Half-century of friendship has transformed port pair from maritime gateways into symbols of Sino-Japanese ties

Editor's note: Amity between the people holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. China Daily will come out with a series of stories highlighting Chinese cities' special connections with sister cities, mutual understanding, trust and friendship between peoples of different countries and cultural backgrounds, and shining light on "city diplomacy".

Spring blossoms at Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens. [Photo provided by Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens]

As the Japanese saying goes: "Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend." While this embodies companionship, it only partially captures the dynamic and enduring partnership between Tianjin in northern China and Kobe in western Japan. Their relationship is a fascinating dance of sisterhood and mutual support, forged over decades of collaboration since the two became friendship cities.

China and Japan normalized their relations in September 1972, setting the stage for interactions at all levels. Just a year later, in 1973, Tianjin and Kobe embarked on a new journey of friendship. On June 24, 1973, they signed a friendship city agreement, the first of its kind between a Chinese city and a Japanese city. The pact marked the beginning of a relationship that transcends national and political boundaries, forging a special bilateral bond.

More than 50 years later, Kenji Takahashi makes his daily commute along the tranquil Haihe River in Tianjin. As Takahashi walks along the river, he can see the striking similarities between Tianjin and his hometown Kobe.