The California-Japan Sister Cities Network 2025 Summer Workshop Held
2025/7/18
On July 12, the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, the California–Japan Sister Cities Network (CJSCN) and the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco co-hosted the “California-Japan Sister Cities 2025 Summer Workshop” at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles.
In his remarks, Consul General Kenko Sone noted that as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the current Japan–U.S. relationship stands as one of the most vital bilateral relationships in the world. Furthermore, sister-city partnerships have underpinned bilateral ties at the grassroots level. He also expressed his appreciation to CJSCN President Megumi Mizutani and California State Assemblymember Catherine Stefani, who sent a video message for the event.
The workshop featured pitch-style presentations from various organizations in fields such as Japanese pop culture, government, education, and tourism, each sharing details of their work and Japan–U.S. exchange experiences. From the sister-city side, Mr. Brian Takeda of Hikari no Sato (Pasadena–Mishima), Ms. Hannah Majidi, President of the Glendora Sister City Association, and board member Mr. Erik Osborne (Glendora–Moka) gave presentations highlighting their respective programs.
At the reception, companies such as Aniplex of America, known for popularizing Demon Slayer in the U.S., and Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America, which operates Gashapon machines across the country, hosted booths. The event served as a valuable opportunity for participants from 25 sister cities, mainly across Southern California, to exchange ideas on how Japanese culture continues to play a vital role in strengthening Japan–U.S. ties.
In his remarks, Consul General Kenko Sone noted that as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the current Japan–U.S. relationship stands as one of the most vital bilateral relationships in the world. Furthermore, sister-city partnerships have underpinned bilateral ties at the grassroots level. He also expressed his appreciation to CJSCN President Megumi Mizutani and California State Assemblymember Catherine Stefani, who sent a video message for the event.
The workshop featured pitch-style presentations from various organizations in fields such as Japanese pop culture, government, education, and tourism, each sharing details of their work and Japan–U.S. exchange experiences. From the sister-city side, Mr. Brian Takeda of Hikari no Sato (Pasadena–Mishima), Ms. Hannah Majidi, President of the Glendora Sister City Association, and board member Mr. Erik Osborne (Glendora–Moka) gave presentations highlighting their respective programs.
At the reception, companies such as Aniplex of America, known for popularizing Demon Slayer in the U.S., and Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America, which operates Gashapon machines across the country, hosted booths. The event served as a valuable opportunity for participants from 25 sister cities, mainly across Southern California, to exchange ideas on how Japanese culture continues to play a vital role in strengthening Japan–U.S. ties.
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