Mayor Mitch Roth announced the establishment of a new sister city relationship between Hawaiʻi County and Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima.

The relationship, which will foster exchanges in tourism, culture, education, and business, enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation, was affirmed by a signing ceremony held in Hatsukaichi, where Mayor Mitch Roth, Mayor Tarō Matsumoto, members of the Hawaiʻi County Council, members of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaiʻi, the Honorary Consul of Japan in Hilo, Art Taniguchi, and esteemed members of government from Hatsukaichi were present.

In a press release Mayor Roth said, “Many of our residents have family roots that trace back to Hiroshima, making this partnership not just a formal relationship but a rekindling of familial bonds and history. Through this sister city connection, we hope to honor and deepen the rich cultural heritage that many of our Japanese-American families bring to Hawaiʻi.”

Photo credit: Office of Mayor Mitch Roth