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With Redcliffe set to host the Women’s Softball World Cup Finals in 2027, the City of Moreton Bay has signed a new trade agreement with one of Japan’s major cities, aiming to convert that global attention into real economic gains for local businesses.
Read: Kippa-Ring Secures Global Spotlight as Host for Women’s Softball World Cup
Mayor Peter Flannery has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mayor Takashi Namba of Shizuoka City, one of Japan’s major economic hubs, formalising a partnership focused on trade, investment, tourism, education and research, with sport playing no small role in bringing the two cities together.
The agreement aims to capitalise on a series of major upcoming events, including the 2027 Women’s Softball World Cup Finals in Redcliffe and the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane. The agreement builds on Council’s nearly 35-year relationship with Japan, which began with its sister city arrangement with Sanyo-Onoda.
“This agreement is an incredible opportunity for City of Moreton Bay to deepen our relationship with Japan, which is Queensland’s second largest export market,” Mayor Flannery said. “It will benefit businesses in Moreton Bay with Council facilitating trade relationships between them and Shizuoka City, providing a new avenue for locals to sell their products and services.”
Shizuoka City is no small partner. The city generates more than $830 million in economic output annually and is home to more than 33,000 businesses. Mayor Namba had already led a 39-person delegation of business and government leaders to Moreton Bay last August, with discussions ranging across aquaculture, retail, food and beverage, sport, and potential research and education partnerships with the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Mayor Flannery signed the MoU while leading a week-long delegation in Japan, after being personally invited and sponsored by the Governor of Tokyo to present at the Global City Network for Sustainability (GNETS) conference.
Redcliffe on the world stage
The MoU’s sporting dimension is particularly significant for Redcliffe locals. The WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals are confirmed to take place at Talobilla Park, Kippa-Ring, in the City of Moreton Bay, from 5 to 11 April 2027, hosting eight of the world’s top teams. The event will also coincide with the Men’s Rugby World Cup, making 2027 a standout year for international sport in Queensland.
Japan are the reigning World Champions, having won the 2024 Women’s Softball World Cup against USA 6-1, and are among the leading contenders heading into the qualifying rounds.
Mayor Flannery noted the event is expected to generate more than 10,500 visitor nights and contribute $6.3 million in economic spend, with a projected global TV audience of around 60 million, reflecting softball’s enormous following in Japan, South Korea and the USA.
As part of the Softball World Cup hosting rights, Queensland will also secure a suite of national championships in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032. The MoU between Moreton Bay and Shizuoka City also specifically names the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games as an area for future collaboration.
Read: Redcliffe Prepares for 2027 Women’s Softball World Cup in Olympic Lead-Up
Japan, ranked number one in the world in softball, will be among the nations competing in Redcliffe in 2027, adding another layer of significance to the city’s new partnership with Shizuoka.
Published 8-May-2026
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