On a visit that was equal parts official and joyful, Chief of Staff Andy Sugg welcomed a group of young students from Chigasaki, Japan, to Honolulu Hale. When Chief of Staff Sugg asked the students (all between 10 and 12 years old) what their favorite part of the trip had been so far, the answers… Continue reading March 18, 2026 – Chigasaki Rainbow Kids meet with Chief of Staff
Mayor Sato and Chair Kishi of Chigasaki, Japan, paid a warm visit to Honolulu Hale on March 12th, sitting down with Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi for a wide-ranging conversation that touched on tourism, civic life, education, and the surprising rise of pickleball as a bridge between their two cities. The meeting at Honolulu Hale reflected… Continue reading March 12, 2026 – Mayor Blangiardi meets with Mayor Sato and Chair Kishi of Chigasaki
In the spirit of the sister city relationship between Honolulu and Shibuya, Japan, a delegation from Shibuya’s Sports Department visited the City and County of Honolulu for two days of meetings, tours, and cultural exchange. The visit offered a meaningful opportunity for both cities to deepen their collaboration around sports, recreation, and youth engagement. Day… Continue reading February 26-27, 2026 – Shibuya Sports Department visits Honolulu
Bishop Isao Ito, Chair of the Univers Foundation and a senior leader of Shinnyo-en (one of Japan’s most prominent Buddhist organizations) visited Honolulu Mayor Richard Blangiardi on February 25 during a trip to Hawaiʻi. Bishop Ito was in town to participate in the Social Work in Hawaii Seminar, a collaborative academic initiative between the University… Continue reading February 25, 2026 – Bishop Ito visits Mayor Blangiardi
The Honolulu Ocean Safety Department hosted a delegation of lifeguards from Okinawa, Japan, from February 9–13, 2026, in a visit that reflected the deep and enduring ties between Hawaiʻi and Okinawa. During their five days on Oʻahu, the delegation worked closely with the department’s Training Unit, participating in hands-on exercises and gaining familiarity with ocean… Continue reading February 13, 2026 – Ocean Safety partners with Okinawa lifeguards
Seventh graders from Nagaoka City, Japan, visited our Chief Of Staff, Mr. Andy Sugg. Before that they visited Island Pacific Academy in Kapolei to meet students of their age. One of our staff members who works for the Mayor’s Communications team visited Nagaoka in 2025 and prepared a quiz to test the students’ knowledge of… Continue reading January 15, 2026 – Nagaoka City Hawkins Project
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)
