Wakayama
City by the sea: Abundant with Greenery and Flowers
Richmond's Sister City in Japan
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| From left holding the platter, Wakayama Mayor Ohashi, Dr. Iwahashi, Sylvia Gwozd and Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie |
Wakayama City, is located in Wakayama Prefecture in south-central Honshu Japan. The largest City in the Prefecture, Wakayama City is the site of the Prefectural Government. In addition to being the local centre of cultural and economic activities, Wakayama is one of the major cities in the Kinki District. It is one hour by express train from Osaka and two hours from both Kyoto and Nara. It has had Sister City Relationships with Bakersfield, U.S.A. since 1961, with Richmond, Canada since 1973, with Jinan, China since 1983 and with Cheju Korea since 1987.
The historical significance of Wakayama is seen very clearly when one visits the Kimiidera Temple with its National Treasures, the Castle in the centre of the city, and the sea coast around Wakanoura.
Wakayama Prefecture is a major tourist area with seascape beaches and many attractions.
Industrialization of Wakayama Prefecture is confined largely to the northwest, where Wakayama City and the neighbouring City of Kainan are located. These cities are part of the Hanshin Industrial Zone. Major products include petrochemicals, textiles, iron, and steel.
| Location: | Wakayama is located in the estuary of the Kinokawa River on the northwest side of the Kii Peninsula, at lat. 34.14 N. and long. 135.10 E. It has the greenish Izumi Mountain Range at the North and the natural beauty of the Kitan Channel, at the West. |
| Land Area: | 207.51 sq.km. |
| Population: | 450,000 people, 200,000 households |
| Climate: | Normally, it is mild with a few rainy days. Average temperature is 16 C (up to 34 C, down to -0.6 C) 1989 Average humidity is 70% |
| City Flower: | Azalea. As it is a native wild plant in Wakayama City, it's very much familiar to people living there. With the approach of every spring, the azaleas start to bloom their white, red and pink flowers. |
| City Tree: | Camphor Tree. It is an evergreen and long life tree which is typically huge among the species. Its growing power symbolizes the prosperity of the city. |
Location Map
Establishing a Sister City Relationship
Discussions regarding twining the City of Richmond with Wakayama City in the early 70's. Initially, there was some hesitation on the part of Wakayama City officials due to the fact that their City was much larger than Richmond. They suggested a twinning with a smaller City in that Prefecture. However, there was a strong desire to twin with Wakayama City. Almost 75 per cent of Richmond's Japanese population had immigrated here from Wakayama Prefecture. 
The first immigrant from Wakayama Prefecture was Gihei Kuno from the village of Mio. He came in 1887. He did so well fishing that he encouraged others from his village to follow him. More immigrants came here from Wakayama in 1888 to fish the large salmon runs.
A Wakayama delegation arrived in Richmond in 1973. The community welcomed them with an evening of Japanese entertainment, tours and meetings with community leaders. Both sides were impressed with what took place and Wakayama City agreed to the twinning.
What followed was several years of visits by Wakayama people to Richmond. Local residents welcomed these visitors into their homes and assisted them during their stay.
The first exchange between our cities resulted in the establishment of a Karate club. Wakayama Mayor, Shozo Ujita, a 9th degree Karate Black Belt, sent an instructor to help establish the club at the Steveston Martial Arts Centre. The Centre has been built with the support of the local Judo and Kendo clubs.
Since the official twining in Richmond, in 1973, Richmond has hosted several delegations and sent representatives on visits to Wakayama. Warm relationships have grown between the citizens and leaders of our two communities.
For more information on Wakayama please visit: www.city.wakayama.wakayama.jp
