Japan’s southwestern prefecture of Okinawa and the US state of Hawaii have celebrated this year’s 40th anniversary of their sister relationship. It also marks 125 years since the first group of immigrants from Okinawa arrived in Hawaii.
A ceremony to commemorate the 40th anniversary took place at the Hawaii governor’s official residence in Honolulu on Friday.
About 300 people from both sides attended, including Okinawa Governor Tamaki Denny and the mayors of municipalities in the prefecture.
Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke noted in a speech that many people of Okinawan ancestry have made great contributions to the state.
She added that Hawaii and Okinawa can together strive to increase economic activity through such efforts as an expansion and diversification of industries.
Tamaki said Okinawa wants to deepen ties with Hawaii through continued collaboration in many fields, including education, industry and medicine.
He also said all residents of Okinawa will warmly welcome people from Hawaii when it holds its own ceremony in October to mark the 40th anniversary of the sister relationship.
The participants later exchanged viewpoints over meals before launching into Okinawa’s traditional dance.
A two-day event began in Hawaii on Saturday to let people familiarize themselves with Okinawa’s food and culture as well as the history of Okinawan immigration to Hawaii.
AloJapan.com