The Nelson-Miyazu Sister City Association is a community group.  It exists to facilitate people-to-people links and exchanges between Nelson and Miyazu, foster understanding of the Japanese culture and to support the local Japanese community in Nelson.

A key focus is on activities, projects and events that will benefit the community.

The organisation operates as an incorporated society and is managed voluntarily by a governing body of local citizens with a passion for Miyazu and Japan.

In 1996, a New Zealand-wide survey of Sister City programmes, done as part of an initiative by Asia 2000 and undertaken by Massey University, showed that the Nelson-Miyazu link was the most-focused and built on a solid base of people-to-people interaction.  The Nelson Miyazu affiliation was cited as a model to follow in setting up successful Sister City relationships, including these features:

• Festivals
• Fashion show
• Cultural events, concerts, performances and demonstrations
• Art exhibition and educational tuition
• Girl Guide mini jamboree
• Support from Miyazu for “Sudden Laughter”
• Anti-nuclear visit to Mururoa
• Trade exposition
• Financial support for Nelson’s Miyazu Garden – on-going
• Cherry Blossom festival
• Celebration of childrens’ day with Japanese community
• School and college exchanges
• Numerous student and young people’s work experience
• Tourism