Wakayama, Japan:

The Sacred Mountains

Bakersfield’s affiliation with Wakayama, Japan officially began when the Bakersfield City Council adopted Resolution 81-61 on August 21, 1961, establishing a friendship with the City of Wakayama, Japan. This action was shortly followed by Bakersfield Mayor Gene Winer appointing a People-to-People Steering Committee to oversee the Bakersfield-Wakayama Sister City relationship. Later, the Bakersfield Sister City Project Corporation was created. Very soon Bakersfield officials and citizens were traveling to our new Sister City, where they were overwhelmed by the friendly reception. In return, delegations from Wakayama began to visit Bakersfield, forming lasting friendships that continue to the present day.

Over the years, every Mayor of Bakersfield since 1964 has visited Wakayama, while very Mayor of Wakayama has visited Bakersfield. In addition, city council members and other civic officials from both cities have participated in a valuable exchange of ideas. Bakersfield officials and citizens have joined Wakayama in celebrating the 400th Anniversary of Wakayama Castle (1985), the 100th Anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Wakayama (1989), and the Resort Expo that marked the opening of the Marina City Resort (1994). In return, Wakayama delegations have participated in the Bicentennial Celebration (1976), and the 100th Anniversary of the City of Bakersfield (1998).

❋ A long lasting Friendship

Located in Wakayama Prefecture, Mount Kōyasan (高野山) is one of Japan’s most sacred religious centers and the spiritual heart of Shingon Buddhism. Founded in the early 9th century by the monk Kūkai, Kōyasan was established as a remote monastic complex designed for meditation, study, and the pursuit of enlightenment through esoteric practices.

At the center of Kōyasan’s spiritual landscape is Okunoin Cemetery, one of the largest and most revered cemeteries in Japan. It is believed that Kūkai did not die but entered eternal meditation here, and pilgrims travel from across the country to pay respects, walking through a forest of towering cedar trees and thousands of lantern-lined paths. 

❋ An UNESCO World Heritage Site
❋ Historical Significance

During the Edo period, Wakayama Castle served as the seat of power for the Kii branch of the Tokugawa clan. From this hilltop stronghold, the Tokugawa family governed the surrounding region, linking Wakayama directly to the authority of the shogunate. The castle functioned as an administrative and political hub, where regional governance was coordinated. The castle still stands today, and is regularly available for tours.

❋ it has a cat train with a cat conductor

Along the Kishigawa Line, you can hop aboard a train by cats, for cats. And people. Mostly people, actually. The star behind it all is Tama, the cat-conductor. It doesn’t just stop there, however. You’ll be welcomed onto a cat themed train as you arrive through the cat themed railway station. Its the most adorable way to get around Wakayama Prefecture.

❋ Community Significance

Visitor “home stays” with hosts and hostesses in both Wakayama City and in Bakersfield have been the key to enhancing cultural exchanges on many visits. Individuals in Bakersfield and in Wakayama have had the opportunity to develop deep friendships with their home stay families as well as others in the host community. In addition, cultural exchanges involving various performance groups and sports teams have involved hundreds of children from both Bakersfield and Wakayama over the years.

From the beginning the emphasis of this relationship has been on cultural exchanges, and especially on youth exchanges. Over the years, these exchanges have included swim, basketball, judo, and soccer teams from both Bakersfield and Wakayama.

The Chipman Junior High orchestra, the Norris and Fruitvale Junior Highs orchestras and choirs, the Rosedale Middle School and Freedom Middle School orchestras and choirs, and the Highlanders Ensemble have all traveled to Wakayama, where they performed with various musical groups from Wakayama. In addition, choirs from Bakersfield High, Highland High, West High, Chipman Junior High and the Panama-Buena Vista junior highs have all visited and performed in Wakayama.

In 1994, the Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra performed at the Wakayama Resort Expo. In exchange, beginning in 1977, the Wakayama Children’s Choir has visited Bakersfield eight times, while the Nakanuma Ballet has visited six times. Both groups have performed free concerts for school children and have also joined local groups to perform evening concerts open to the public. In addition their have been numerous student and teacher exchanges, as well as visits by civic officials and school administrators from both cities.

1981 Chipman Choir

“to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation, one individual, one community at a time.”