In January 1998 the band visited Invercargill's sister city, Kumagaya, Japan, for ten days as part of a civic delegation.

Snow - a traditional Japanese sign of a good season to come- arrived at the same time as the band did. The band was very warmly hosted by the local Friendship Association.

It performed at the official opening of the Kumagaya Cultural Centre. The band was also guests of honour at a mayoral reception.

Playing at several other gatherings, the band still found time to experienced the local culture including trips to Tokyo, parks and a japanese bath house.

Band members were also privileged to be able to spend a night as guests in their hosts homes.