We would like to present a virtual photo exhibition dedicated to the 55th anniversary of the establishment of sister city relations between Odesa and Yokohama.

This event was organized by the Embassy of Ukraine in Japan in cooperation with the Yokohama City Hall. The exhibition presents photos of the above mentioned cities by Ukrainian photographer from Odesa Oleksandr Gimanov and Japanese photographer from Yokohama Katsutaro Hirayama.

The sister city relations between Odesa and Yokohama were established in 1965. On September 2, 2015, roses - flowers that are a symbol of the city of Yokohama - were planted near the Potemkin stairs in Odesa. Further cooperation is supported through holding cultural and humanitarian events in both Ukraine and Japan.

The Embassy of Ukraine in Japan expresses its sincere gratitude to the Yokohama City Hall, as well as to the photographers - Oleksandr Gimanov and Katsutaro Hirayama - for their cooperation in the implementation of this project!

Osanbashi Pier (Yokohama)

Since its completion in 1894, it has been the gateway to the Sea of Japan. Large overseas and domestic cruise ships visit the Osanbashi International Cruise Terminal.

Odesa Marine Passenger Terminal (Odesa)

Built in 1968, it can accommodate 4 million passengers annually. The tall building in the center is the Odesa Hotel.

Sail Training Ship “Nippon Maru” (Yokohama)

Constructed in 1930, it was once called the "Swan of the Pacific Ocean", and is an important cultural property of Japan that had been used as a sailing ship for training sailors.

Ukrainian Navy Ship (Odesa)

Ukrainian Navy ship called "Yuri Olefirenko" entered the port of Odesa.

Yokohama Port Symbol Tower (Yokohama)

The height of the tower is 58.5 m, which helps to protect the safety of the ships from around the world navigating Yokohama Port. You can see the harbor from the observatory.

Vorontsov Lighthouse (Odesa)

A 27.2 m high lighthouse situated off the coast of the Odesa Port. It was built by M.Vorontsov, Governor of Odesa region.

Gantry crane at Minamihonmaki Pier Container Terminal (Yokohama)

It is the newest wharf in Yokohama Port, which is equipped with the world's largest mega gantry crane at the container terminal.

Gantry crane at Odesa Port (Odesa)

Odesa Port is one of the largest ports in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. It can handle 50 million tons of cargo annually.

Marine park (Yokohama)

This park has the only beach in Yokohama, where you can enjoy various beach leisure activities such as board sailing.

Odesa seen from the Black Sea (Odesa)

Odesa is called the "Pearl of the Black Sea". On this photo you can see the city from a tourist boat. It is famous as a resort area with many beaches.

Water stairs (Yokohama)

A staircase constructed in 1988 in Yamashita Park, which was opened in 1930. The water of the fountain of the "World Square" goes down the stairs.

Potemkin Stairs "Ukrainian Flag Day" (Odesa)

One of the symbols of Odesa, built in 1841. The stairs have 192 steps and their length is 142 m.

Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Cultural History (Yokohama)

It is a nationally designated important cultural property built in 1904 as the former Yokohama Bank head office.

Odesa National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater (Odesa)

Built by an Austrian architect in 1887. It is considered one of the best theaters in the world.

Water Guardian Statue (Yokohama)

A statue presented by San Diego, a sister city of Yokohama. Surrounded by four mission bells and a fountain.

Duke of Richelieu Statue (Ukrainian Folk Costume Vyshyvanka Day) Odesa

 A statue of Duke de Richelieu at the top of the Potemkin Stairs. He was a French aristocrat who became the first governor of Odesa in 1803.

Triple arch of Yokohama Customs (Queen's Tower) (Yokohama)

Rebuilt in 1934, the building features Islamic style towers and arches. Also known as the "Queen's Tower".

Quarantine wall (Odesa)

Part of the ramparts built during the Russian Empire period. Previously there had been the Khadjibey Fortress built by the Ottoman Empire.

Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall (Jack's Tower) (Yokohama)

Built in 1917 with a donation from the citizens to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the opening of the port. The clock tower is nicknamed "Jack".

Red brick water pump station (Odesa)

Built in 1890, it is still in use today. It supplies water not only to the center of Odesa, but also to the suburbs.

Yokohama Museum of Art (Yokohama)

The museum features a powerful stone symmetric exterior and an open grand gallery with a colonnade.

Vorontsov Colonnade (Odesa)

The colonnade of Vorontsov Palace, overlooks the beautiful harbor of Odesa.

“Sakata no Tane” Garden Square  (Yokohama)

It is a 5-story atrium event space with a total length of 200 m and about 170 specialty stores in Landmark Plaza.

Passage (Odesa)

Built in the late 19^th – early 20th century, it is a historic building in Odesa with shopping galleries and a hotel.

Angel Wings (Marine & Walk Yokohama)

Art project from LA. It is believed that those who take photo in front of the angel wings will be happy.

Odesa mural (Odesa)

This mural was created as part of a project called "Odesarium" launched in 2017.

Night view of Minato Mirai 21 (Yokohama)

A night view is centered on the large Ferris wheel "Cosmo Clock 21" and the hotel shaped as sailing ship, both viewed from the promenade "Kishamichi".

Odesa City Hall and "Odesa Light Fest" (Odesa)

During the "Odesa Light Fest" the city hall is beautifully illuminated with projection mapping.

St. Patrick's Day Parade at Yokohama Motomachi (Yokohama)

A festival marking the beginning of spring in Ireland is held in March at Yokohama Motomachi Shopping Street, while the city changes its color to symbolic green.

Humorina Festival (Odesa)

Traditional costume parade held every year on April 1^st. Humorina is a festival of humor and satire.

Sacred Heart Cathedral (Yokohama)

The first church in Japan founded after the opening of the port. This cathedral, built in 1933, was certified as a historic building in Yokohama in 1988.

Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral (Odesa)

The current building was restored to its former appearance in 2003. The tomb of Prince Vorontsov is located at the Cathedral.

Chinese New Year lanterns in Chinatown (Yokohama)

The main lantern dragon with a total length of 80 m forms a part of the illumination that liven up Yokohama Chinatown during the Chinese New Year.

Giant Chinese Lantern Festival

It is popular with the Ukrainian citizens, so many people come to see it. It is held not only in Odesa, but also in Kyiv as well as other cities.

Yokohama Station West Exit Illumination (Yokohama)

The illumination is held around the west exit of the Yokohama Station from 1984, and livens up Yokohama during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Primorsky Boulevard Illumination

Illumination of the Primorsky Boulevard is held throughout the year, which is a popular event for the public.

Oleksandr Gimanov (Odesa)

Author of Odesa photos

Katsutaro Hirayama (Left, Yokohama)

Author of Yokohama photos