Delegates from Uji, Japan have postponed a visit to their sister city Kamloops this summer because of COVID-19.

The trip was supposed to happen from June 29 to July 3, and the delegates come once every four years. They will come in 2021 instead.

“It’s important for everyone to stay safe during this period of uncertainty,” said mayor Ken Christian. “We wish Mayor [Tadashi] Yamamoto and the people of Uji safety and good health, and we look forward to celebrating this important relationship together in 2021.”

The sister city relationship with Uji was formalized on July 1, 1990 by then-Kamloops mayor Phil Gaglardi.

There were plans this year for a 30th anniversary to recognize the cultural awareness, economic development, and tourism between the two municipalities.

A visit from Uji Junior High School students scheduled for August 2020 is still scheduled at this time, but the two cities will be assessing the situation in the future.