YORK welcomed a civic delegation of 30 guests from Japan as they arrived in the UK for a three-day tour.

The delegates included 18 people from Shonai City in the Yamagata Prefecture. Their visit took in the Peace Garden at York St John University, York Minster, the Kohima War Museum at Imphal Barracks and the Mansion House.

It was organised by the Burma Campaign Society, which promotes “friendship and mutual understanding” through studying and debating war history.

Mary Murata, a lecturer at York St John University Business School who also runs the York Japan Society, said the visit was a chance to develop closer links with Yamagata University and is set to be reciprocated next month.

“The Business School, in particular, is looking to extend its links internationally, and we embrace efforts to extend our students’ understanding of different cultures, histories and traditions,” she said.

The delegation yesterday met at Imphal Barracks by Brigadier Greville Bibby, Commander of 15 (NE) Brigade, and toured the museum before laying a wreath at the Kohima Memorial in Dean’s Park.