A delegation from Vila Viçosa traveled to Japan as part of an exchange with the Japanese city of Omura, with the aim of deepening relations between the two communities and strengthening the historical ties between Portugal and Japan. The visit came as a result of an invitation from the Municipality of Omura, after several years of cultural projects and initiatives between the two towns.
The trip to Japan represented the continuation of an exchange process that had begun in July, when four young Japanese people visited Vila Viçosa accompanied by tutors and political representatives. This time, four students from Escola Secundária Públia Hortênsia de Castro traveled to Omura, having the opportunity to directly experience Japanese reality, learn about local traditions and customs, and deepen their knowledge of the country's history and culture.
The Calipolense delegation was led by the mayor of Vila Viçosa, Inácio Esperança, and by the president of the school grouping, Rui Sá. The leaders accompanied the young people on an experience that sought to go beyond the institutional dimension, prioritizing contact between communities and the creation of shared memories.
Upon their return, the mayor and the students participated in the "Manhãs da Ana – A Hora do Café" program, where they shared their reflections on the trip. For the participants, the visit represented a unique opportunity to learn about a distant culture and understand the connections between the two countries, reinforcing a relationship that Vila Viçosa and Omura intend to continue building through culture, education and exchange between new generations.
