Official symbols

City Emblem City Flower- Azalea City Tree- Camellia The city emblem of Kisarazu is based on (ki, meaning tree), the first character in Kisarazu. The circle represents the port, and the opening at the top the port entrance. Together they represent the solidarity of the people of the city and its development. The emblem was decided on after inviting suggestions from the public on the fifth anniversary of Kisarazu becoming a city (adopted on December 22, 1947). The city flower and city tree were selected to commemorate the Wakashio National Athletic Meet in 1973, based on a poll of the city's residents (adopted on October 15, 1970).

Symbols connected with famous legends

Tanuki (Japanese raccoon) Kimisarazu Tower Nakanoshima Bridge There are many tanuki (Japanese raccoon) pictures and monuments near the west exit of Kisarazu Station. The reason is because the temple Shoujouji, the setting for the children’s song Tanuki Song at Shoujouji, is only 600m from the west exit. The music for the song was written by Ujo Noguchi and the words by Shinpei Nakayama from the tanuki music legend at this temple. A tanuki festival is held every October. Soaring high in Odayama Park (also known as the Forest of Love), Kimisarazu Tower (height 28m) represents the outstretched hands of Prince Brave of Yamato and Princess Oto Tachibana. The tower observatory affords a great view of the city, Yokohama on the other side of Tokyo Bay, the skyscrapers of Shinjuku and even Mount Fuji. The tower is illuminated in the evening, creating a romantic ambiance that is perfectly suited to the Forest of Love. This red bridge is a symbol of the port town of Kisarazu. The 236m-long bridge is for pedestrians only and at a height of 27m, it is the tallest pedestrian walkway in Japan. After crossing the bridge, you can have fun gathering shellfish on the shore. A new legend was brought about by the television drama Kisarazu Cat's Eye. Legend of Tanuki Music The legend has it that one moonlight night, the temple priest and tanuki raccoons competed to play music. The big tanuki tried so hard beating his belly that it burst and he ended up dying. This tanuki was ceremoniously buried at the temple. While sounding funny, it is also a sad tale.☆ This story is told as one of the three major tanuki legends of Japan, along with The Magic Badgerkettle from Morinji Temple in Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture and 808 Tanukis from Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture. Legend of Kimisarazu Prince Brave of Yamato was once trying to cross Tokyo Bay to Kazusa when his boat was suddenly attacked by strong waves, almost sinking it. At that moment, Princess Oto Tachibana jumped into the water in an attempt to pacify the sea god and save the Prince's life. It worked and the fierce waves subsided immediately. After landing, the Prince went to Mount Oda to look over the sea and reminisce his lost love. The fact that he stayed there for many days gave rise to the place name Kimisarazu (meaning "prince-didn't leave" in Japanese). Legend of Red Bridge It is said that a couple will be bound together forever if they cross Nakonoshima Bridge piggyback. The bridge is featured in the movie Kisarazu Cat’s Eye Nihon Series, and in it there is a song called Legend of the Bridge, the words to which were written by the movie’s scriptwriter Kankuro Kudo.

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Kisarazu City Public Relations and Information Section Address:Shiomi 1-1, Kisarazu-shi, Chiba-ken 292-0834 Tel: 0438-23-7111 (switchboard)　Fax: 0438-25-1351 E-mail:koho@city.kisarazu.lg.jp Page Top