Osaka and San Francisco

In 2007 Osaka and San Francisco will be celebrating their 50 Year Sister City relationship. Many events are being planned in San Francisco and in Osaka to commemorate this half century mark of friendship.

Brief History
On October 7th of 1957, Y.J. Johnson of San Francisco joined hands with Osaka Mayor 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.

• The Annual High School Summer Scholarship/Exchange Program
• The Cherry Blossom Queen's visit to Osaka
• Exchanges and visits in the field of social welfare for the disabled
• Youth basketball team exchange
• Student essay and speech contest

2007	Sister city 50th Anniversary celebration is being planned in both San Francisco and Osaka.
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