The Hercules of Japan By Matt Larson The City of Hercules has a sister city! And it’s pretty far away from West County— it’s a small yet bustling city called Tsushima, in Japan. The official affiliation date was November 5, 1981 and the sibling cities have kept in consistent contact now for almost 35 years. Tsushima is located in the western part of the Aichi Prefecture, about one hour away from Tokyo by bullet train. The City of Tsushima inhabits over 64,000 people, which may not seem like much, however the entire region is only 10.1 square miles (that’s about 6,400 people per square mile). It’s a busy city with a long history and traditional culture. Walking through the Hercules Sp tlight streets you may feel as though you went back in time. At sea level, Tsushima is mostly flat, which contributed to it serving as a river port town when it was first “founded” in 1947, despite centuries of tradition. The textile industry helped Tsushima prosper in the 1900s. Now they’re known for producing beautiful taiko drums, sandals from bamboo bark, and textiles which still represent 30% of all exports. When you think of Tsushima, think of impeccable beauty. World-famous for its magnificent wisteria trees, and being located near the famous three rivers: Kiso, Nagara and Ibi, you can expect to encounter some magnificent views. The wisteria trees are so remarkable that the Owari Wisteria Tsushima Festival is held every year when they bloom. Full of tradition, the Owari Tsushima Tennoh Festival has been held for more than 500 years showcasing beautifully lit ships, and the 300-year-old Owari Tsushima Autumn Festival features 16 floats roaming through town with marionettes, music and so much more. The Tsushima Shrine is over 1,450 years old and recognized as the reason the city prospers. Of Tsushima’s one million annual visitors, Hercules sends a group of citizens and delegates over ever oddnumbered year, and Tsushimans come visit on the even years. It’s 2016, perhaps you’ll see them soon! Maybe you’ll make a new friend who will further convince you to visit Tsushima, Japan. March 2016 MARKETPLACEcontracosta.com 27 Smile Dental Coupon GooD for one of the followinG: $100 iNi;i(l e?(M cle(NiNG Including X-Rays. For patients without insurance. Free TeeTh WhiTening For new patients. After initial exam, x-rays, cleaning and any necessary dental treatment. Valid for new patients 18 years and older. Not all patients are candidates for whitening. Coupon good for one patient only. Mencie D. Masangkay, DMD 500 Alfred Nobel Drive, Suite 145 Hercules, CA 94547 (Corner of San Pablo Ave & John Muir Pkwy) Tel (510) 741-7788 Digital X-Rays • Zoom Teeth Whitening • Invisalign • Lumineers Velscope (Oral Cancer Screening) • Mercury-free Fillings Crowns & Bridges • Bonding & Veneers • Dentures Walk-Ins Welcome • Most Insurance Plans Accepted Adults & Children of All Ages • Kid Friendly Office Satellite TV in Treatment Rooms • Weekends by Appointment Only
Contra Costa Marketplace - March 2016
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