July 7, 1981, Mississauga calls the City of Kariya, Japan its sister city. It is a busy city of 132,000 people, located fifteen kilometres southwest of Nagoya, between Kyoto and Tokyo.

The Sister City initiative was introduced in the 1950s as a way to develop communication networks between cities of the world, for the principal purpose of reducing misunderstandings and conflict between nations, particularly in the aftermath of World War II.

The benefits of sister city partnerships go well beyond friendship. They are a way for both cities to enhance their global reputation and trade, to provide learning opportunities for governments and business, and to provide a cultural and educational exchange between both cities. The City now boasts over 80 Japanese companies that contribute to our local economy.

In July 1992, Kariya Park was opened in Mississaga to celebrate the eleventh anniversary of our twin-city relationship with Kariya, Japan.