The first contact with Ikebukuro was made in 1970 when the Rotary club of Epping hosted their first Japanese Youth Exchange student Miss Chizuru Jimbo.The then International Director Theo Taylor had applied for an exchange with Japan and had written to Mr Tatsuji Kojima, the Rotary Youth Exchange Director for Japan and member of the Rotary Club of Ikebukuro.

It was during a makeup by Theo Taylor at Ikebukuro and subsequent correspondence between Theo and Tatsuji Kojima, it was considered that the forming of a sister club relationship between the two clubs would be of great importance in the development of Youth Exchange and open the door for goodwill and understanding between the youth of our nations and Rotarians of both clubs.

In May 1971 at the Rotary World Conference in Sydney, delegations from the Rotary club of Ikebukuro Sunshine Japan and the Rotary Club of Epping, NSW Australia, met at the Sydney Showground.

Despite differences in culture, language and history, the delegations from both clubs joined each other and the then President of the Rotary Club of Epping, Eric Wade invited the Ikebukuro delegation to attend the Epping's meeting Monday 17th May 1971.

It was at that meeting that Past President Yoshinoro Terada, on the suggestion of Tatsuji Kojima, officially proposed a sister club relationship between the Rotary Clubs of Ikebukuro and Epping.His proposal was enthusiastically endorsed by the Rotary club of Epping and President Eric Wade formally announced and promulgated the new relationship.

Since the formation of the relationship 18 youth exchanges have occurred between the two countries. The first in March 1972, Hiroko Kojima (the daughter of Mr Tatsuji Kojima).8 exchanges have been from Japan and 4 to Japan and 6 short term club/club family exchanges.

In 1976,a monster cake baked by Algie and Del Morris found its way to Tokyo,but the Japanese Customs were baffled by it.After many days of confusion about the whereabouts of the cake,it arrived just in time for Ikebukuro's Annual Celebration of the relationship.

1978 saw the visit of 5 fellows and their wives from the Rotary Club of Epping to the Ikebukuro Club.It was during this visit that PP Alan emery laid the foundation for short term exchanges between families.

1981 - On the tenth anniversary 17 members and wives from Ikebukuro visited Epping to celebrate the occasion and to strengthen the goodwill and friendship that had developed between the two clubs.Also,during that year 3 Epping Rotarians and their wives visted Ikebukuro.

1991 - 23 Rotarians and families from Ikebukuro visited Epping to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the relationship.

1993 -30 Rotarians and wives visited Japan and the Rotary club of Ikebukuro for two weeks visit.

The theme of the World conference in Sydney was "Bridge the Gaps".During the past 30 years we have succeeded in this ideal,we were ahead of our time in foundation of this relationship.Our governments and business have since,joined in the path we so firmly commenced 30 years ago.

Our relationship with the members and families associated with the Rotary club of Ikebukuro Sunshine Tokyo has extended friendships and left lasting happy memories.

Extracts from a speech given by PP Cees Thurmer at an Anniversary Celebration of the”Epping-Ikebukuro” Sister Club Relationship