Galveston, TX - Niigata, Japan (1964) - Galveston, TX, USA
Posted by: 
jhuoni
N 29° 18.038 W 094° 47.696
15R E 325666 N 3242630
One of several Sister City Monuments located on the lawn of the Galveston City Hall. This one was the first.
Waymark Code: WM10PZH
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 06/08/2019
Views: 3
A single Toro Lantern on an inscribed (see text below) concrete base.
From Traditional Kyoto Toro - Lanterns
In Japan a toro is a traditional lantern made of stone, wood, or metal. Like many other elements of Japanese traditional architecture, it originated in China. In Japan, toro were originally used only in Buddhist temples, where they lined and illuminated paths. Lit lanterns were then considered an offering to Buddha. During the Heian period (794–1185), however, they started being used also in Shinto shrines and private homes.
City of Galveston
How Niigata, Japan became a Sister City:
In 1965, Niigata, Japan and Galveston, Texas became Sister Cities. The partnership between these two communities provides a lifelong relationship fostering international education and outreach; assistance during catastrophic events; and an opportunity for cultural awareness in both similarities and differences to emerge.
Niigata is the capital of Niigata Prefecture, Japan and lies on the northwest coast of Honshu, the largest island of Japan. Niigata is also a port city with their city government established in 1889. On April 1st, 2007, Niigata became the first government-designated city on the Japan Sea coast of Honshu.
Niigata features a rail system that transports an average of 37,000 passengers daily and boasts an international airport. This city is also the home 7 colleges and universities.
The resolution includes the following:
We, The City of Galveston and its City Council declared by Resolution on March 26, 1964 that Niigata, Japan is our Sister City.
Niigata, Japan declared on May 12, 1964 by telegram to declare Galveston, Texas as there Sister City.
The official date is May 12, 1964.