Vallejo, CA — July 28, 2025 – The Vallejo Sister City Commission and the Commission on Culture and the Arts have unanimously approved the outdoor placement of a newly reconstructed Onigawara sculpture—a traditional Japanese ornamental tile—restoring a key cultural feature of the Japanese Garden located between Vallejo City Hall and the JFK Library.
The decision, made during a joint meeting held on July 28, 2025, reflects the City’s renewed commitment to honoring its 57-year Sister City relationship with Akashi, Japan.
Cultural Gift Reborn After Years of Neglect
Originally gifted in 2003 to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Sister City bond, the Japanese Garden included carefully selected plant specimens and a ceramic Onigawara—a fierce mythical guardian designed to ward off evil. Over time, the garden fell into disrepair due to years of city financial hardship and vandalism, resulting in dead plants and the destruction of the original sculpture.
Since 2022, community volunteers, Sister City Association members, and Public Works staff have worked to revitalize the garden, clean up the space, and repair the irrigation system in preparation for future visits from Akashi dignitaries.
Artist Recreates Onigawara in Reinforced Concrete
Local artist Jane Sheree reconstructed the Onigawara using reinforced concrete to withstand the elements and deter future vandalism. The new sculpture stands 44 inches tall and required full re-sculpting due to missing fragments from the original tile.
Sheree emphasized the importance of outdoor placement, citing cultural tradition and visibility: “This is not just an art piece—it’s a guardian. It belongs outside where it was intended to serve its purpose.“
Unanimous Approval for Outdoor Placement
The Commission approved the sculpture’s return to its original garden location, this time mounted on a taller pedestal and accompanied by lighting. Other placement options considered included indoor locations such as the second floor of City Hall or the JFK Library, but commissioners agreed that cultural integrity required returning the piece to its intended setting.
In addition to approving the placement, the Commission also recommended:
- Extending a formal apology to the City of Akashi for the garden’s past condition
- Inviting Akashi representatives for a rededication ceremony
- Completing ongoing landscaping and installing interpretive signage
Looking Ahead
The revitalized garden and reinstalled Onigawara will serve as a visible symbol of Vallejo’s appreciation for its Sister City relationship and a renewed dedication to cultural stewardship.
“Restoring this space shows the value Vallejo places on its international partnerships and the significance of shared heritage,” said Pelton Stewart of the Sister City Commission and Association.
Landscaping improvements are expected to continue in coordination with the Vallejo Beautification Commission and Public Works, with support from community volunteers and donations.
About the Vallejo Sister City Association
Established in partnership with Sister Cities International, the Vallejo Sister City Commission and Association fosters cultural understanding and global friendship through person-to-person diplomacy, cultural exchanges, and international cooperation.
“To promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation — one individual, one community at a time.”
— Mission of Sister Cities International
