Family of a former Japanese mayor visited Southsea to see new Torii gate
A special new gate has been installed in Southsea
The gate, located in the Japanese garden in Southsea’s Rose Gardens, commemorates the late Mayor Emori of Maizuru. He played a key role in establishing the sister city link between Portsmouth and Maizuru.
On June 14, Mrs Emori, with her two daughters and three grandchildren, travelled from Japan to Portsmouth, helping to strengthen ties between the two.
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Portsmouth City Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, councillor Lee Hunt said: “Mayor Emori played a hugely important role in strengthening the friendship between Portsmouth and Maizuru, and it’s right that we recognise his contribution in this way.
“It’s especially meaningful to see his family visit the Torii gate and spend time there – a touching reminder of the personal connections behind our long-standing relationship with Maizuru.”
Mayor Emori of Maizuru served three terms as mayor between 1995 and 2007 and officially opened the Japanese garden during a visit in 2000. He died in 2025 and his contribution was celebrated with a Traditional Torii gate, a symbolic structure marking an entrance to a special place.
A dedication ceremony took place in December 2025 and a video of the ceremony was shared with Mayor Emori’s family in Maizuru.
Portsmouth city councillor Peter Candlish accompanied the family through the Rose Gardens to the Japanese garden. Where they spent time at the gate and viewed the commemorative plaques.
Mrs Emori brought a photograph of her husband and shared that she felt he would have been very happy with the tribute.
The friendship between Portsmouth and Maizuru and Mayor Emori’s contribution in building the relationship is symbolised by this visit and the gate itself.