Northern and Central Californian Sister Cities in Japan
2025/5/29
California and Japan share a long history of mutual exchange and cooperation, not only at the economic and diplomatic levels, but also at the people-to-people level.
According to statistics issued by the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations
(CLAIR), as of May 1, 2025 there are 467 sister-city relationships between Japan and the U.S., and Japan has more sister city relationships with the U.S. than with any other country. Of these, there are 112 sister city relationships between California and Japan as well as a sister state relationship between the State of California and Osaka Prefecture, making California the U.S. state with the largest number of Japanese sister cities. Among the Japan-California relationships, 67 are within this Consulate's jurisdiction.
Interactions through sister city relationships include mutual visits to the cities by mayors and citizens, anniversary events, student exchanges, and economic exchanges.
The Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco is proud to support activities resulting from these sister city relationships, based on the idea that the promotion of grassroots relations through sister city interactions further strengthens overall relations between Japan and the U.S.
If you wish to invite the Consulate to join your sister cities event, please reach out to Mr. Kevin O’Donnell, at (415) 780-6084 or kevin.odonnell@sr.mofa.go.jp
According to statistics issued by the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations
(CLAIR), as of May 1, 2025 there are 467 sister-city relationships between Japan and the U.S., and Japan has more sister city relationships with the U.S. than with any other country. Of these, there are 112 sister city relationships between California and Japan as well as a sister state relationship between the State of California and Osaka Prefecture, making California the U.S. state with the largest number of Japanese sister cities. Among the Japan-California relationships, 67 are within this Consulate's jurisdiction.
Interactions through sister city relationships include mutual visits to the cities by mayors and citizens, anniversary events, student exchanges, and economic exchanges.The Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco is proud to support activities resulting from these sister city relationships, based on the idea that the promotion of grassroots relations through sister city interactions further strengthens overall relations between Japan and the U.S.
If you wish to invite the Consulate to join your sister cities event, please reach out to Mr. Kevin O’Donnell, at (415) 780-6084 or kevin.odonnell@sr.mofa.go.jp
California-Japan Sister Cities Network (CJSCN)
The Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco works closely with the California-Japan Sister Cities Network (CJSCN) to support sister city relationships between Japan and California. Substantive questions such as how to run a sister city program can be directed to CJSCN. CJSCN is a 501(c)(3) organization that aims to provide a network of resources, information, and events for the sister city relationships that exist between the state of California and the country of Japan. Although each of these relationships is unique, the communities, organizations, and individuals involved in the growth and development of these relationships encounter many of the same hurdles and triumphs. CJSCN strives to be a go-to resource for these common aspects, whether it is gathering ideas for fundraising, connecting to new support networks, or even just making new friends who share the same interests in cultural exchange and peace.*For inquiries regarding CJSCN, please reach out to info@caljapansistercities.org or visit their website at https://www.caljapansistercities.org/
Local Government International Affiliation Exchange
The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR), a semi-governmental Japanese organization, provides information and support services for cities in Japan and abroad interested in seeking exchange partners.
