Furthering international exchange and understanding between Salem, Oregon and Kawagoe, Japan
We are in the process of updating our website with more information about our programs. Thank you for your patience!
Cherry Blossom Day Statement
On behalf of the Salem-Kawagoe Sister City Association, the Board welcomes everyone to the virtual version of this year’s celebration of spring. We look forward to all of us meeting in person next year to enjoy this annual festival.
While we enjoy this marker of spring, we feel sad and horrified by the violence occurring in our country and want to add our voices to those who condemn these acts. In Salem, just as across our country and around the world, the ugly presence of white supremacy and hatred has erupted and seems to be increasing. We take this opportunity to speak out against all acts of hatred and violence targeting Asian-Americans; Black, Indigenous and People of Color; Pacific Islander, Latinx and our LBGTQ+ community members as well as other marginalized and target community members. These actions are disturbing, unwarranted and illegal. They must stop.
We are committed to speaking up and working to free our community of these hateful acts. We encourage all of you to do the same. If you know a community member who needs support, please provide it. If you have an opportunity to shed light on, and condemn, these incidents in your families, your churches and other associations, please speak up. We all need to give our attention to these disturbing actions in order to show that they are not acceptable in a civil society or in our City of Peace.
Thank you for working with us to keep everyone in our community, and our visitors safe. No one should ever have to fear for their safety as they go about their lives. We appreciate your support and attention. Please enjoy the virtual festival and add your intentions of peace to ours.
Arthur Berman, President
Board members, including: Linda Berman, Mako Hayashi-Mayfield, Sue Luft, Sarah Shinn, Linda Norris, Ozzie Rose, Alan Bushong, Trina Hmura
March 20, 2021
Watch the video here!
Reflections on the Salem-Kawagoe Sister City Relationship
In honor of the Salem Capitol’s Cherry Blossom Day online celebration, we interviewed former university students with ties to Salem and Kawagoe. This video highlights their memories of the Salem-Kawagoe exchange and the importance of ongoing cultural exchange and understanding.
A history of friendships and connections between people
Since 1986 when we became sister cities, Salem and Kawagoe have enjoyed numerous exchanges, from artists and musicians to students and community members.
Supporting Japanese language and culture programs in Salem, Oregon.
Every year, our Board awards grants to local individuals and organizations who support Japanese language and culture education. Grant applications are available at the beginning of the calendar year and are awarded in April.
Our annual fundraiser: Water sale at the Oregon State Fair
Every year, members of the Board, their family, their friends, students from the American Studies Program (ASP) at Willamette University/Tokyo International University of America, students from North Salem High School, and many, many others volunteer at the Oregon State Fair to sell water. These funds go to support our grants and other educational programs that promote Japanese language and culture learning and exchange.
Become a member
If you have a passion for cultural exchange and learning, a desire to connect with the community, and creativity to bring Japanese language and culture to life in Salem, consider applying to become a member!
The clock tower, known as “Toki no kane” in Kawagoe, Japan.
Kawagoe is also known as “Koedo",” or “Little Edo.”
Kawagoe, Japan
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