On the grounds of the Seattle Center is the Kobe Bell, a ceremonial, 600-pound bell contained under a roof typical of Japanese Buddhist monasteries. It was a gift from Kobe, Japan (Seattle’s first sister city), and it marked the opening of Seattle’s Century 21 Exposition in 1962. Located in its original position between the International Fountain and Mercer Street, the bell’s design is noted for its combination of traditional Japanese design with modern influences.