Oakland-Fukuoka 60th Sister City Anniversary Mural Unveiling Ceremony

On Wednesday, August 17, Oakland, California and Fukuoka, Japan celebrated the 60th anniversary of their sister city relationship at a ceremony at Lake Merritt in Oakland. The City of Oakland, Mayor Libby Schaaf, and the Oakland-Fukuoka Sister City Association welcomed a delegation from Fukuoka led by Mayor Soichiro Takashima and City Council Chairperson Yoshito Ito.

At the ceremony, the 60th anniversary mosaic mural was unveiled, and ribbon cutting was held by the representatives. Acting Consul General Kishimori attended the ceremony and delivered a speech congratulating the cities on the 60th anniversary of their relationship.
The mosaic mural was created by the Oakland-Fukuoka Sister City Association together with representatives from Fukuoka, combining the creative efforts of a team of Oakland-based and Japan-based representatives. The uguisu (Japanese bush warbler) and plum tree symbolize Fukuoka, and the black-crowned night heron and oak tree symbolize Oakland. The black-crowned night heron carries a gift of an oak tree branch with an acorn, accompanied in friendship by the uguisu. The water emphasizes its importance of water to both port cities, and the sunrise is a celebration of new beginnings.