{"id":1835,"date":"2025-12-16T20:55:23","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T20:55:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/californiasistercities.org\/?p=1835"},"modified":"2025-12-21T03:41:35","modified_gmt":"2025-12-21T03:41:35","slug":"japan-u-s-leadership-summit-brings-california-and-japanese-leaders-together-to-advance-a-sustainable-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/californiasistercities.org\/?p=1835","title":{"rendered":"Japan\u2013U.S. Leadership Summit Brings California and Japanese Leaders Together to Advance a Sustainable Future"},"content":{"rendered":"

From October 6 to 10, 2025, a delegation of California mayors, county officials, and civic leaders traveled to Japan to participate in the Japan\u2013United States Leadership Summit, a high-level international program organized by the Japan\u2013United States Sister City Association (JUSSCA), with California Sister Cities organizing the California delegation.<\/p>\n

The delegation program began in Osaka with visits to Expo 2025, where participants explored global innovations in sustainability, artificial intelligence, and smart-city development. California Sister Cities worked closely with local member cities and partner organizations to coordinate participation by municipal leaders and ensure broad regional representation from across California.<\/p>\n

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2025 World Exposition Director General Sachiko Yoshimura, California Sister Cities Chair Dr. Anthony Al-Jamie and West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero<\/figcaption><\/figure>According to California Sister Cities Chair and the head of the delegation, Dr. Anthony Al-Jamie, \u201cThis has been an amazing experience for all of the mayors and county officials. We experienced the true meaning of omotenashi at each and every stop along the way. This exhilarating and perspective-changing experience had a tremendous impact on the delegation. It began with Expo 2025 Osaka, where we experienced the world coming together under the organization of the host country, Japan, which did an incredible job of efficiently operating one of the most complex and ambitious undertakings of any event in the world this year. Not only did the delegation have the opportunity to view all of the cultural festivities and innovative solutions presented, but we also had the privilege of seeing the Emperor and Empress drive through the crowd. Just being at the Expo on the same day as the Emperor and Empress was truly an unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

Warm Welcome from Kansai Mayors<\/Strong>
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Kansai official exchanges business cards with Laguna Hills Mayor Joshua Sweeney<\/figcaption><\/figure>On the evening of October 6, the delegation was warmly welcomed by mayors from across the Kansai region. \u201cThrough their heartwarming speeches, we could feel the true warmth and energy that the Mayors of Kansai brought,\u201d said Dr. Al-Jamie.\u201d Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii noted the significance of beginning the trip in Osaka, sharing, \u201cBerkeley has a long-standing relationship with Sakai City, our Japanese sister city [located in Osaka Prefecture]. I was very excited to meet Mayor Hideki Nagafuji of Sakai and present him with gifts from Berkeley, including a Visit Berkeley magazine in Japanese. Meeting other Japanese mayors and dignitaries at our Summit\u2019s evening dinner and visiting Expo 2025 Osaka before it closes was an amazing experience. We were also able to visit the U.S. Pavilion activation, which showcased the country\u2019s milestones and space initiatives.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sausalito Councilmember Jill Hoffman also strengthened ties with their sister city located near Osaka, saying, \u201cI was honored to meet with Mayor Tetsuji Arifuku of Sausalito\u2019s Sister City, Sakaide, Japan. We discussed several sustainable initiatives, including transitioning an oil refinery to hydrogen energy and a pilot program for driverless electric public buses.\u201d<\/p>\n

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City of Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes at Komekurayama Green Hydrogen Facility<\/figcaption><\/figure>City of Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes reflected on the delegation\u2019s introduction to Japan\u2019s innovative spirit: \u201cThe California delegates kicked off the visit by touring the Japanese Expo, which featured cutting-edge technology from around the world.\u201d Her colleague, City of Carson Councilmember Arleen Rojas, emphasized the importance of partnership, saying, \u201cCollaboration is power! Thank you to the Japan\u2013U.S. Leadership Summit for sharing the official goals of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The World Expo is an international exhibition of each country\u2019s latest and best inventions and innovations. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect, learn, and share ideas as we look forward to continued collaboration ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fuji\u2013California Leaders Summit hosted by Yamanashi and Shizuoka Governors<\/strong>
\nThe delegation then traveled by bullet train to Shizuoka and on to Yamanashi, where they were greeted by Shizuoka Governor Yasutomo Suzuki and Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki, along with Fuji\u2013California Leaders Summit Chair Dr. Hiroshi Tasaka at the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum. The group toured the Komekurayama Green Hydrogen Facility, gaining first-hand insight into Yamanashi Prefecture\u2019s leadership in clean energy and hydrogen innovation.<\/p>\n

