San Jose Sister Cities

OKAYAMA, JAPAN

San Jose established its sister city relationship with Okayama on May 26, 1957.  The San Jose-Okayama sister city affiliation was the third sister city linkage established in the U.S. following the Sister City program’s inception in 1956.

Located in southwestern Japan, Okayama has 700,000 residents, with a regional population of nearly 2 million.  Okayama is the capital of the Okayama Prefecture.  The Okayama Municipality was incorporated in 1889.

A city of 790 square kilometers, Okayama is bounded by highlands to the north and the Seto Inland Sea to the south, with plains along the coast and the mouth of the Asahi and Yoshii Rivers.

In ancient times, the Okayama region prospered as the center of the Kibi culture.  The construction of the famed Okayama Castle in 1597 and the town which developed led to the growth of a major city.  The black castle was heavily damaged during World War II and later reconstructed by the city of Okayama following a 21-year effort.  Today Okayama is the political, economic, cultural and educational capital of Southwestern Japan.

The 1988 completion of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, which links the main Japanese island of Honshu with Shikoku, and the expanded Okayama International Airport enhances Okayama transportation linkages with Japan and all of Asia.  Okayama is one of the few cities in Japan to maintain a tram system.

Okayama is a rich agriculture region, with peaches and grapes among the leading crops.  Light and heavy manufacturing, and high technology are key sectors in Okayama’s diversified economy.  With the beautiful and historic Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle and a comfortable climate, Okayama is a popular tourist destination and tourism is a growing industry.  Okayama is known across the globe for its Bizen pottery.

The Okayama Symphony Hall, built in 1991, is a notable landmark in the city and home to the Okayama Philharmonic Orchestra.  The stunning Korakuen Gardens, built in 1700 and designated as one of Japan’s most beautiful traditional gardens, was the model for San Jose’s Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park.

Educational linkages has long been a central theme of the sister city relationship.  Numerous San Jose and Okayama high school and college students have enrolled as exchange students through the sister city partnership, dating back to 1958.  The San Jose State University-Okayama University Bilateral Agreement is an important component of the sister city bond.

View Momotaro statue in San Jose's Guadalupe River Park and Gardens

City of Okayama Contact

Sister Cities

City of San Jose Sister City Guidelines

Overview of San Jose Sister City Program

Sister Cities International

Dublin, Ireland

Ekaterinburg, Russia

Okayama, Japan

Pune, India

San Jose, Costa Rica

Tainan, Taiwan

Veracruz, Mexico

Contact Us

City of Okayama

U.S. Embassy-Japan

Okayama Chamber of Commerce & Industry

State Department Background Notes