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which now ranks as the second largest city in Nagasaki Prefecture after Nagasaki, was a small village of only 800 houses belonging to the Hirado clan during the Yedo period. A naval dockyard was built in 1886, and the population grew tremendously. Railroad tracks were laid, and the village was designated a city rather than a town in 1902. The shipbuilding industry grew as a result of World War II and the population grew to 300,000. After the war, the port city was the center for receiving people who returned to Japan from various battlefields. The naval port is still being used by the U.S. Navy and the Japanese Self Defense Force. Besides these facilities are such scenic spots as the Kujuku (Ninty-nine) Islands in Saikai National Park, the Yumihari and Eboshi Peaks, the Saikai Bridge, and recently the Huis Ten Bosch. |
In June 2007,
fourteen Albuquerque students visited this sister city of Sasebo, Japan.
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Students meet with Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez prior to departing for Sasebo. |
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A view of Tokyo from the top of the Tokyo Tower.
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Albuquerque students meet with counterparts from Atago Middle School. |
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A shrine in Tokyo.
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A typical sidewalk stairway in Sasebo. |
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The youth delegation were honored guests at a banquet where they performed the song, "Grandfather Clock", in Japanese. |
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"Hey, no green chile? It was great anyway!" |
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Albuquerque students presented books and other gifts to Seiwa private girl's school. |
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Learning calligraphy from Japanese students. |
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"Get your Kimono on!" |
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Students try their hands at making pottery at the Mikawachi Porcelain factory. |
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No trip to Sasebo is complete without a visit to the famous shipyard.
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Sea Kayaking was one of the many activities the students enjoyed on the trip. |
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Students pose with the mayor of Sasebo.
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