Osaka and San Francisco
In 2007 Osaka and San Francisco celebrated their 50 Year Sister City relationship. Many events were hosted in San Francisco and in Osaka to commemorate this half century mark of friendship. The Bunraku U.S. tour that also came to the Midwest was initiated by the 50 year Anniversary Planning Committee of San Francisco-Osaka Sister City Association.
Brief History
On October 7th of 1957, Y.J. Johnson of San Francisco joined hands with Osaka Mayor Mitsuji Nakai at the Chuo Kokaido, establishing the Osaka – San Francisco sister city relationship. This relationship was initiated by the City of San Francisco with the City's Chamber of Commerce at its core. In addition, on the 26th of October of 1967, Osaka and San Francisco began its sister port relationship. Today, San Francisco-Osaka Sister City Association in San Francisco and the Osaka-San Francisco Sister City Association in Osaka are working together on the 50th Anniversary event programming.
A Long History of Exchange
The two cities have enjoyed many citizen-to-citizen exchanges that have become regular events over the years.
- 2007 - Mayor Seki visited San Francisco, met with Mayor Gavin Newsom of the City of San Francisco and attended the 50th Anniversary Events Celebration.
- 2002 - The San Francisco 49ers visit Osaka for the preseason match at the Osaka Dome.
- 1994 - Representing San Francisco, olympic figure skater Christy Yamaguchi visits Osaka and meets with the Mayor.
- 1983 - University of California, San Francisco sends a team of runners to compete in the University Women’s Ekiden (long distance relay)
- 1967 - San Francisco and Osaka establish a sister port relationship. In commemoration of the 10 year anniversary of Sister City relationship, an annual tradition of an English speech contest is started in Osaka.
- 1958 - San Francisco declared September 12 to be "Sister City Day," and displayed jumbo lanterns from the City of Osaka.
- 1957 - City of San Francisco and Osaka establish a sister city relationship