Sep. 13—LIMA — For almost 30 years, the city has created a bridge between Lima and a city in Japan.

Local city officials plan to visit the sister city of Harima-cho, Japan next month. Mayor Sharetta Smith and Lima Fire Department Chief Andy Heffner will join nine other community members on the trip this fall.

"Our dear mayor is going with us for an official visit," Lima Sister City Association Vice President Sandra Leichty said. "Our sister city has a new mayor too. We want them to meet so we can continue to plan together and have exchanges of culture, education, youth groups and adult groups."

The delegation will tour the city and meet Harima-cho's new mayor, Kensaku Saeki.

"Being able to share Lima's rich culture and history with our sister city of Harima-cho, Japan is a profound honor," Smith said in a recent press release. "Through this program, we have built a lasting connection with a community on the other side of the world. We look forward to continuing to strengthen that bond through our upcoming visit."

The trip will begin on Friday, Oct. 27 and wrap up Monday, Nov. 6.

Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.