About

Medway-Japan Friendship Association

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.

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.

Made possible by our supporters

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.

Our story

The Association was founded in 2006, originally named the Medway International Relations Japan Group.

In 2012, the Association helped to organise a formal visit from the Deputy Mayor of Yokosuka, as well as the friendship visit from the Mayor of Ito and his party. They also oversaw a business trip from the Mayor of Hirado. In 2013 an event known as J400 commemorated the start of relations between the UK and Japan which began in 1613. Many events took place throughout the year to celebrate.

The Association has also participated in the annual Hanami (flower viewing) festival held at Brogdale Farm in Faversham, Kent, with a stall of Japanese items.