By Staff Reports
(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 Rick Blangiardi and Mayor Toru Togashi of Shonai signed the historic agreement alongside Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters and Shonai Town Council Chairman Tamotsu Ishikawa. The ceremony featured cultural performances by the Royal Hawaiian Band Glee Club and haumāna (students) from Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Ānuenue, reflecting the aloha spirit and friendship that have long connected Honolulu and Shonai.
The friendship between the two communities began more than two decades ago, inspired by a young man from Shonai who studied in Hawai‘i and built lifelong relationships that eventually led to student exchange programs between Shonai and Honolulu schools. Those programs have continued to grow through the dedication of former Hawai‘i State Senator Brian Taniguchi and Masashi Ando, a Honolulu native now living in Shonai.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi, City Council Chair Tommy Waters, Council Members, and administration officials join Shonai Mayor Toru Togashi, the Shonai Town Council Chairman, and delegation members
“The friendship between Honolulu and Shonai began 23 years ago when a young man from Shonai studied in Hawai‘i,” said Shonai Mayor Toru Togashi. “Through the warm support of many people, including former Hawai‘i State Senator Mr. Brian Taniguchi and his host family, Ms. Shaunna Gutina Touchi, we have now reached this historic day of the Friendship City signing ceremony. I feel deeply grateful, honored, and truly delighted. I sincerely hope that this new partnership will lead to lasting exchanges in education, industry, culture, and sports, and further strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two communities.”
“Today marks a meaningful chapter in our city’s ongoing friendship with Shonai,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “This partnership reflects our shared values of learning, culture, and community. By deepening our ties, we are creating opportunities for our keiki and future generations to connect, exchange ideas, and build bridges of understanding that will endure for years to come.”
The Honolulu City Council unanimously approved Resolution 25-141 in May 2025, officially establishing the Friendship City relationship and recognizing the educational and cultural benefits already fostered through exchange programs between local schools in Mānoa and Shonai.
“This friendship city relationship embodies more than mere goodwill; it reflects our shared commitment to fostering collaboration,” said Council Chair Tommy Waters. “Our cities each have a profound appreciation for culture, innovation, and sustainability. This partnership provides us with a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, celebrate our common heritage, and collectively strive toward a future that acknowledges and honors both our communities and their environments.”
As the ceremony concluded, the mayors and council leaders exchanged gifts symbolizing goodwill and continued collaboration. Both cities expressed optimism that this new partnership will serve as a foundation for future cooperation in education, industry, and cultural exchange—strengthening the enduring friendship between Honolulu and Shonai.