest from MJFA
23 August 2026
Grand Draw 2026 – Winning Tickets
Read the story →
21 April 2026
Grand Draw 2026
Read the story →Be part of the connection
A little curiosity can
lead to a lasting friendship.
We receive no council or government funding. Our work is made possible by the generous support of businesses, charities and foundations, most recently including Gillingham-based Hochiki.