Tucked away in the Maurepas neighborhood of Rennes, Square de Sendai stands as a subtle yet meaningful symbol of the half-century-long friendship between Rennes and its Japanese sister city, Sendai. This quiet green space has become a modest ambassador of Japanese culture in the heart of Brittany.
When did the Rennes-Sendai sister city relationship begin?
On September 6, 1967, Rennes and Sendai officially became sister cities. Back then, these types of international partnerships aimed to strengthen cultural, educational, and economic ties through long-term exchanges.
Located in northeastern Japan, Sendai is the capital of Miyagi Prefecture and home to over a million residents. Nicknamed the “City of Trees”, it’s known for its lush landscapes and rich history, especially its connection to the famous feudal lord Date Masamune.
This partnership is actually one of the oldest sister-city relationships between a French and a Japanese city.
Why is there a Sendai square in Rennes?
On October 30, 1978, Rennes officially named a green space in the Maurepas district Square de Sendai, bringing this Franco-Japanese connection into the urban landscape.
For many years, though, the square remained just a grassy plot, with no special landscaping or signage, and went largely unnoticed.
Celebrating 50 years of partnership
In 2017, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the sister-city bond, the city of Rennes launched a call for community-driven projects. One proposal from local residents suggested transforming the square into a Japanese-inspired garden.
The project was selected, and on October 19, 2017, renovation work began with a ceremonial groundbreaking attended by Rennes Mayor Nathalie Appéré and Sendai Mayor Kazuko Kôri. Together, they placed soil at the base of the first tree planted, symbolizing a new chapter for the square.
The newly redesigned Square de Sendai was officially unveiled on September 13, 2018, in a festive event that brought together neighborhood residents and local Japanese cultural groups.
What can you see in Sendai square today?
Now reimagined with a peaceful, Zen-like spirit, the square remains modest but offers several features that echo traditional Japanese gardens:
- A variety of Japanese plant species
- Japanese-style structures, including a torii gate and a stone lantern
- Winding paths reminiscent of kaiyū-shiki teien or Japanese stroll gardens
This little oasis offers locals a calm, soothing space within a bustling neighborhood. It reflects Japanese aesthetics while staying rooted in the Rennes community.
That said, there’s currently no signage explaining the history of the sister-city partnership or the design of the garden, a missed opportunity to deepen its symbolic and educational impact.
How did Rennes celebrate the 50th anniversary?
In addition to transforming the square, the city of Rennes hosted a series of free cultural events in 2017 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Rennes–Sendai partnership:
- Japanese calligraphy and martial arts demonstrations
- Japanese cooking workshops
- Photo exhibitions showcasing life in Sendai and its cultural heritage
- Traditional dance performances and concerts featuring Japanese instruments like the koto and shamisen
These events gave Rennes residents a chance to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and learn more about their sister city. They also helped strengthen the bond between local French-Japanese associations and community leaders.
