In honor of Bakersfield and Wakayama, Japan being named "Sister Cities" 55 years ago, officials from both cities planted cherry trees on October 27.
Mayor Harvey Hall and Mayor Masahiro Obana planted a cherry tree together in the Wakayama section of the Sister City Garden.
Along with Mayor Obana, seven city council members and six city staff members came to Bakersfield to recognize the commemorative event. The group will stay in Bakersfield until October 28.