TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A delegation from Japan’s Hachioji City, which is part of the Tokyo metropolis, arrived in Kaohsiung to celebrate 20 years of sister city ties.

The delegation, led by Hachioji Deputy Mayor Uehara Yasuhiro, arrived on Saturday and was welcomed by Kaohsiung Deputy Mayor Lou Ta-sheng (羅達生). Lo said that Kaohsiung and Hachioji will continue to deepen cooperation and facilitate exchanges to ensure the relationship grows stronger through future generations, reported CNA.

The sister city agreement was established in 2006 to promote exchanges in education, culture, and agriculture. Deputy Mayor Uehara said the cities share a partnership based on trust and mutual benefit, and that he was very happy to visit Kaohsiung on behalf of Hachioji residents.

To celebrate the occasion, the Maxons men’s cheerleading team from Tokyo Metropolitan University was invited to perform at the Kaohsiung Lantern Festival on Sunday. Their routine showcased their skill set to high-energy anime pop music, per CNA.

For the past three years, Hachioji Taiwan Friendship Exchange Association has purchased Kaohsiung pineapples and other fruit for over 15,000 students and teachers across 38 public schools in Hachioji.

Kaohsiung International Affairs Department Director Chang Yen-ching (張硯卿) thanked the association and Director Kurosu Ryuichi for the long-term support of Kaohsiung. Chang said the anniversary will also mark the start of a new chapter in municipal-level diplomacy between Taiwan and Japan.

The visitors from Japan will depart Taiwan on Monday.