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
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 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
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
