Exchange of the mementos between Hokkaido and Hawaii !

by Kazu

The Governor of the State of Hawaii Mr. David Yutaka IGE looked so relaxed and satisfied with their success in that official visit to Hokkaido. 

They had to leave Sapporo after the courtesy call and packaging their luggage in Hotel Prince Sapporo. Some of them would visit Okinawa to take part in the International Okinawan Meeting. 

As you may know, Governor IGE has a root in Okinawa. It might be an important event for Governor IGE as the Star of Honolulu.

 

The Hawaiian Delegation paid a courtesy call on the Vice Speaker !

by Kazu

Everybody looked so happy to take part in the courtesy call paid by the official Hawaiian Delegation headed by Governor IGE. It was his first visit to Hokkaido including the new building of the Hokkaido Legislative Assembly.

A member of the House of Representative in Hawaii Mr. Mark Hashem who was born in Hokkaido and came back as an international student, looked so relaxed and satisfied.

Governor IGE and Vice Speaker Ichihashi exchanged the souvenirs and the opinion on the future develpment of the affiliation.

 

The Hawaiian Delegation visited the Hokkaido Legislative Assembly !

by Kazu

The official delegation from Hawaii headed by Governor David Yutaka IGE paid a courtesy call on the Vice Speaker of the Hokkaido Legislative Assembly and other members. 

It was conducted in the usual manner but  as some of them had been coresponded for years after the official visit of the Hokkaido Delegation to Hawaii , everybody chatted before exchanging the words of appreciation.

The Vice Speaker of the Hokkaido Legislative Assembly Mr. Ichihashi delivered the welcome note first and Governor IGE responded with the words of appreciation.

 

Toast !

by Kazu

We had a supper in Susukino, Sapporo after the officiala reception to welcome the official Hawaiian Delegation and to celebrate the Fifth Anniversary of the Sister-state Affiliation between Hokkaido and Hawaii. 

My friend Mr.Dennis T. Ling and Ms. Marlene Hiraoka would visit Okinawa with Governor IGE to take part in the World Okinawan " Uchinanchu" Meeting to be held in Naha. So they had to save their power. I kept my fingers and toes crossed for their success and safety. 

Even after the official dinner, we could have the culinary delicacies sourced locally in Hokkaido. In order to energize my friends from Hawaii, we ordered a variety of seafood and grilled skewers in the Japanese bistro "Izakaya" that Hawaiian people love so much.

 

Our Friends from Hawaii !

by Kazu

One of our friends from Hawaii Senate Brian Taniguchi will not run next election in Hawaii as Mr. Ren Endo won't in Hokkaido. I was so happy to see his wife Jan this time and have happy time with them.

My former counterpart Mr. Dennis T. LING looked so happy and relaxed after the official reception in the famous bar-hopping area in Susukino, Sapporo.

He smoked and inhaled the air of Susukino deeply. I was so happy to see his smile for the first time after the pandemic of covid-19. We will meet again absolutely.

 

End of the Reception !

by Kazu

I was moved and impressed by the video filmed during the Hawaiian Delegation's stay in Hokkaido. It included the scene of the beginning of this reception. It was so impressive and best way to show the audience the thumbnail of their visit.  

I am not in charge of taking care of the official Hawaiian Delegation but it was so helpful for me to share happy time with the delegation members even after the reception. 

Every participant understood that the Hawaiian Delegation had solid and happy time in their visit to Hokkaido. Bottles of "Aloha Beer" were also served in the reception. More business chances are expected between the regions on top of the educational exchange.   

 

The Hawaiian Delegation's Memorial Visit !

by Kazu

The Hawaiian Delegation kindly took part in the memorial event arranged by the private sector in Hokkaido "Love Hawaii and Hokkaido at Sapporo Factory. They took a memorial photo with the Hokkaido Tourism Promotion Character "Kyun-chan" which motif was a pika living in the highland of Hokkaido. 

Many people swamped to the venue of the event. I really appreciate the efforts for the success of the event and the anniversary visit to Hokkaido exerted by the officers of the governments and the friends of both regions.    

Unfortunately, the former speaker of the Hokkaido Legislative Assembly Mr. Ren ENDO will not run the next election to be called in coming April, 2023 and step down. I hope his enthusiasm will be handed to next generation.