Mayor Arakawa to Meet with Japanese Prince and Princess Akishino

Mayor Arakawa to Meet with Japanese Prince and Princess Akishino to Mark the Anniversary of Japanese Immigrants to Hawaiʻi. PC: Mayor Arakawa sitting down with Governor Yuzaki of Hiroshima prefecture. File image.

Mayor Alan Arakawa joined Governor David Ige, his wife and other dignitaries for dinner with Japanese Imperial Highness Prince and Princess Akishino Tuesday night on Oʻahu.

Dinner was held at Washington Place, in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the Gannenmono – the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaiʻi.

“This is a tremendous occasion, and Ann and I are honored to be a part of it,” said Mayor Alan Arakawa. “The first Japanese immigrants here laid the foundation for all of us who came later. It is the reason why we continue to have strong relationships with Japan to this day.”

Mayor Arakawa to Meet with Japanese Prince and Princess Akishino to Mark the Anniversary of Japanese Immigrants to Hawaiʻi. PC: file image of Fukuyama visit and rose festival celebration.

Mayor Arakawa and a delegation from Maui County were just in Japan to celebrate events there with sister city Fukuyama, including taking part in the city’s famous rose festival. While there, Fukuyama and Maui County recognized the 10-year anniversary of their sister-city relationship. The mayor also met with Gov. Hidehiko Yuzaki of the Hiroshima prefecture and dedicated 1,300 origami cranes at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park on behalf of Maui citizens.

For more information about Maui County’s sister cities please check out https://www.mauicounty.gov/857/Sister-Cities” on the County website.