South Derbyshire & Toyota City - 27 Years of Friendship and Exchange

For more than a quarter of a century, South Derbyshire has enjoyed a unique and valued friendship with Toyota City in Japan.

This international partnership began in 1998, following the opening of Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK in Burnaston. What started as a formal twinning agreement has since grown into a great partnership that spans education, culture, sport, the environment and business.

Friendship in Bloom

One of the most visible symbols of our partnership are the cherry blossom trees that have been planted in local schools and parks, creating living landmarks of friendship across the district. These blooms stand as a lasting reminder of the shared commitment to cultural exchange and mutual respect.

The cherry blossoms are just part of a wider legacy.

Rosliston Forestry Centre’s Japanese Trail, created in 2018 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the twinning, offers visitors a woodland walk through the National Forest inspired by Japanese culture. The trail features cherry blossom and Japanese maple trees, along with references to Japanese legends, customs and the deep connection between nature and cultural traditions.

Most recently, the National Forest Company has announced a Twinning Blossom Woodland near Calke Abbey - 16 hectares of woodland dedicated to celebrating 25 years of partnership between Derbyshire and Toyota City.

Learning Together

Education has always been at the heart of the twinning agreement. Over the past 27 years, nearly 1,000 students from Derbyshire and Toyota City have taken part in exchanges, giving young people the opportunity to experience life in another country, learn new skills and build lifelong friendships.

These exchanges have involved school-age pupils and students from further education institutions such as Burton & South Derbyshire College and the University of Derby.

In 2024, 15 students from Belper School travelled to Toyota City for a two-week educational visit, supported by the UK’s Turing Scheme - a prime example of how this partnership continues to create opportunities for young people.

Culture Without Borders

From music and performance to food and traditional crafts, the partnership has brought memorable cultural moments to life. The Toyota City Junior Marching Band has performed at Maurice Lea Park in Church Gresley, while the 2023 Festival of Leisure hosted “Japan Fest” - a celebration of Japanese culture with music, workshops, stalls, and authentic cuisine.

The partnership has also seen artistic collaborations, musical performances, and sporting links. In 2023, the Shine A Light project projected specially commissioned Japanese-themed artwork onto Derby’s Guildhall and Toyota City’s Kojakuji Temple - a unique moment shared across continents.

Building Connections

The Derbyshire-Toyota City link has extended far beyond cultural events. Business and environmental projects have brought tangible benefits to residents, creating new opportunities, strengthening skills, and supporting sustainable development.

Through collaboration with the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, local businesses have been able to explore export opportunities to Japan - especially for products that are “quintessentially English” or environmentally innovative. Environmental knowledge-sharing has been a two-way street, with the National Forest Company playing an active role in joint sustainability efforts.

A Lasting Bond

The friendship between South Derbyshire and Toyota City is a proud reminder of the value of international relationships - and how local connections can have a global reach.

The partnership has been guided by the Toyota City Partnership Board, which brings together councils, businesses, educational institutions and cultural organisations to make sure every project delivers real benefits for both communities.

As we look ahead, this partnership will continue to build understanding, share knowledge, and create opportunities - proving that with trust, cooperation, and shared aspirations, lasting friendships can flourish across the world.

The Toyota City Partnership Board will be exhibiting at this year’s Melbourne Festival on 20 & 21 September - why not come along and find out more about this international relationship and try your hand at some ‘Origami’, the Japanese art of paper folding.

4 September 2025