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Painting the Torii Gate in Celebration of Oakland’s Sister City Relationship with Fukuoka, Japan

 Painting the Torii Gate in Celebration of Oakland’s Sister City Relationship with Fukuoka, Japan

First, a quick history lesson…

In 1956, President Eisenhower established the People-to-People Program, believing that long-term peace was better achieved and preserved by connecting citizens, not just governments and officials. He envisioned people corresponding with each other, finding common ground, and fostering unity, beginning with one city being united with a “sister city” from another country, based on foundational similarities.

In 1962, Oakland California was officially paired with Fukuoka, Japan.

Fast forward a bit to 1969, and Oakland was given the original Torii Gate as a gift from Fukuoka in celebration of their seventh anniversary of connection.

Unfortunately, as the years marched on the gate fell into disrepair. That is, until 2002 when a highly-skilled Japanese craftsman rebuilt the gate, which was then unveiled with the help of a 65-person delegation from Japan.

And that brings us to today. 2022 marks the 60th anniversary of our “sister city” pairing, and the Oakland-Fukuoka Sister City Association is planning a major celebration.

Repainting the Torii Gate in Oakland

Looking back on all this rich history, it’s amazing to see how MB Jessee Painting clicks into the narrative in this new chapter. When we heard about the upcoming celebration, and also that the gate was in need of a fresh coat of paint, we quickly offered to donate our skill and services. What an incredible opportunity! And what an honor to help care for such a significant landmark, built with skill and gifted to our city.

Here are a few photos of our team at work on the transformation, and a photo from a Piedmont Post story written about the gate and our involvement.

 Painting the Torii Gate in Celebration of Oakland’s Sister City Relationship with Fukuoka, Japan
 Painting the Torii Gate in Celebration of Oakland’s Sister City Relationship with Fukuoka, Japan
 Painting the Torii Gate in Celebration of Oakland’s Sister City Relationship with Fukuoka, Japan

Would you like to learn more about the Torii Gate and our Sister City?

Start here, at the Oakland-Fukuoka Sister City Association. You may also want to take a look at their Facebook page for current events and updates.

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Customer Reviews

“We just wanted to let you know how pleased we are with the work of MB Jessee Painting and your employees. Everything turned out beautiful. Our foreman was great! He was punctual, professional, neat and very accommodating ... and went the extra mile. We will definitely recommend you to our friends and family.”

— Michelle & Rivers Gee

“I had my wooden kitchen cabinets painted white. Anabal and Danielle were doing the job. I have nothing but praise for them. They came on time, cleaned up every day, were respective, friendly and helpful. If the rest of Jessee's crew are as great as Anabal and Danielle, this company will go far.”

— Anni S.
Oakland, CA

“MB Jessee just finished our exterior and we couldn't be happier with our experience. The foreman (Pedro) and lead painter (Ricardo) were incredible to work with: they communicated scheduling clearly, Ricardo was a joy to be around every day, the showed up early every day, were incredibly tidy and did great paint work. The final walk through experience was incredible. Pedro pointed out items I missed demonstrating a clear desire to complete another quality project. I highly recommend them. As others have noted they definitely aren't the cheapest but you quickly realize that you're getting what you pay for. The 3 year guarantee is also a nice touch since there are likely touch up items that will show up after the job is done.”

— Joshua Jansen

“I love the article in the paper on your company. Thank you for supporting our community by painting at the Claremont Middle School. Thanks!”

— Carla Banks

“I just wanted to thank you all for doing such a phenomenal job on our recent house painting. We are very happy with the outcome and can't say enough good things about the crew. Everyone working on the project was outstanding and made it a great experience. Thanks to everyone.”

— Daylan
Piedmont

“Matt, We are very happy with how all of the painting worked out. We were extremely impressed with the quality of the work in the bathroom. I liked working with Victor, he and Marvin were extremely conscientious about doing a great job, not just the minimum. I know the front door took a lot longer than you'd expected. But they did it PERFECTLY. We never thought it could turn out like that! Thanks again for the great work. We'll be calling you again in the future!”

— Craig
Alameda, CA

“High quality work from a pleasant and qualified staff. Thank you!”

— Paul Markovich

“Hello Matt,Just another notice of thanks to your wonderful crew, Rigoberto, Javier and John. They did fantastic work, with Rigo providing meticulous and conscientious attention to the details and excellent woodwork finishing, as evidenced by the beautiful fireplace. Javier did a fantastic job in the bathroom especially, it looks "brand new," and John always does quality work, both with the interior and exterior. I can tell they care about what they do. Rigo's "punch out" was very thorough, too. I will call again when I need some more work and will definitely recommend your company and fine crew. I also felt as a homeowner, I could leave my house in their good hands during the day and that took a lot of worry from me, they were honest, prompt and reliable. They were also very kind, respectful and clean in their work, very professional. Thank you.”

— Beth Marx & Melissa Kirsch
Oakland

“I highly recommend MB Jesse Painting to anyone looking for a professional team that does an impressive job. They are on time, efficient and clean up well each and every day they are on site. They pay attention to detail and listen to the needs of their clients. In addition, they give back to the community. A Five Star team all the way around.”

— Erin Troy

“Edy and crew are hard at work. They are doing a great job. Very professional outfit you have. Your crew is a delight. You may use me for a reference!”

— Heidi B
Walnut Creek

“MB Jessee just finished our exterior and we couldn't be happier with our experience. The foreman (Pedro) and lead painter (Ricardo) were incredible to work with: they communicated scheduling clearly, Ricardo was a joy to be around every day, the showed up early every day, were incredibly tidy and did great paint work. The final walkthrough experience was incredible. Pedro pointed out items I missed demonstrating a clear desire to complete another quality project. I highly recommend them. As others have noted they definitely aren't the cheapest but you quickly realize that you're getting what you pay for. The 3-year guarantee is also a nice touch since there are likely touch-up items that will show up after the job is done.”

— Joshua J.
Oakland, CA

“My entire experience with MB Jesse was very professional. The crew were very friendly and super accommodating of my ridiculous schedule and geriatric pets in the house. The finished product, which was pretty much my entire house, far exceeds my expectations. Would definitely work with them again!”

— Heather Jordan