The Japan Society of Boston

It was a great honor for us to get invited to the annual Gala dinner of the Japan Society of Boston. This year, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Boston's first formal Sister City partnership signed with the City of Kyoto on June 24, 1959.

The friendship began when Mayor Takayama of Kyoto visited Boston for a conference. He was struck that both cities were centers of culture and education. He proposed that Boston and Kyoto partner for official cultural exchange and Mayor John Hynes of Boston accepted.

The similarities between the two cities remain striking. Both Kyoto and Boston have thriving populations of several million people, living in urban areas with distinctive, historical landmarks. Residents of both towns enjoy outdoor recreation along the riverside - the Charles River in Boston and the Kamogawa River in Kyoto. Their climates are also similar, and both are destinations for tourists to view autumn foliage.

Each year, the Annual Gala Dinner of The Japan Society of Boston celebrates global citizens whose life's work has helped to build peace and friendship between Boston, Japan, and the world. The Dinner also provides an opportunity to support the diverse activities of the Japan Society of Boston, a catalyst for cultural, educational, and business ties between our nations.

Boston welcomed the Mayor of Kyoto, Daisaku Kadokawa. The Society also invited Nobel Laureate and Kyoto University Distinguished Professor, Tasuku Honjo, to attend the event. Since Joi Ito is from Kyoto Japan and also the main sponsor for this wonderful event, he had an opening speech to celebrate this friendship.

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the friendship, many special events are being held in Boston. Japan Festival Boston will be held this weekend on April 27 to 28 with food booths, workshops, stage performances, etc. It aims to introduce authentic Japanese culture and pass on traditions to the next generation. CIC ArtWeek: Global Arts, Eats & Beats was held on May 3 to introduce the roots of Japanese cultural traditions through art, food, and music.

Japan gave a Japanese-style house where my wife practices Japanese tea ceremony, to the Boston Children’s Museum for its 20th anniversary. Before that Boston received two cherry blossoms, in addition to four Japanese gardens. These ties and current efforts signal a bright future between Boston and Kyoto. How amazing are they? I am so proud of my country and this friendship.

Congratulations to the city of Kyoto and Boston in the 60th year of the sister city partnership! 60th anniversary is the special number called “kanreki,” which means a new beginning, a rebirth, and a time to imagine the bright possibilities ahead. I’m honored to be there to celebrate this special occasion.

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