Mayor of Futaba-machi, Japan, visits East Riding to discuss cultural exchange

Wednesday, 19 February 2025

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The Mayor of Futaba-machi in Japan, Mr Shiro Izawa, along with Superintendent of Futaba Board of Education, Ms. Mariko Yamamoto, and educational representatives from the town have visited the East Riding. 

Former East Riding pupil, Philip Jellyman, was also in attendance. Philip moved to Futaba-machi to teach children English and works at the Futaba Town Board of Education.

The delegation met with East Riding’s Cabinet Member for children, families and education, Councillor Victoria Aitken, Interim Director of children, young people, education and schools, Tom Chamberlain and Head of school effectiveness, Emma Hobbs to discuss the possibility of cultural exchange visits. The visit aimed to strengthen the bonds between the two towns, increase communication between young people and schools, and the possibility of students being able to attend and experience education in the East Riding in the future.

Councillor Victoria Aitken, Cabinet Member for children, young people and families said: “It was an absolute pleasure meeting with such a dedicated and inspiring team. I have high hopes for our future collaborations and believe there are truly exciting opportunities to be had from these connections.

"Their work around encouraging young people to understand different languages, cultures, and experiences is invaluable, particularly in light of the traumatic experience of the 2011 tsunami that devastated their community. I am genuinely excited about the positive impact we can create together."

The delegation later also met with Council Leader, Anne Handley, to further discuss the connections between Futaba-machi and Beverley.

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