Podcast: Galveston-Niigata, 60 Years of Cultural Exchange (Sister City Series)

"In the state of Texas lies the old port town of Galveston. Just as Niigata was a port for shipping rice during the Edo period, Galveston was a port for cotton. The sun sets on the Japan Sea while the morning dawns from the Gulf. We are one world."

Galveston Island has played a fascinating role throughout history, whether it be Texas history, United States history, or even world history. Usually, I would cover a topic pertaining to Galveston's history, nature, or culture, but in this episode today, we're going to be covering one of Galveston's international sister cities, Niigata, Japan.

Galveston has four sister cities across the globe: Niigata, Japan; Stavanger, Norway; Veracruz, Mexico; and Mahavicharya, Spain. A sister city is a broad-based, long-term partnership between two communities located in two countries. A relationship is officially organized after the highest elected or appointed official from both communities signs off on an agreement to become sister cities.

Sister city relationships can grow from shared history, business or trade interests, environmental challenges, or even personal relationships. Once it's official, city volunteers and local officials develop programs, exchanges, and activities, which are then coordinated between officials and residents between the two cities. The goal of this sister city program is to build successful relationships and international understanding among youth, businesses, and organizations here on Galveston Island. The Galveston Sister Cities Committee works through educational, cultural, and exchange programs.

Now, here is a little bit about one of Galveston's sister cities, Niigata, Japan. Niigata, Japan, was founded in 1889 as a trade center and port. Just like Galveston, the sister cities of Oleander and Tulips were first partnered in 1965. Niigata is windy and humid, with a population of around 800,000. That's about 16 times the population of Galveston Island. The name Niigata literally translates to New Lagoon, and, like Galveston, the city struggles with flood control and land reclamation. In recent years, Niigata has been promoting itself as Japan's designated city of food and flowers to highlight the region's agricultural resources and the city's rich cultural history.

Early in the sister city partnership, the mayor of Niigata presented a symbolic but gold key to the city of Niigata to the city of Galveston, which is currently housed at the Rosenberg Library. In the wake of Hurricane Ike in 2008, Niigata and the Niigata-Galveston, which is currently housed at the Rosenberg Library. In the wake of Hurricane Ike in 2008, Niigata and the Niigata-Galveston Committee raised $30,000 in disaster relief funds.

In 1995, the sister city celebrated 30 years of partnership with a monument erected in Niigata. It lies just off the center of Galveston Square, just off Galveston Street. The monument reads, in part, "In the state of Texas lies the old port town of Galveston. Just as Niigata was a port for shipping rice during the Edo period, Galveston was a port for cotton. The sun sets on the Japan Sea while the morning dawns from the Gulf. We are one world"

In 2025, Galveston Island and Niigata, Japan, will celebrate their 60th year as sister cities. The city of Galveston regularly hosts visitors from its sister cities, which often coincide with cultural and educational programs.

Today, connections across borders and oceans are more important than ever. Sustained peace and partnership can be achieved by the cross-pollination of our very different histories and cultures. We have the opportunity to share our history and humanity, no matter the distance. Galveston Island and Niigata, Japan.