Shared heritage: Kaua‘i County, Ishigaki City of Japan reaffirm Sister City relationship

Kaua‘i County and Ishigaki City, which is located in Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture, reaffirmed their longstanding Sister City relationship Tuesday, celebrating not just their friendship but a rich shared heritage and lifestyle that began with immigrants who came to the Kaua‘i to work in sugar plantations.

Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami and Ishigaki Mayor Yoshitaka Nakayama signed a reaffirmation resolution during a special ceremony at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall in Līhuʻe. This year also marks the 60th anniversary since Kaua‘i County and Ishigaki City established their Sister City relationship, which began in May 1963.

“My heart is overflowing with gratitude as I stand before you today as mayor to reaffirm a promise made to each other 60 years ago,” Kawakami said during the ceremony. “A promise to share our rich cultural heritage, exchange our knowledge through education, strengthen our economics in which we share a vibrant visitor industry and honor our foundation which was built on the backs of our farmers.”

Tuesday’s ceremony included performances by kumu hula Troy Allen Hinano Lazaro and Hālau Ka Pā Hula O Hīnano, Shannon Daliva, Hui Alu – Kaua‘i Okinawan Club and Hawaiian slack key music by Paul Togioka.

Local dignitaries, government officials and county associates participated alongside a delegation of 25 people who traveled from Ishigaki to Kaua‘i for the event, including Nakayama and five of the city’s council members, who will also participate in the statewide Hawai‘i-Japan Sister State and Sister City Summit this week on O‘ahu.

“Although Kaua‘i and Ishigaki are physically far apart, almost 4,800 miles away, it is the many friendship exchanges that have kept our special relationship together until today,” said Nakayama through an interpreter. “It is because of the help and hard work of Mayor Kawakami and the many important Kaua‘i people of the past who have brought us together.”

Tuesday’s ceremony and signing of the resolution put on display a mutual reaffirmation that will contribute to the future prosperity of both islands and their residents by fostering and enhancing friendship, respect and trust.

“Our relationship was started and nurtured many years ago by some people who are not with us anymore,” Kawakami said. “In a sense, this ceremony is in honor of them, for if it had not been for the people that came before Mayor Nakayama and I, this brotherhood, this sisterhood, this bond would not exist.”

“For the citizens of Ishigaki, this 60th anniversary is an honor and a precious resource which is deeply imbedded in their hearts,” Nakayama said.