History of the Association
The History of Salinas and Ichikikushikino
Ichikikushikino is located in the western region of the Kagoshima Prefecture in Japan with a population of about 27,300 (as of March 2021). Adjacent to the Eastern China Sea and surrounded by miles of nature, it is blessed with delicious foods and produce, including fresh tuna, citrus fruits, and Shochu, a Japanese liquor distilled from potatoes. The environment of the area allows for great agricultural success, a trait the region has in common with Salinas.
Immigration into Salinas
After World War II, a gleam of hope was brought to the residents of Kushikino, a city in ruins and confusion. That hope was the dream of immigration to California. The honorable Mr. Zenichiro Uchida played a vital role in this immigration. Thanks to his experience with Californian agriculture and his promotion of the immigration movement, he was able to promote the idea of immigration to many people. The combination of Mr. Uchida’s work and the support of other experienced immigrants from Japan helped make this immigration a success. Between 1955 and 1956, 70 young people from Kushikino took part in the group immigration of 350 refugees from Kagoshima Prefecture. The Kushikino immigrants were permitted to move to California with their families soon after their arrival in America. After a great deal of hardship in California, the immigrants turned the wasteland they had been farming into rich fields; forging success from the fruits of their labor. The efforts of the settlers and future generations created the groundwork for international exchange. As a result from the many Japanese families settling in Salinas, a relationship between Salinas and Kushikino could be created on an official level.
A memorial to the original immigrants from Kushikino to Salinas
Origin of Our Relationship
Salinas and the city of Kushikino, Japan, engaged in the SIster City relationship for the first time on May 27, 1979. Less than a month later, the Kushikino-Salinas Sister City Association was officially founded. This organization was created to preserve the will of the 2nd and 3rd generation Japanese Americans, whose families originated from the Kushikino area, and nurture youth with a global perspective.
On August 4, 2006, Kushikino merged with the nearby town of Ichiki, effectively creating the Ichikikushikino City. This new city agreed to continue the Sister City relationship with Salinas, creating the relationship present today. In 2019, our cities celebrated the 40th anniversary of our relationship.
A Quick Record of Events Since Relationship Establishment
Credit: Ichikikushikino Sister City (https://ichikikushikino-salinas.amebaownd.com/)
Article from the establishment of the Sister City
Mayor Henry Hibino (1979)
The First Ambassador group chosen (The Californian, 1987)
