Sausalito Celebrates Sister-City Relationship with Sakaide, Japan
Post Date:03/05/2026At the March 3 City Council meeting, Sausalito highlighted its longstanding sister-city relationship with Sakaide, Japan, while sharing updates on several Japan-related events and exchanges.
Councilmember Jill Hoffman, the City Council liaison to the Sister City Program, reported that she recently attended the Emperor of Japan’s birthday reception at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. She was joined by Vice Mayor Melissa Blaustein, Councilmember Joan Cox, and Harrison Chapman, Chair of the Sakaide Sister City Committee.
Councilmember Hoffman also shared highlights from her recent participation in a U.S. Japan leadership tour. During the trip, she arranged a visit to Sakaide City Hall, where she met with Mayor Tetsuji Arifuku and the chair of the Sakaide City Council. She also visited the willow tree that Sausalito previously gifted to the City, a symbol of connection between the two communities.
As part of this growing friendship, the City Council was presented with a sanukite wind chime from Sakaide. Sanukite is a traditional stone from the region known for producing a distinctive tone and is said to “ring with the sound of happiness.”
The City Council also announced plans for the first adult delegation trip to Sakaide, scheduled for April 2026. The visit will build on many years of successful youth exchanges and further strengthen the cultural and civic ties between the two waterfront communities. A limited number of tickets remain available. Tickets cost $4,200 per person, not including airfare. Email apply@sausalitosistercities.org if you are interested in learning more about the trip.Return to full list >>
