WARWICK High students and staff have welcomed guests from their sister school Kumiyama with a friendly konnichiwa this week.

A group of 15 students and three teachers from the Kumiyama Junior High School in Japan are visiting the Rose City, alongside Kumiyama's Mayor Shinki and his wife.

The delegation was welcomed in a special ceremony at the school yesterday.

Principal Cheryl Bullion said this year marked 20 years since the beginning of the relationship between the two schools.

"The cultural qualities and understanding that exists between our schools is an important part of our philosophies," she said.

"Three years ago I had the pleasure of visiting Japan and I had the most amazing time.

"I look forward to returning the hospitality in their stay in Warwick."

Kumiyama is a small town south of Kyoto in Japan home to 16,500 people and 1600 businesses, according to Mayor Shinki.

"I hope they (the students) will learn about not only English, but the culture and many other things by staying with you," he said.

Southern Downs Mayor Peter Blundell and fellow councillors will welcome the delegation to the council chambers for morning tea today.

Cr Blundell, who has visited Japan a number of times, said he believed having a sister school and sister city was important for the region.

"I think it's really important for the promotion of building understanding," he said.

"I firmly believe it's an activity the council should be involved in. Not only do you get a much better perception of another culture, but you are also embracing the culture of one of our premier trading partners."

Cr Blundell welcomed the visit of Mayor Shinki and his wife to the town.

"This is Mayor Shinki's first time in Warwick and I hope he enjoys his stay and leaves with a good impression," he said.

The visitors will be farewelled on Thursday night with a sayonara party in the Year 7 building at Warwick High.

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the schools' exchange program, Warwick High School is building a Japanese garden beside the assembly hall.