Japanese Bell and Bell House
After typhoons in 1959 severely damaged crops, homes, and farmlands of the Yamanashi prefecture in Japan, citizens of Iowa generously sent breeding hogs and feed corn to aid that district. This program began a friendship culminating in a sister-state relationship in 1960, the first of its kind between the United States and Japan. As a sign of their appreciation, the citizens of the Yamanashi presented a Bell of Friendship to Iowa in 1962. The 2,000-pound temple bell of peace and friendship, as well as the structure that houses it, were made in Yamanashi. The bell and bell house sits south of the state Capitol in Des Moines.
The Bell of Friendship is now almost 50 years old and is in need of refurbishing. The Iowa Sister States Organization is spearheading a drive to restore the Bell of Friendship. If you are interested in donating, please call Carol Grant at 515-725-3163.