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Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike receives a gift from Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii<\/figcaption><\/figure>Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii reflected, \u201cWe heard presentations from Yamanashi Prefectural government officials regarding green hydrogen initiatives & research on medical devices. I had a one-on-one session with Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki & Dr. Hiroshi Tasaka, a prominent Japanese author and former Special Advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister, where we discussed opportunities for collaboration between Berkeley and Yamanashi.\u201d <\/p>\n

Fairfield Mayor Catherine Moy added, \u201cI met one-on-one with Dr. Hiroshi Tasaka and Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki to discuss how we can bring technology for zero-carbon hydrogen fuel to Fairfield and also trade in Suisun Valley\u2019s products. I will sign on to some initiatives to bring our youth together through art. We\u2019re making huge progress in building diplomatic and business ties.\u201d She added, \u201cI\u2019ve learned so much from colleagues, government officials, Japanese citizens, academic officials, business people, and many youth. I\u2019m beyond honored to have had the chance to represent my hometown on the world stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

United Nations University in Tokyo<\/strong>
\nThe Summit concluded with two days of keynote presentations and dialogue at United Nations University (UNU) in Tokyo, where U.S. and Japanese leaders shared initiatives advancing sustainable cities, digital transformation, and cross-cultural collaboration.<\/p>\n

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Former Foreign Minister\/Minister of Digital Transformation Taro Kono<\/figcaption><\/figure>Featured speakers included Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, Former Foreign Minister and Minister for Digital Transformation Taro Kono, Architects Shigeru Ban and Paul Noritaka Tange, former Japan Ambassador to the U.S. Kenichiro Sasae, and UNU Rector Dr. Tshilidzi Marwala, alongside U.S. civic leaders presenting local innovations in sustainability and community development.<\/p>\n

Governor Koike urged stronger multi-city cooperation and resilience, outlining Tokyo\u2019s Green Biz and AI Strategy 2025 initiatives for sustainable, tech-driven urban growth. She reflected on the historic friendship between the two nations: \u201cThe U.S. and Japan have enjoyed a strong, long-standing friendship that has been enriched by deepening exchanges across 171 years\u2026 As longstanding partners, the United States and Japan must join hands to forge a bright future filled with hope. While deepening ties with the United States, Tokyo will take the initiative in working to solve global challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n

Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii shared her reflections on the Summit\u2019s closing days: \u201cAs the youngest mayor in our delegation, and as a Japanese American, it was an honor to represent Berkeley in an international setting, promote tourism, and encourage business collaborations. We are positioning Berkeley as an environmental leader with much potential for partnership with Japan. At the United Nations University, I spoke on \u2018Building Consensus,\u2019 a topic I find extremely valuable during these critical times. It was an honor to share the stage with Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and other global leaders advancing sustainability and innovation.\u201d<\/p>\n

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United Nations University Rector Dr. Tshilidzi Marwala<\/figcaption><\/figure>Governor Koike\u2019s message of shared responsibility and innovation resonated throughout the Summit. Shigeru Ban and Paul Tange explored the intersection of architecture, community, and sustainability, while Dr. Marwala highlighted AI\u2019s potential to create equitable, connected global cities, stating, \u201cStrengthening city-level ties is vital for sustainable and inclusive futures\u201d. A demonstration by Mobeon Tokyo CEO Daishi Takiishi showcased emerging AI-powered urban technologies.<\/p>\n

To mark the new strategic partnership between the United Nations University and the Japan\u2013United States Sister City Association, JUSSCA Chairman Shin Koyamada noted, \u201cThe Summit served as a platform to explore cross-cultural partnerships and identify pathways for local and global development.\u201d<\/p>\n

