Mayor Bass and Japanese Community Celebrate Installation of Nagoya Sister City Gifts

Historic Artifacts Relocated to Los Angeles Convention Center Following Community Collaboration; Nagoya became Los Angeles' First Sister City in 1959

LOS ANGELES - Mayor Karen Bass today joined Japanese community leaders, cultural organizations, elected officials, and international partners for a special unveiling ceremony celebrating the conservation and reinstallation of historic Sister City gifts from Nagoya, Japan, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. You can find b-roll and photos here.

The artifacts include the Mikoshi Shinto Shrine, presented to the City of Los Angeles in 1960 to commemorate the establishment of the Los Angeles-Nagoya Sister City relationship; the Puppet Float (Dashi Karakuri), presented during Nisei Week in 1989; and the Nagoya Clock, gifted in 1994. Together, the gifts symbolize friendship, cultural exchange and the enduring bond between the people of Los Angeles and Nagoya. Following a comprehensive conservation and preservation effort, the treasured artifacts were installed in new protective display cases at the Convention Center, where they will be accessible to millions of Angelenos and visitors each year, including those attending events connected to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"As Los Angeles' oldest Sister City of 67 years, Nagoya holds a special place in our city's history," said Mayor Bass. "For decades, this partnership has connected residents across the Pacific through cultural exchange, education, and friendship. Today, we celebrate not only these beautifully restored and meaningful gifts from Nagoya, but also our enduring partnership with Japan and the Japanese American community."

"We are honored that the Convention Center is home to these remarkable works of art, which beautify our facility and will help us attract more visitors," said Doane Liu, Chief Tourism Officer and Executive Director, City Tourism Department. "Our team worked meticulously to ensure these gifts are beautifully displayed to enrich the cultural experience for the millions of visitors we welcome to our venue every year."

"These gifts from Nagoya are enduring symbols of the friendship, cultural exchange, and the longstanding partnership between our two cities." said Daniel Tarica, General Manager of the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. "By highlighting these works, we are reminded that art acts as a powerful bridge - one that transcends borders, strengthens international relationships, and continues to connect communities across generations."

The event featured a traditional taiko drum performance, and concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling the restored artifacts in their new home at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

As part of the City's commitment to preserving its cultural assets, the Department of Cultural Affairs oversaw the conservation effort with expert conservators and art handlers. The restored artifacts, part of the City Art Collection, will now serve as cultural landmarks welcoming visitors from Los Angeles and around the world.

The Mayor's Office of International Affairs worked closely with Japanese American community leaders, cultural organizations and Sister City stakeholders throughout the conservation effort, engaging in ongoing dialogue to ensure the artifacts were preserved, reinstalled and displayed in a way that honored their cultural and historical significance. The collaboration reflects Los Angeles' continued commitment to international friendship and cultural diplomacy that help shape the City's identity.

Founded in 1959, the Los Angeles-Nagoya Sister City relationship was LA's first, and has fostered decades of educational, cultural and economic exchange between the two cities.