Buffalo-Kanazawa Sister City 60th Anniversary Celebration

September 30 & October 1, 2022 at the Buffalo History Museum

The Japanese Garden at Delaware Park

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)

10:00amDoors Open
10:30amSister 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
12:30pmGarden Tours
1:00pmArtist Showcase
    • Introduction/Acknowledgements
    • Comments from Mural Artist Kristin Brandt
    • Comments from byobu artist Adam Cooley
    • Comments from Mayor Murayama
    • Closing Remarks
2:00pmEvent 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
10:00amDoors Open
10:15amOpening Remarks from Kanazawa Delegation
10:30amJapanese Dance (Odori no Kai)
11:00amPoetry Reading (Dennis Maloney)
11:30amTaiko Drumming (JGB Shibuki)
12:00pmTea Ceremony (Buffalo Ro-O Zan Enkyoji Nichiren Buddhist Temple)
12:30pmAikido Demonstration (in the Main Hall)
1:00pmShamisen Performance (Levantino Piccini)
1:30pmClosing Ceremony/Acknowledgements
2:00pmEvent Ends