The relationship between Japan and Hawaii has long been defined by resilience, friendship, and shared values. From the arrival of Japanese immigrants in the Meiji era to today’s multifaceted alliance spanning defense cooperation, disaster resilience, sustainable energy, and cultural exchange, this partnership has continually evolved to meet the challenges of each generation. It also carries profound symbolic weight reminding us of the importance of reconciliation and the enduring peace built on mutual understanding.
Bridges Magazine spoke with Consul General Yoshinori Kodama to explore Japan’s strategic vision for deepening this vital partnership in an era of rising global tensions across the Indo-Pacific.
Bridges: Hawai’i holds a unique position in Japan–U.S. relations, not only as a strategic location in the Indo-Pacific, but also as a cultural and historical bridge between our nations. As Consul General, how do you view Hawai’i’s evolving role in this trilateral relationship, especially in light of current global challenges?
Consul General Yoshinori Kodama (YK): Since my arrival in Honolulu, I have come to deeply appreciate Hawaii’s distinguished role in the Japan–U.S. relationship. Hawaii is more than just a strategic location in the Indo-Pacific—it is a powerful symbol of reconciliation, friendship, and shared values. The state holds a unique place in our shared history, from the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the Meiji era to the generations of Japanese Americans who have shaped local communities and built lasting ties between our nations.
Today, Hawaii continues to serve as a vital bridge—connecting Japan, the U.S., and the broader Indo-Pacific region. This role is especially important amid global challenges facing us, as we work together to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific. Recent sister-city agreements and high-level exchanges, such as Governor Josh Green and Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s visits to Japan as well as the visit by Japanese parliamentary delegates to Hawaii, reflect growing momentum in our strong ties.
This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, a significant milestone that reminds us of the importance of postwar reconciliation and the enduring peace built on mutual understanding. It is an invaluable opportunity to reaffirm the strength of the Japan–U.S. partnership, especially as it continues to evolve in Hawaii.
Community engagement has been a strong focus of your leadership. What cultural programs, community services, or new initiatives is the Consulate currently implementing to further strengthen ties with both Japanese nationals and the broader Japanese-American community in Hawaii?
Community engagement remains central to our mission at the Consulate General. We have close communications and cooperation with various community organizations, including local governments, businesses, Japan-US related associations, academic institutions and others, and work with them to further develop community engagement through a number of cultural, business, and social events.
We are also proud of our involvement in initiatives such as the Kibou for Maui Project, where we collaborated with Maui County and the U.S.-Japan Council to bring lessons of disaster recovery from Tohoku to help Maui residents rebuild after the wildfires. These community-based efforts reflect our commitment to shared resilience.
Through events like the Japan-U.S. Military Programme (JUMP) reception, along with the Japan America Society of Hawaii (JASH) and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA, we bring together service members, civilians, and community leaders to reaffirm the human connections that sustain our alliance.
Promoting people-to-people exchange is also important to facilitate community engagement. One key initiative was the signing of the Action Plan for Facilitating the Entry of Visitors to Hawaii, which I signed with Governor Green in February this year. This agreement seeks to revitalize tourism and people-to-people exchange by facilitating entry processes for Japanese citizens especially for dignitaries and school groups. It also promotes and supports the Mobile Passport Programme and the Global Entry Programme.
Looking forward, we are exploring new avenues of collaboration in sustainable energy, shipbuilding and maintenance, and disaster response—areas that not only build economic ties but reflect shared values and long-term interests.
You’ve highlighted the importance of the Japan–U.S. alliance, including deepening cooperation with INDOPACOM. With events like the JMSDF visit to Honolulu and the JUMP Reception, how are people-to-people exchanges and military partnerships contributing to regional trust-building and security today?
The Japan-U.S. Alliance is the cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. Events such as the JUMP Reception and the visit of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) training squadron are critical in building the mutual trust and operational familiarization that underpin the Japan-U.S. alliance.
Here in Hawaii, the presence of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) creates invaluable opportunities for regular communication and collaboration. I particularly value my day-to-day engagement with military leadership in INDOPACOM. Such engagements help reinforce our shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
The Alliance has also matured to include joint efforts in areas such as cyber defense, space, and advanced technologies. During the first official meeting between Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru and President Donald Trump in February this year, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the respective command structures and enhancing deterrence capabilities. This is a crucial step towards ensuring that our alliance remains adaptable and credible in an increasingly complex security environment.
Japan and Hawai’i share a long-standing relationship built on friendship, respect, and mutual understanding. Looking ahead, what areas of collaboration, whether in economic development, education, climate resilience, or other fields, are you most optimistic about for advancing this partnership?
Looking ahead, I focus on several areas where Japan and Hawaii can deepen cooperation. In economic development and tourism, we are hopeful about launching new Japan-led investment projects in Hawaii, especially following Japan’s broader commitment to increase investment in the U.S. through recent negotiations. We are also working closely with the State of Hawaii to revitalize Japanese tourism, supported by the signing of the Action Plan for Facilitating the Entry of Visitors to Hawai’i.
In climate resilience and disaster response, we are actively engaging with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) on collaborative projects, building on successful endeavors like the Kibou for Maui initiative, which brought Japan’s post-disaster recovery experience from Tohoku to support Maui’s wildfire recovery. The tsunami warnings in July also underscored the importance of ongoing cooperation in early warning systems and community preparedness, areas where Japan’s expertise can be invaluable to Hawaii.
On green energy and sustainability, we continue our long-standing collaboration with organizations such as the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR) located in Hawaii, and are exploring new partnerships with Japanese companies engaged in clean energy investment in Hawaii, supporting both regions’ carbon-neutral goals.
Under Consul General Kodama’s leadership, the Japan–Hawaii relationship continues to flourish through strategic partnerships that span disaster recovery collaboration, military cooperation, educational exchanges, and sustainable energy initiatives.
Lastly, education and youth exchange remain a vital part of our relationship. Programmes like the JET Program, MEXT Scholarship, Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship, Obuchi Student Scholarship, and the Kakehashi Project, along with sister city exchanges, continue to foster mutual understanding, and prepare the next generation of leaders who will strengthen the Japan–Hawaii partnership for years to come. In this context, the Osaka–Kansai Expo, which has been underway since April, offers a meaningful opportunity for people from Hawaii to engage with Japan and the global community. With participation from over 150 countries, the Expo highlights innovation, sustainability, and cultural exchange—values that resonate strongly with the Japan–Hawaii relationship. We hope to see continued engagement from Hawaii as the Expo runs through next month, further deepening the connections between our regions.
Under Consul General Kodama’s leadership, the Japan–Hawaii relationship continues to flourish through strategic partnerships that span disaster recovery collaboration, military cooperation, educational exchanges, and sustainable energy initiatives.
What emerges from this conversation is not only the preservation of long-standing ties, but the deliberate construction of a future built on innovation, resilience, and mutual prosperity. Honoring the lessons of the past while ensuring the alliance remains relevant and dynamic for the generations to come.
