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🇯🇵 Hey sister, it’s really really nice to meet ya

St. Pete’s sister city: Takamatsu, Japan
A panoramic photo of the City of Takamatsu, Japan. The city juts out from the left of the image, with ocean on the right, where islands stick out from the blue water. Moutnains are in the background, covered by a patch of grey cloud, but most of the sky is blue.
Takamatsu sits on the Seto Inland Sea. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Did you know about the relationship between the Tampa Bay area and a Japanese port city? We wanted to learn more about one of TBAY’s sister cities: Takamatsu, Japan.

Sister cities

First and foremost, what is a sister city?

A sister city represents an official relationship between two places. After an agreement is signed by both parties, sister cities begin to work more closely together. This encompasses trade, business, volunteering efforts, educational + cultural exchanges, and other mutually beneficial exploits.

The City of St. Petersburg and Takamatsu established their relationship in 1961. During that time, high school students from each country have visited the other for cultural + educational experiences.

St. Pete also enjoys a sister city relationship with Isla Mujeres, Mexico, and a friendship city relationship — a less formal arrangement — with Figueres, Spain.

Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu, Japan. There are luscious green trees + plants around a lake, with an arched bridge crossing. There are buildings in the background.

Ritsurin Garden is one of the most popular attractions in Takamatsu.

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Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Situated on the Japanese island of Shikoku, Takamatsu is the capital city of Kagawa Prefecture (Think: a prefecture is similar to a state). Over a thousand years ago, the area was part of the ancient Sanuki Province, and was reimagined as a key strategic military location during times of warring states in the late 16th century, when the iconic Takamatsu Castle was first built.

A photo of Takamatsu Castle. The white building has a three-tiered black roof, and sits atop a stone wall surrounded by a water. Trees surround the castle, and a wooden bridge crosses the water nearby, with people standing on it.

The castle was opened to visitors in 1955.

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Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Takamatsu today

With a population of ~420,000, the city experiences short, wet summers, along with windy, brisk winters. Temperatures typically range between 37ºF and 89ºF throughout the year.

Alongside its tip-top tourism, Takamatsu’s main industries include production of machinery, tools, and furniture. While there isn’t much agricultural land in Kagawa Prefecture, citrus readily grows in the region — maybe this commonality is what sparked the relationship with TBAY.

On top of Takamatsu Castle, Ritsurin Garden is one of the top tourist attractions in the area. There are also religious sites to visit, including Yakuriji Temple, nearby islands like Ogijima Island, plus the city is lined with delectable eateries.

If you’re looking to show some Takamatsu pride, Kamatamare Sanuki is the local professional soccer team, which currently plays in the J3 League — the third tier of Japanese soccer. Check out this video of one of the team’s games + more local sights.
Learn more about the city
Asked

Which sister city should we write about next?
A. Isla Mujeres, Mexico
B. Agrigento, Italy
C. Porto Alegre, Brazil
D. İzmir, Turkey
Help us choose
 
Events
Monday, March 11
  • New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles | Monday, March 11 | 1:05 p.m. | George M. Steinbrenner Field, 1 Steinbrenner Dr., Tampa | $30+ | Spring Training continues in the Cigar City as the AL East rivals square off before the regular season begins.
  • Burna Boy | Monday, March 11 | 7:30 p.m. | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $80+ | The Grammy-winning Nigerian singer-songwriter takes the stage at the downtown Tampa venue.
Tuesday, March 12
  • Flavors of Sicily | Tuesday, March 12 | 7 p.m. | Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, 28963 State Rd. 56, Wesley Chapel | $69 | Take a culinary trip across the Atlantic, savoring flavors from the Italian island.
  • “Florida Man: Poems, Revisited” | Tuesday, March 12 | 7-8 p.m. | Tombolo Books, 2153 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Free with reservation | Revisit Tyler Gillespie’s poetry collection which paints a picture of the Sunshine State and the people who call it home.
Wednesday, March 13
  • Family Self-Defense Workshop | Wednesday, March 13 | 6-7 p.m. | Safety Harbor Waterfront Park, 110 Veterans Memorial Ln., Safety Harbor | Free | Learn basic techniques + defenses at this no-cost class.
  • Sing Out Tampa Bay | Wednesday, March 13 | 7 p.m. | Mahaffey Theater, 400 1st St. S., St. Petersburg | Free | Pay what you can at the door for this casual community concert — singing along is encouraged.
Thursday, March 14
  • Date Nights in the Heights: Mixology Class | Thursday, March 14 | 6:30 p.m. | Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa | $111 | Spend time with your beloved as you learn to make classic Irish-inspired cocktails, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.
  • Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Rangers | Thursday, March 14 | 7 p.m. | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $90+ | Cheer on the Bolts as they begin to dream of yet another playoff berth.
Events calendar here
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Shop

Top drawer looking sad? Time for a spring refresh.
Bombas_03.11.24.jpg
Bombas’ top spring products include the Lightweight No Show Sock + Garden Party Ankle Sock. | Photo by Bombas
It’s time to spring clean your top drawer — and Bombas’ comfy, invisible socks will gladly replace your old, mismatched pairs.

