The family of a former Japanese mayor who helped strengthen Portsmouth’s international friendships has visited Southsea to see a new memorial in his honour.

Mrs Emori, along with her two daughters and three grandchildren, travelled from Japan to Portsmouth on Sunday 14 June to visit the Torii gate recently installed in the Japanese garden in Southsea’s Rose Gardens.

The gate commemorates the late Mayor Emori of Maizuru, who played a key role in establishing the sister city link between Portsmouth and Maizuru. He served three terms as mayor between 1995 and 2007 and officially opened the Japanese garden during a visit in 2000.

Following his passing last year, it was felt fitting to recognise his contribution with the installation of a traditional Torii gate (pictured below), a symbolic structure marking an entrance to a special place.

A dedication ceremony took place in December, led by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress. A video of the ceremony was shared with Mayor Emori’s family in Maizuru.

During their visit this weekend, the family was welcomed to the city by Councillor Peter Candlish, who accompanied them through the Rose Gardens to the Japanese garden. Mrs Emori brought a photograph of her husband and shared that she felt he would have been very happy with the tribute.

Councillor Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport 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.”

After spending time privately at the gate and viewing the commemorative plaques, the family went on to CourtX for refreshments.

The visit highlights the lasting friendship between Portsmouth and Maizuru, and the enduring impact of Mayor Emori’s work in building that relationship.