Sekigahara, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, Asia

Click Here to view the Sister City Signing Ceremony - September 5, 2016.

In 2015, the Borough of Gettysburg, Gettysburg National Military Park and Historic Sekigahara Battlefields began reciprocal cooperation regarding the conservation and future of the two historic battlefields. In March 2016, representatives of Waterloo in Belgium joined together with representatives from the Borough of Gettysburg and Gettysburg National Military Park for the “World Battlefields Summit” in Sekigahara to share the historical significance of three battlefields, and the value they hold for future generations. The summit resulted in, “World Battlefields Summit Joint Declaration”, and the decision to create Sister City and Sister Park relationships. We come together, as sister cities and sister parks to remember and honor our past, in hopes to learn and grow together in the future.

Sekigahara is remembered as one of the biggest samurai battles in history, with 160,000 samurai fighting on, and around, a strategic mountain pass. In just six hours of close fighting, thousands of samurai were killed. The scene of the battle fought in 1600 is now preserved as a military park.

World Battlefields Summit Joint Declaration

19 March 2016

Since ancient times, humans have repeatedly battled at the turning points of history. War is a tragic act which robs people of their lives, and as long as there is no relief from its ravages, it is difficult for humanity to grasp the meaning of war in an objective sense. However, with the passing of time, a calm returns to the spirit, and, along with a recognition of the tragedy of war, one becomes able to consider the feelings of those who fought in times gone by. The role of the historical battlefield is in allowing us to reflect on those who stood and fought there, as well as the meaning of war and peace. For those of us gathered at the ‘World Battlefields Summit’, the representatives of Sekigahara, Waterloo, and Gettysburg, in our capacity as those responsible for the care of these sites and for passing on the stories made at each of them to the next generations, we declare:

1. While reflecting on those who fought on the battlefield, we shall ponder the historical significance of war while keeping these battlefields as places where one may experience the value of peace,
2. So that those who visit might have the opportunity to meaningfully engage with history, we shall maintain the appearance of ancient times while communicating the appeal of the battlefields,
3. Despite differences between nations and generations, we will continue to value the ancient battlefields, sites which have created major turning points in history. We also pledge to work with each other in their development.

Click here to learn more about Sekigahara, Japan.