The Community Culture and Arts Commission on July 28 recommended reinstating the refurbished Onagawara — a gift from Vallejo’s sister city Akashi, Japan — outside in the Japanese garden on a taller pedestal with additional lighting. The motion, moved by Chair Wise and seconded by Vice Chair Vidor, passed 5-0.

Staff and Sister City representatives presented the history: the ceramic Onagawara had been vandalized years earlier, volunteers had preserved fragments, and local artist Jean Sheree reconstructed the piece in reinforced concrete to improve durability. Eric Zomp, staff support to the Sister City Commission, described the gift and said the original intent was outdoor placement in the garden between the Vallejo Room and City Hall.

Artist Jean Sheree described the reconstruction: missing pieces were resculpted, molds were cast, and the piece was recast in reinforced concrete. She told commissioners she preferred a pedestal (plinth) to keep the sculpture from sitting directly on ground level and to present it in a respectful guarding position. Commissioners and presenters discussed plinth height (artist suggested 3.5 to 4 feet so the mask would sit above eye level) and agreed the pedestal should be higher than the former installation.

Speakers from the Sister City Association and Beautification Commission said volunteers raised money for the restoration and that the association paid for repairs. Commissioners discussed lighting and maintenance; several said extra lighting could discourage vandalism. Commissioners also recommended involving the Sister City Association and inviting an Akashi delegation when the sculpture is reinstalled.

The commission’s recommendation returned approval for outdoor placement near the sculpture’s original location with a taller pedestal and additional lighting; staff will coordinate final placement, pedestal design and arrangements for an appropriate re-dedication and notification to Akashi.