Major funding opportunity for Honolulu organizations to collaborate with our Japanese sister cities! THE OPPORTUNITY Sister Cities International and the U.S.-Japan Foundation are funding “living laboratory” projects between U.S. and Japanese sister cities on issues like climate change, aging populations, youth engagement, sustainability, and community revitalization. HONOLULU’S ADVANTAGE We have 14 Japanese partnerships: 8 Sister… Continue reading Extended deadline! US-Japan Global Impact Grant
Mayor Rick Blangiardi met with Hideaki Chotoku, the newly appointed Consul General of Japan in Honolulu, continuing the strong diplomatic relationship between Hawaii and Japan. Consul General Chotoku has been actively engaged in Hawaii’s community since his arrival, participating in significant commemorative events and strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Japan. His role… Continue reading December 15, 2025 – Mayor Blangiardi meets with new Consul General of Japan
A remarkable partnership spanning more than four decades continues to strengthen the bonds between Honolulu, Hawaii, and Ichinoseki, Japan, through a unique blend of athletic competition and cultural exchange. For over 40 years, the Ichinoseki Half Marathon has served as the centerpiece of an enduring friendship between the two regions. Each year, this goodwill initiative… Continue reading December 15, 2025 – Chief of Staff meets with Honolulu Marathon runners from Japan
Chief of Staff Andy Sugg welcomed Dr. Hiroya Sugano of Shizuoka, Japan, at Honolulu Hale during his visit to Hawaii for the Pearl Harbor memorial events taking place December 5-10. Dr. Sugano came to express his gratitude to the city and people of Honolulu for their continued support of U.S.-Japan reconciliation efforts. For decades, Dr.… Continue reading December 10, 2025 – Chief of Staff meets Dr. Hiroya Sugano, peace advocate (Blackened Canteen Ceremony)
Honolulu Sister City Connection to Bruyères, France Lives On Through New Film Project In November 2025, a delegation from Honolulu embarked on a powerful 20-day journey through France and Italy, filming scenes for an upcoming documentary that celebrates the legacy of the 100th Infantry Battalion and honors Honolulu’s enduring sister city relationship with Bruyères, France:… Continue reading November 2025 – Honolulu Residents Document Historic Journey in France and Italy for “The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha” Documentary
City and County of Honolulu Official Press Release HONOLULU — The City and County of Honolulu and Shonai, Japan, officially signed a Friendship City Agreement today during a ceremony at the Mission Memorial Auditorium, celebrating the long-standing bond between the two communities and their shared commitment to promoting educational, cultural, and economic exchange. Honolulu Mayor… Continue reading November 3, 2025 – City signs Friendship City Agreement with Shonai, Japan
Mayor Blangiardi participated and read a proclamation in the 114th National Day Reception on October 6th, invited by Director General Jerry S. Chang from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Honolulu (TECO).
City and County of Honolulu Official Press Release HONOLULU – The Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA), in partnership with the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design, proudly announces the opening of Crafting Connection: Doris Duke’s Moroccan Commissions on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at… Continue reading September 5, 2025 – Shangri La exhibition at Honolulu Hale celebrates cultural bonds between Rabat and Honolulu
Today, we celebrate Korea National Day alongside our sister cities of Seoul and Incheon. This special day honors Korea’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring bonds that connect our Pacific communities. Our partnerships with Seoul and Incheon represent some of Honolulu’s important international relationships, fostering cultural exchanges, educational collaborations, and business partnerships that benefit all… Continue reading August 15 – National Liberation Day of Korea
14 students from Edogawa-ku, a district of Tokyo, visited the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts as part of a cultural exchange. The students asked pertinent questions about how to be a good traveler, how to respect the culture you’re coming to learn about, and how to spread the word once you are back… Continue reading August 14, 2025 – Edogawa Wings of Youth delegation
