HONOLULU — A formal Sister City agreement between Honolulu and Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan was signed by officials on both sides on Friday, announced Mayor Rick Blangiardi.

The signing ceremony took place at the venue of the Hawaii Expo 2024 in Shibuya City attended by Shibuya City Mayor Ken Hasebe and Chair of the City Assembly Takashi Maruyama welcoming City and County of Honolulu Deputy Managing Director Krishna Jayaram and Chief of Staff Andy Sugg, according to a news release.

Jayaram and Sugg spent three days in Shibuya to meet with Hasebe and members of his administration and toured the city.

Shibuya is Honolulu’s 36th Sister City relationship, its ninth in Japan.

Blangiardi and Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters signed the agreement on May 21 at Honolulu Hale.

“The City and County of Honolulu is thrilled to establish a Sister City partnership with Shibuya, Tokyo,” said Blangiardi in the release. “This agreement symbolizes the strong bonds of friendship and cultural exchange between our cities. We look forward to collaborating on initiatives that will enrich both communities and foster mutual understanding and growth.”

The Sister City agreement illustrates the commitment of Honolulu and Shibuya to promote cultural exchange, economic cooperation and shared best practices.