A special tribute organized by Anaheim University honored the late sustainable architect Dr. Kisho Kurokawa (1934\u20132007). The memorial featured JUSSCA Chair Anthony Al-Jamie, Dial Service CEO Yuri Konno, and Mikio Kurokawa, along with a tribute video by the Anaheim University Kisho Kurokawa Green Institute, celebrating Kurokawa\u2019s enduring legacy of ecological design and his philosophy of \u201csymbiosis\u201d in architecture.<\/p>\n

\"\"The Delegation<\/strong>
\nThe California delegation, who presented their city initiatives, included: Lula Davis-Holmes, (City of Carson Mayor), Arleen Rojas City of Carson Councilmember), Adena Ishii (Berkeley Mayor), Kelly Cox (Santa Clara Vice-Mayor), Luis A. McArthur (Oxnard Mayor), Joshua Sweeney (Laguna Hills Mayor), Catherine Moy (Fairfield Mayor), Kim Bowman (La Ca\u00f1ada Flintridge Mayor), Mona Miyasato (Santa Barbara County Executive Officer), Oscar Gutierrez (Santa Barbara City Councilmember), Tania Sheyner (San Francisco Principal Environmental Planner), Jill Hoffman (Sausalito Councilmember), John Wu (San Gabriel Councilmember), Jon Kaji (Torrance Councilmember), Martha Guerrero (West Sacramento Mayor), and Ara Najarian (Glendale Mayor).<\/p>\n

\"\"The Summit, which held a welcome reception at UNU on Oct. 9, concluded with a Sayonara Reception on Oct. 10, featuring a kimono show with live jazz and shamisen performances, celebrating strengthened sister-city partnerships and shared commitments to climate resilience, digital inclusion, and intercultural understanding. Dr. Al-Jamie stated, \u201cThese receptions couldn\u2019t have been done without the important support of the U.S.-Japan Foundation and the Japan Foundation\u2019s CULCON.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Santa Barbara County Executive Officer Mona Miyasato<\/figcaption><\/figure>Reflecting on the presentations, Santa Barbara County Executive Officer Mona Miyasato shared, \u201cI was so excited to hear from the acclaimed Japanese architects Shigeru Ban and Paul Tange, who shared their invaluable insight with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

San Gabriel City Councilmember John Wu noted that several Japanese cities expressed interest in forming friendships with San Gabriel and shared an inspiring message, emphasizing that few nations offer immigrants like himself the opportunity to serve as public officials.<\/p>\n

West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero expressed her gratitude for the experience: \u201cI enjoyed the culture and the history as we walked around that beautiful [Hotel New Otani Tokyo] garden. It is such an incredible experience being here in Japan, and I am so thankful to the foundation, partners, and our host, Dr. Anthony Al-Jamie, for all the hard work that went into this. And to United Nations University, Dr. Marwala, for opening up your space for us to be present\u2014it is such an honor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Building on that spirit of appreciation, Santa Barbara City Councilmember Oscar Gutierrez shared, \u201cThis trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I am so appreciative and grateful to the Japan\u2013United States Sister City Association and the Japanese government.\u201d His remarks echoed the gratitude expressed by fellow delegates and underscored the powerful sense of connection felt throughout the Summit.<\/p>\n

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Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki, Fairfield Mayor Catherine Moy & Fuji-California Leaders Summit Chair Dr. Hiroshi Tasaka<\/figcaption><\/figure>Fairfield Mayor Catherine Moy later reflected on her experience in Tokyo, saying, \u201cWhat a city! I\u2019ve been to Paris, Chicago, LA, Dallas, New York, Seattle, and more\u2014but Tokyo has more bustle, energy, and flavor, all amid its deep sense of ancient culture.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adding a reflective note to the Summit, Mason Granger, Poet-in-Residence at the University of Southern California Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy, who cited poetry during presentations and receptions in Yamanashi and Tokyo, felt, \u201cWe may look at the water from different sides, but at the end of the day, it\u2019s the same ocean.\u201d His words captured the spirit of unity that defined the Japan\u2013U.S. Leadership Summit\u2014bridging cultures, cities, and ideas through dialogue and shared purpose.<\/p>\n

The October 6-10, 2025, Japan-United States Leadership Summit was organized by the Japan\u2013United States Sister City Association (JUSSCA) and California Sister Cities, and sponsored by the United Nations University (UNU), United States\u2013Japan Foundation, Japan Foundation\u2019s CULCON, and Attain Corporation.<\/p>\n