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
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
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
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
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
City and County of Honolulu Official Press Release HIROSHIMA, Japan – Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Wednesday joined hundreds of international representatives and thousands of Japanese citizens at the Hiroshima Peace Park for a solemn ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony is… Continue reading August 6, 2025 – Mayor Blangiardi attends Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony on 80th anniversary of atomic bombing
City and County of Honolulu Official Press Release TOKYO, JAPAN — Mayor Rick Blangiardi began his first international Sister City visit as mayor on Friday with a full slate of meetings at the Shibuya City Office and a guided tour of the historic Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine located in the heart of the Tokyo… Continue reading August 1, 2025 – Mayor Blangiardi visits Shibuya City Office, Meiji Jingu on first day in Japan
Mayor Blangiardi had the pleasure to meet with Minister Liu Shyh-Fang, the Minister of the Interior of Taiwan during her trip to Honolulu. Minister Liu was in Honolulu to learn more from Fire and Police professionals during a large exercise that took place in conjunction with the State of Hawaiʻi officials. Minister Liu was accompanied… Continue reading June 10, 2025 – Mayor Blangiardi meets with Taiwanese Minister of the Interior
Mayor Blangiardi, Deputy Managing Director Krishna Jayaram and Chief of Staff Andy Sugg had a courtesy visit from the newly appointed Consul General of the Philippines, Mr. Arman R. Talbo, and Consul Pamela Durian-Bailon. Consul General Talbo mentioned 300,000 Filipinos live in Hawaiʻi, between 150,000 and 180,000 of them live on Oʻahu. It is also… Continue reading April 23, 2025 – Mayor Blangiardi meets with Consul General Arman Talbo and Consul Pamela Durian-Bailon
Mayor Blangiardi had the pleasure to meet with Ambassador Francisco Duarte Lopes, Ambassador of Portugal to the United States and Filipe Ramalheira, Consul General of Portugal in San Francisco. Ambassador Duarte Lopes and Consul General Ramalheira were in Honolulu to visit the Portuguese community living in Hawaii. They indicated 2028 will mark the 150th anniversary… Continue reading March 31, 2025 – Visit of the Ambassador of Portugal and Consul General of Portugal in San Francisco
