Kaua‘i County Mayor Kawakami completes successful Sister City, cultural exchange visit to Japan

Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami and a delegation from the Garden Isle recently returned from a successful diplomatic and cultural exchange visit to Japan, reaffirming Sister City relationships that span generations and opening new doors for educational, cultural and economic collaboration between Kaua‘i and its Japanese counterparts.

The Kaua‘i delegation from July 20-28 visited the cities of Mimasaka, Moriyama and Suō-Ōshima — as well as Kyoto and several surrounding municipalities — where they engaged in ceremonial events, historical tours, cultural demonstrations and personal exchanges that highlighted the deep bonds between Kaua‘i and Japan.

“Traveling through Japan and engaging directly with our Sister City communities was both humbling and energizing,” Kawakami said in a release detailing his and the delegation’s journey. “From the moment we arrived, the hospitality shown to us was extraordinary, and the mutual respect and connection between our people could be felt in every moment. These ties are not just symbolic — they are personal, lived and continually evolving.”

The trip began with a July 21 visit to Mimasaka and meeting with Mayor Seiji Hagiwara and city officials.

Kawakami and the Kaua‘i delegation attended a captivating kendo exhibition July 22 followed by a scenic visit to Berupiru Nature Park. That evening, Kawakami participated in a Sister City signing ceremony, marking the first official Sister City relationship established under his administration.

“This is more than a ceremonial exchange,” Kawakami said in the release. “Our Sister City relationships reflect a shared commitment to peace, understanding and the celebration of unique cultures. These friendships remind us that local governments have a role to play in fostering global unity.”

While previous administrations formalized several such partnerships, Kawakami has focused on building meaningful connections, where time and energy can be invested to deepen mutual understanding and long-term cooperation.

The group toured on July 23 a preserved stretch of the historic Nakasendo trade route, followed by a traditional Japanese pastry-making demonstration. These immersive experiences allowed the delegation to appreciate the craftsmanship and stories that continue to define rural Japan.

Their visit continued July 24 in Moriyama, where Kawakami was received by Mayor Takafumi Morinaka.

A formal ceremony commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Moriyama and Kaua‘i, during which Kawakami delivered remarks emphasizing the strength and longevity of this international bond.

“As we honored 5 decades of friendship with Moriyama, I was given the opportunity to reflect on the many people whose lives have been enriched by this relationship,” said Kawakami in the release. “It was a powerful reminder that continuity, mutual learning and shared values can bridge even the widest oceans.”

The Kaua‘i delegation toured that afternoon the Ohminchi Farmers Cooperative Market and the new Moriyama City Library. Their itinerary that day also included a hula workshop hosted at the library and a visit to Myoren Park, renowned for its lotus blossoms.

They later visited Lake Biwa Park and attended an official reception hosted at the Biwako Marriott Resort Hotel, bringing together local leaders, artists and community members.

Kawakami and the delegation traveled south July 25 to Suō-Ōshima, one of Kaua‘i’s longest-standing Sister Cities, with a relationship spanning 63 years and historical ties dating back to the migration more than a century ago of Japanese laborers to Hawai‘i.

The delegation was welcomed by municipal staff before joining residents at the Sata Hula Festival along the island’s oceanfront. Kawakami addressed attendees during the evening reception at the Hotel & Resort Sunshine Sazanseto.

“The hula festivals in Suō-Ōshima are symbolic of the beautiful cultural exchange that continues to thrive between our islands,” said Kawakami in the release. “Seeing residents here dance hula with such respect and joy filled me with gratitude. It speaks volumes about the way aloha has taken root far beyond our shores.”

The following day was rich with symbolic and cultural significance as the delegation visited the Nagaura Green Stay Sports & Hotel facility, which includes a building modeled after Kaua‘i’s own Historic County Building in Līhu‘e.

Their itinerary also included a tour of the Museum of Japanese Emigration to Hawai‘i, where Kawakami and his team reflected on the enduring impact of Japanese immigrants in shaping Hawai‘i’s social and economic fabric.

“Visiting the museum and seeing the stories of those who left Japan for Hawai‘i was deeply emotional,” said Kawakami in the release. “These individuals laid the foundation for the generations that followed, and they remind us of the resilience and courage it takes to bridge cultures and create new communities.”

A hula workshop for students and adults was conducted later that day at the Suō-Ōshima Culture Center, allowing participants to connect through shared movement and tradition.

The day concluded with a heartfelt farewell dinner hosted by local restaurateur and community leader Chairman Yanai at Arakawa Restaurant.

Kawakami and the Kaua‘i delegration paid a final visit on July 27 to Mayor Kiyotaka Fujimoto before concluding their trip with a half-day tour in Kyoto the following morning.

The delegation departed July 28 from Japan, returning home with strengthened partnerships and lasting memories.

“This visit reaffirmed the values we share with our Japanese counterparts: community, family and respect for tradition,” said Kawakami in the release. “On behaslf of the people of Kaua‘i, I offer my sincere appreciation to our hosts, and I look forward to building on these relationships in the years to come.”