Their no-show styles vanish under shoes, while blister tabs keep your heels happy. Plus, one pair purchased equals one pair donated to those in need.

Select top picks for spring are currently 5-15% off. (We love the Lightweight No-Show Sock 4-Pack + Garden Party Ankle Sock 4-Pack.) Plus, orders $50+ ship free.

Bonus: New customers can use code 6AM20 for an extra 20% off.
Shop spring socks
News Notes
Eat
  • One of the most popular spots in St. Pete’s Edge District is expanding. COPA is taking over the property next door — the former home of Italy Bottega — with owners planning to introduce a daytime cafe in the new space. The business currently boasts an extensive cocktail menu + tapas eats. (St. Pete Rising)
Holiday
  • The start of Ramadan, a month of reflection + fasting in Islam, depends on the sighting of the new moon. Observe and learn more by listening to members of our community discuss the significance of Ramadan in their lives. (Tampa Bay Times)
Real Estate
  • A home on Redington Beach just sold for ~$5.29 million. The 4,570-sqft property at 15520 Gulf Blvd. boasts five beds, six baths, several elevator-accessible floors, unfiltered Gulf of Mexico views, and direct beach access. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Sports
  • And there’s the checkered flag. Josef Newgarden won the 20th Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg yesterday. The weekend’s festivities saw thousands of visitors flock to the Burg’s waterfront, where some were treated to a special appearance from Jon Bon Jovi. (Tampa Bay Times)
Festival
  • The Mainsail Art Festival is returning to St. Pete next month. The 49th annual event takes places at Vinoy Park on Saturday, April 20 + Sunday, April 21, and is expected to attract ~100,000 visitors who will browse artworks from 250+ artists. (I Love the Burg)
Closed
  • The St. Pete Shuffleboard Club is closed for the next few days for termite treatment. Tents will cover buildings at the historic club through Wednesday, March 13.
Feel Good
  • Swifties unite. A local bride was planning to sell her guitar signed by Taylor Swift to help pay for her wedding. But then, fans of the singer-songwriter raised thousands of dollars on GoFundMe, meaning the guitar is staying put for this love story. (WFLA)
Sports
  • Is Baker Mayfield staying in Tampa Bay? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
    Shop
    • This cozy men’s sweatshirt has been climbing the sales ranks and we can see why — the brushed fleece makes this everyday essential super comfortable.*
    TEGNA
     
    Culture

    🍕 Pull up a (bar) stool

    Dave Portnoy’s Tampa Bay pizza tour
    A shot of Santoro's Pizza in Tampa. The building is a mix of green, white, and red — the colors of the Italian flag. There are some benches outside, and a parking lot out front, with blue skies up ahead.
    On a TBAY pizza tour, Santoro’s is a must. | Photo by Bruce Himelman
    You might have seen Dave Portnoy making his way through Florida pizza parlors in recent weeks as part of his “One Bite Pizza Review” series. The founder of Barstool Sports has been doing the same thing for years — traveling to pizza spots across the nation, ordering a cheese pizza, and giving a rating out of 10.

    His quest for the perfect slice has now reached the Tampa Bay area, and here are some spots he hit up:

    Santoro’s | 1329 W. Cass St., Tampa | There’s no official score yet, but some TikTok comments say the popular spot got a 7.8/10.

    Madison Avenue Pizza | 2660 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin | The business says Portnoy gave a commendable 7.7/10 rating.

    The Nona Slice House | 997 Main St., Safety Harbor | You’ll have to wait on this one, as there’s no word yet on the score.

    Keep your eyes peeled on Portnoy’s Instagram for more TBAY pizza fun.
    The Buy

    The Buy 3.11.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
    Flower pots, solar lights, or lemon trees in QVC’s garden deals. “Love your garden” items are on sale until Thursday, March 28, meaning it’s the perfect time to start dreaming up this year’s outdoor spaces.
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    The Wrap
     
    Patrick Sidwell.jpeg

    Today’s edition by:
    Patrick
    From the editor
    Happy Monday, TBAY. I hope you feel ready + refreshed for another glorious week in the sunshine.

    Although this weekend was an hour shorter than usual, that means later sunsets are here, and bring with them endless possibilities.
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