Salem and Ota: A Transcontinental Sister City Bond

May 1, 2025

Salem, Massachusetts and Ota, Japan might seem like unlikely partners at first glance, but these two cities have forged a meaningful sister city relationship that bridges cultures across the Pacific Ocean. Their connection runs deeper than many might realize, with roots tracing back to the 19th century and a remarkable scientist who helped establish Japan’s archaeological foundations. As the program approaches its 35th anniversary in 2026—coinciding with Salem’s momentous 400th anniversary—this enduring partnership stands as a testament to the power of international friendship and cultural exchange, having transformed the lives of countless participants across generations while strengthening the bonds between these two distinct communities. The dual celebration in 2026 will mark both four centuries of Salem’s rich history and over three decades of successful international partnership with Ota.

The Morse Connection: A Bridge Across Time

The seeds of this relationship were planted long before any formal agreement, through the work of Dr. Edward Sylvester Morse. As the Third Executive Director at Salem’s Essex Institute (now the Peabody Essex Museum), Dr. Morse traveled to Japan in 1877 to study brachiopods. During a train journey to Tokyo, his keen eye spotted shell heaps amid prehistoric kitchen middens. His discovery and subsequent excavations of the Omori shell mound in what is now Ota marked the birth of Japanese archaeology and anthropology.

Dr. Morse was appointed the first Professor of Zoology at Tokyo Imperial University and wrote extensively on Japanese culture and customs. His scientific contributions were so significant that he was elected President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science at just forty-eight years old. His collection of artifacts is preserved at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University.

Dr. Morse’s enthusiasm and dedication to cultural understanding lives on in the spirit of the Salem-Ota relationship. His grave in Salem’s Harmony Grove cemetery remains a pilgrimage site for Japanese visitors, who traditionally lay wreaths there in his honor. Continuing his legacy of knowledge-sharing, participants in the exchange program donate English books to Haneda Library with each visit to Japan.

Establishment of the Sister City Relationship

The formal sister city relationship between Salem and Ota was established in 1991, initially maintained through contact between museums and city officials in both communities. Throughout the 1990s, cultural exchanges flourished between teachers, students, and adult residents of each city, with visits focused on fostering cross-cultural understanding and developing personal connections.

Salem-Ota Club: Ensuring the Legacy Continues

At the tenth anniversary of the sister city relationship in 2001, private citizens who had been involved in past exchanges recognized the need for organizational support beyond what municipal governments could provide. They established the Salem-Ota Club, Inc. to ensure the continuation of exchange programs when traditional financial support through the City of Salem was no longer available.

In 2011, the organization adopted the name “The Salem Ota Cultural Exchange” to better reflect its mission and activities.

Exchange Activities and Community Support

The Salem-Ota Cultural Exchange coordinates various programs to maintain this important international relationship:

• Annual visits by Japanese students and adults to Salem, with stays in local homes ranging from 3 days (adult visitors) to 10 days (student visitors)
• Reciprocal trips by Salem students and adults to Ota City
• A network of Salem families who open their homes to Japanese visitors
• Social events welcoming visitors with dinners
• Transportation and admission to local historical, educational, and entertainment venues
• Gift exchanges between visitors and host families
• An annual scholarship for a high school student who has participated in the exchange program
• Fundraising through member donations, an annual traditional Japanese tea party, and community dinners

Cultural Impact and Educational Benefits

These exchange programs provide immersive cultural experiences that textbooks alone cannot offer. Students and adults alike gain firsthand experience of different customs, traditions, and daily life practices. Many participants report that their worldview was significantly expanded through these exchanges.

The educational impact extends beyond participants, as returning visitors share their experiences with classmates, colleagues, and community members, creating ripple effects of cultural awareness and understanding.

Economic and Civic Connections

Beyond cultural exchange, the partnership has facilitated discussions about economic cooperation, tourism promotion, and civic engagement. Municipal leaders have shared best practices in areas ranging from historical preservation to public services.

A Living Legacy

As the Salem-Ota relationship continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the power of people-to-people diplomacy. What began with a scientist’s curiosity has blossomed into a multi-generational connection that enriches both communities.

The ongoing exchange of ideas, traditions, and friendships between Salem and Ota demonstrates how cities with different histories, languages, and traditions can find meaningful common ground. In today’s increasingly interconnected yet politically divided world, grassroots international relationships like the Salem-Ota sister city program offer a model for building mutual understanding and lasting peace through cultural exchange.

To learn more about the program, including how to get involved, visit their website!