Our recent events
- Makoto Sakurada family suffers devastation due to fire
February 24, 2024 – Towada City, Japan
The members of the Lethbridge Twinning Society are very deeply sad to learn of the recent events in one of our “Sister Cities”, Towada City. Japan.
On February 24, 2024 the business and attached dwelling of the Sakurada family was entirely destroyed by fire. The early morning fire’s cause was apparently due to an electrical issue. The Sakurada family were able to escape the inferno with only minor injuries, unfortunately absolutely all of their personal belongings have been lost.
Makoko Sakurada has visited Alberta three times in the past, each time he has performed at various venues. Most notably in 2012 when Makoto performed his “Thank you Alberta Tour” performing in 13 communities throughout Alberta beginning in Jasper, Hinton, Whitecourt, Barrhead, Westlock, Stony Plain, Edmonton, Camrose, Banff, Calgary, Airdrie, Hanna, with a final performance in Lethbridge. The purpose of this tour was to thank Albertan’s for their support and assistance they provided to Japan following the great Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. These performances were all gratis and Makoto covered his own expenses during the two week period.
Makoto has been a major “bridge” between relations of the Lethbridge Twinning Society and the Towada-Association for International Relations.
For those who may wish to express thoughts and prayer or support to Makoto and his family, they may be channeled through the Lethbridge Twinning Society by contacting:
Director for Towada City Relations, Carol Pickett at 168 Mount Rundle Road West – Lethbridge AB. T1K 7G1;
Treasurer, Rolanda Richard at 1406 – 22nd Street South – Lethbridge AB. T1K 2J5 or
The Lethbridge Twinning Society c/o 82 Riverine Lane West – Lethbridge, AB. T1K 5V6.
Japanese Retro Arcade That Took 10 Years To Build Goes Up In Flames
十和田市中心部の商店街で火災「長屋で燃えるのも早かったと思う」 消防隊員と住人の計２人がけが
Figure 1. Towada City Fire does their best to contain the fire at the Sakurada business and attached dwelling. (February 24, 2024)
Image: @living_bird
Figure 2. Makoto Sakurada – Towada City Japan
Thank you,
Harold Pereverseff
(President, Lethbridge Twinning Society)
403-330-6119
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