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
A group of students from Kangwon National University in South Korea recently visited Honolulu to meet with our Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency (CCSR). The program CSSR prepared brought them face to face with the city’s civic history, its growing transportation infrastructure, and its deep connections to the land. The visit was a… Continue reading January 23, 2026 – Visit from Kangwon National University students (South Korea)
Consul General Dr. K. Srikar Reddy’s visit to Honolulu Hale signals renewed momentum in the city’s relationship with India. On January 22, 2026, Consul General Dr. K. Srikar Reddy visited Honolulu Hale alongside Dr. Raj Kumar, bringing with him the possibility of a meaningful new chapter in Honolulu’s international partnerships. The meeting centered on the… Continue reading January 22, 2026 – Mayor Blangiardi meets with Consul General Dr. K. Srikar Reddy
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)
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
