Source: Municipality of Krotoszyn

The idea of establishing a friendly exchange with Japan was born during the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Polish Sumo Federation (held in Krotoszyn in 2014). The idea, which was suggested by the Mayor of Krotoszyn, to the, at the time Ambassador of Japan in Poland, Mr. Makoto Yamanaka, was to search for a Japanese town open for mutually beneficial cooperation. Soon afterwards, the town of Okinoshima (Oki Islands) was proposed to establish bonds with Krotoszyn due to its fame of hosting the oldest sumo school in Japan. “At the beginning cooperation aimed only at cultural and sports activities. Now, after 6 years of common projects, the time for a trade mission has come”, stated Franciszek Marszałek, Mayor of Krotoszyn.

Many projects were finalized during that period. Notably, the celebration of the 600th anniversary of Krotoszyn’s foundation and the 100th anniversary of the Polish-Japan diplomatic relations establishment. Other projects involved artistic plain-air events, some including the participation of members of the chigiri-e Club; Krotoszyn’s and Okinishima’s sumo wrestlers’ frequent exhibits in each other countries; mutual school projects; organisation of the Polish Festival in Okinoshima and Japanese Festival in Krotoszyn. Moreover, the release of a series of articles about Oki Islands written by Mrs Izabela Raczyńska (Oki Islands side cooperation coordinator) on the official Krotoszyn’s town website was also successfully achieved. 

“We are delighted to expand our cooperation to new areas such as the economic one” – adds Franciszek Marszałek. One of the main highlights of this trade mission will be a visit to Ohchi Yamakujira company, a venison producer based in Misato. This company shares a similar profile to one of the participants: Krotoszyn’s Las-Kalisz Ltd.Co. The mission will also cover meetings with other companies’ representatives, study visits and tours through research centres, but also most importantly, the acquisition of Japanese culture and market knowledge. 

Participating companies:
Las Kalisz Ltd Co. - Venizon producer 
Blending Ltd Co. - Agricultural products manufacturer
ZUPH Mech-Masz – Manufacturer of silage harvester and spare parts for agricultural machinery 
Przedsiębiorstwo Wielofunkcyjne AGROUNIMA Cezary Sztuder - Agricultural machinery manufacturer
A2HM Ltd Co. - Producer of bus shelters and outdoor displays
Mr. Marek Waśkowiak - Entrepreneur in roof covering