September 30 & October 1, 2022 at the Buffalo History Museum
In 1962, Buffalo was chosen as the first international sister city of Kanazawa, Japan.
Over these 60 past years, we’ve continuously strengthened our friendship through regular student exchanges and visits, cultural performances, and the construction and renovation of one of the only free and public Japanese gardens in the US.
Now, we are excited to celebrate the 60th anniversary of this relationship with a series of festivities, and performances at our two-day “Kanreki” event on Fri Sept 30 and Oct 1 at the Buffalo History Museum.
Friday, Sept. 30: Ceremony Day
@ Buffalo History Museum Auditorium
(+JapanWNY info booth, byobu folding panel display in portico gallery, & garden tours)
| 10:00am | Doors Open |
| 10:30am | Sister City Renewal Ceremony • Welcome Address (kanreki) • Comments from Mayor Brown • Comments from Mayor Murayama • Comments from the Kanazawa City Council • Anniversary Gift Exchange & Presentation of Garden Restoration Tools • Poetry Reading (Dennis Maloney) • Tea Ceremony (Atsuko Nishida-Mitchell) • Jazz Band Performance (Hamburg High School Jazz Band) • Closing Remarks Planting of ceremonial cherry blossoms to immediately follow in garden |
| 12:30pm | Garden Tours |
| 1:00pm | Artist Showcase • Introduction/Acknowledgements • Comments from Mural Artist Kristin Brandt • Comments from byobu artist Adam Cooley • Comments from Mayor Murayama • Closing Remarks |
| 2:00pm | Event Ends |
Saturday, Oct. 1: Community Day
@ Buffalo History Museum Auditorium & Booths in the Main Hall from:
- JapanWNY
- NY Project Hope (Buffalo Urban League)
- Buffalo Ro-O Zan Enkyoji Nichiren Buddhist Temple
- Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy
- Aikido Kokikai of Rochester
| 10:00am | Doors Open |
| 10:15am | Opening Remarks from Kanazawa Delegation |
| 10:30am | Japanese Dance (Odori no Kai) |
| 11:00am | Poetry Reading (Dennis Maloney) |
| 11:30am | Taiko Drumming (JGB Shibuki) |
| 12:00pm | Tea Ceremony (Buffalo Ro-O Zan Enkyoji Nichiren Buddhist Temple) |
| 12:30pm | Aikido Demonstration (in the Main Hall) |
| 1:00pm | Shamisen Performance (Levantino Piccini) |
| 1:30pm | Closing Ceremony/Acknowledgements |
| 2:00pm | Event Ends |