The city yesterday welcomed a delegation of 33 people from Otaru, including the city's Mayor Hideaki Morii and Japanese ambassador to New Zealand Toshihisa Takata.
The Otaru and Dunedin Sister Cities Photographic Exhibition was opened by Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull in the Wall Street mall to commemorate the occasion.
The display shows 30 historical photos comparing similar aspects of the two cities.
''This exhibition illustrates the development of each city,'' Mr Cull said.
The establishment of both cities were mirrored, he said.
Photographs in the exhibit had many locations paired, such as the cities' first all-girls' schools and Ross Creek reservoir and the Okusawa reservoir.
''Looking at the photos, there is a very unique cross-reference,'' Mr Cull said.
Both cities were also revitalising run-down areas, the warehouse district for Dunedin and the canals for Otaru, he said.
Mr Morii said the cities had been connected lately through education, sport and art.
The same exhibition was being held in Otaru so that people in both places could familiarise themselves with their sister city and strengthen the relationship, he said.
Toitu Otago Settlers Museum director Jennifer Evans said the exhibition was a great way to show the differences and parallels between both places.
''They show why we are sister cities,'' she said.
Toitu and Otaru Museums both contributed the historical photographs for the exhibition, she said.
The celebrations would include tours for the visitors of many Dunedin attractions, including Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, the University of Otago, Dunedin Botanic Garden and Otago Museum.
The Japanese guests arrived on Sunday and leave tomorrow.
- James Hall
