Northern and Central Californian Sister Cities in Japan
According to statistics issued by the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations
(CLAIR), as of August 1, 2021 there are 452 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 106 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, 66 are within this Consulate's jurisdiction.
The interactions through sister-city relationships include mutual visits to the cities by mayors and citizens, anniversary events, student exchange, and economic exchanges.The Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco actively supports activities resulting from these sister-city relationships, based on the idea that the promotion of region-to-region relationships through sister-city interactions further strengthens relations between Japan and the U.S.
Sister City Support Services
In an effort to encourage and facilitate the increasing volume of exchange and grassroots programs between Japanese and Californian cities, the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco looks forward to helping you with your upcoming events and exchange activities.
The Consulate is delighted to provide an array of support services for sister city organizations, schools, and local governments interested in organizing a Japan-related exchange program or activity.
* For inquiries regarding these services, please feel free to contact Mr. Yusuke Shimada, Consul for Intergovernmental Affairs, at (415) 780-6069 or yusuke.shimada@mofa.go.jp, or Mr. Kevin O’Donnell, at (415) 780-6084 or kevin.odonnell@sr.mofa.go.jp.
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.
Northern and Central California Sister Cities Newsletter
In January 2013, the Consulate began publishing a bi-monthly newsletter for all of the sister city relationships in the Consulate’s jurisdiction of Northern and Central California. This newsletter provides a venue to share news among the Consulate and sister city organizations. It is the first step in the Consulate's goal to become more involved in the sister city relationships of Northern and Central California, and enhance reciprocal relationships within the Sister City community.
