The Story of
Porto x Nagasaki
Porto and Nagasaki have been official sister cities since 1978, making this one of Porto’s oldest international partnerships and a symbolic link in the long history between Portugal and Japan. The Taiko School of Porto commits to commemorating this partnership and the close bonds that have been created as a result.
Origins and Background
The sister city agreement between Nagasaki and Porto was formalized in 1978, reflecting both cities’ shared identity as historic Atlantic–Pacific port hubs and their earlier connections through Portuguese activity in Nagasaki in the 16th century. Nagasaki was an early gateway for Portuguese traders and missionaries into Japan, so the modern twinning is often framed as a renewal of that early intercultural contact in a peaceful, civic form.
Symbolic Projects and Exchanges
As a visible symbol of the partnership, Porto hosts a “revive time” A-bombed tree (kaki tree) planted in the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal to honor Nagasaki’s experience of nuclear destruction and to promote peace and remembrance. The cities also exchange official messages, such as statements from the Mayor of Porto on Nagasaki’s August 9 memorial day, emphasizing solidarity, nuclear disarmament, and the importance of peace education. Learn more about the planting ceremony here.
Ongoing Relationship
Both municipalities list each other among their official international partners, alongside other twinned or sister cities, which helps structure cultural, educational, and occasionally economic exchanges. In practice, the relationship has focused more on symbolic and cultural links—peace messages, commemorative events, and cultural diplomacy—than on large-scale economic projects, but it remains one of Porto’s longest-standing international ties.