Picture a map not of borders, but of bonds, where invisible threads of diplomacy and shared humanity stitch Salem to communities across oceans and continents. Within these coordinates, a course is charted to three distinct destinations, a hidden lattice of intercontinental kinship connecting the Willamette Valley to a storied castle town in Japan, a legendary ancient kingdom in Korea, and a vibrant hub of spiritual tradition in India. More than mere markers on a grid, these civic connections have blossomed into enduring bonds that transcend both language and latitude, creating lasting havens for shared culture and mutual respect in Salem’s sister cities worldwide.
A Former Sister City in India
Though the official bond has lain dormant for decades, Salem’s historic sister-city relationship with its namesake in Tamil Nadu, India, remains a fascinating chapter in the city’s international outreach. Launched with great optimism in 1964, this transcontinental connection was uniquely born not in a mayor’s office, but from the correspondence and shared passion of two librarians, Salem, Oregon’s Hugh Morrow and Salem, India’s Dr. Busnagi Rajannan. Their visionary idea, championed by local Rotarians in both communities, quickly grew from pen-pal friendship into a formal civic declaration, creating a rare bond between two continents.
The relationship’s vitality was confirmed by high-level exchanges in its early years, underscoring the seriousness with which both cities treated this new kinship. Dr. Rajannan’s 1962 visit to Oregon was a momentous occasion, during which he was received not only by city officials but also by the Oregon Governor. The doctor was presented with a key to the city, an honor signifying a warm and official welcome. This was reciprocated two years later when Salem, Oregon’s very own Mayor Willard C. Marshall, journeyed to Tamil Nadu’s Salem with his family, being greeted by a delegation of officials, Rotarians, and citizens. It was during this 1964 visit that the two cities were formally declared as sisters. Although the active exchange has waned, the legacy of this pioneering partnership has set an important precedent for Salem’s global engagement.
Salem’s Sister City of Kawagoe, Japan
The sister city relationship between Salem and Kawagoe, Japan, officially blossomed in August of 1986, but its roots dig much deeper into the fertile ground of academic exchange. For two decades prior, the sister-university partnership between Willamette University and Tokyo International University had been quietly building a network of friendship through student and family exchanges. This pre-existing web of connection made the formal civic partnership between the “Little Edo” castle town and Oregon’s capital a natural and warmly welcomed evolution, officially signed into being by Mayors Sue Miller and Kiichi Kawai. By 1989, the Salem–Kawagoe academic legacy had borne fruit with the founding of Tokyo International University of America, established by Willamette University alongside its Kawagoe affiliates to host students from both communities.
The Salem-Kawagoe Sister Cities organization, a dedicated 501(c)(3) non-profit, now acts as the steward of this relationship, with its mission of facilitating cultural and educational programs coming to life through vibrant exchanges of artists, musicians, students, and community delegates. This enduring partnership thrives through initiatives like the Tomodachi Program, which pairs TIUA students with local Salemites for cultural sharing, and the Kaneko Day Camp, where TIUA students create an immersive summer experience in which they share their culture with local Salem youth, ensuring the next generation continues to learn from and cherish this very special trans-Pacific friendship.
A New Sister City in Gimhae, South Korea
The newest of Salem’s sister cities, Gimhae, South Korea, stands as a vibrant testament to the city’s continued commitment to global engagement. The relationship was formally established on October 10, 1997, built on a shared vision to foster cultural, trade, and educational exchanges that would benefit both communities. This partnership also places Salem in good company, as it is one of several international bonds forged by Gimhae, a city that sees such global relationships as a key investment in its future. From its inception, this sister-city bond was designed to be a bridge, connecting two disparate communities with shared goals.
This civic accord is viewed as an investment in the future, as it lays the groundwork for citizens to flourish and thrive on a global stage. Gimhae maintains steady collaborations with its sister cities across various sectors, including administration, the arts, sports, the economy, and education. These meaningful interactions provide a real-world environment for citizens and organizations to expand their horizons and find success in overseas markets. This is a city-to-city accord with a clear purpose, proving that friendships between communities can also be a powerful engine for progress.
Whether through shared names or common academic goals, these stories of international outreach are a powerful reflection of a city’s character. The bonds forged with communities in India, Japan, and Korea have created a unique heritage of mutual respect and understanding among Salem and her sister cities. These relationships are the map Salem has drawn for itself, one charted not by geography, but by goodwill and shared curiosity.
