Category Archives: Press Coverage

A short video about the program — produced in cooperation with Bath Community TV.

The people of the Prefecture of Aomori have created a video thank you to the people in Maine:

“Disaster Relief Funds”
Aomori’s Friends Donate $14,000
Tsugaru City’s Sister City: Bath, United States
July 13, 2011 (Mutsu Shinpou)

Author: Keiko Yamamoto

Here is a scan of the original article: Mutsu Shinpou Newspaper Article (Japanese). The translation below was provided by Michael Moses, Coordinator of International Relations in Tsugaru City.

In an effort to aid the victims of the major earthquake that struck Eastern Japan, the Bath-Tsugaru Sister City Program sent 14,000 dollars to Aomori Prefecture’s Disaster Relief Account. Tsugaru City and Bath, Maine, U.S.A. are sister cities.

Tsugaru City and Bath have had a relationship since 1889, when the Cheseborough, a cargo ship from Bath, crashed off the shore of Shariki Village and the village saved some of the crewmen. Currently, the two cities engage in the Cheseborough Cup and the mutual exchange trips.

The Bath-Tsugaru Sister City Program, which is currently in the process of planning for the exchange trip from Tsugaru to Bath, sponsored two fundraising events, a Cheseborough Swim and an auction. On June 17, the program sent the $8,930 raised through the swim and auction, as well as $5,070 gathered from Bath citizens and organizations, to Japan.

Deborah Patten, the president of the Bath-Tsugaru Exchange Program, had the following warm message for Japan: “On March 11th, the people of Bath were very distressed to see and hear of events in Japan, and responded in many ways … We sincerely hope that these funds will help you all recover.”

Picture Caption: Cheseborough Swim fundraising event held by Bath (Picture provided by Tsugaru City)

“Love and Courage Across the Seas”
Tsugaru City Newsletter CIR Column (May 2011)

Michael Moses
Attached is a scan of the original article (in Japanese) Tsugaru City Newsletter CIR Column (Japanese). The translation below is provided by the author.

After the recent devastating earthquake and tsunami in eastern Japan, I reflected on the meaning of the slogan “Love and Courage Across the Seas.”  While I think many of you are familiar with it, the phrase refers to the strong bond between Bath and Tsugaru City, which was forged after the crash of the Cheseborough 122 years ago.  At that time, Tsugaru residents miraculously saved four crewmen from the crashed ship, which was built in Bath.  Now, in Japan’s time of need, the people of the world are working hard to pay back Tsugaru City’s heroic deeds and generosity.  This month, I would like to introduce the international disaster relief efforts of people who share a special connection with Tsugaru City, especially the efforts of Tsugaru City’s sister city in Bath, Maine, as well as the efforts of the workers at the Shariki Communications Site.

When the disaster occurred, I immediately received a message from the exchange coordinator in Bath.  The message was filled with the desire to help aid Japan in any way possible, and the residents of Bath immediately started fundraising for Tsugaru City.  Besides collecting individual donations, the people of Bath have been busy putting on big fundraising events.  On the 9^th of April, Bath held a Cheseborough Swim, in which the participants collected pledges from sponsors and swam in the event.  That night, Bath also held an auction event, where a variety of items were auctioned off, including everything from massage certificates to pottery and jewelry.  The proceeds from the swim and auction will all be donated to disaster relief.

Not just the people of Bath, who live an ocean away from Tsugaru City, but the international residents of Tsugaru City itself are also fervently contributing to relief efforts.  Among various efforts, those of the workers at the Shariki Communications Site are especially noteworthy.  The people of the site have taken clothing, food and blankets to Iwate prefecture six times.  Using three vehicles, they sent supplies to Kamaishi, Miyako and Noda.  They are working hard to help Japan recover from the disaster.

We are being supported by people all around the world.  Starting with the efforts of Bath and the workers of the communications site, people everywhere are praying and fundraising for japan.  While it is an extremely tough time for Japan right now, within all the darkness is the shining light of our fellow brothers and sisters’ friendship and love.  Despite differences in language and country, the people of the world are working hard to help save Japan.  When I see these efforts, I definitely understand the meaning behind the phrase: “Love and Courage Across the Seas.”