Images courtesy of Jay Ford/Night.Sky.Creative
In October, the Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) had the honor of welcoming The Honorable Shunichi Kamiya, Mayor of Chiba, and an official Chiba City delegation to Houston — marking the first official visit from Chiba in nearly a decade.
As administrator of the Houston–Chiba Sister City relationship, established more than 50 years ago, JASH curated an itinerary that showcased Houston’s dynamic leadership in innovation, sustainability, and education. The delegation toured TMC Innovation Factory, University of Houston’s Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship, Greentown Labs, and The Ion/Rice Alliance, gaining firsthand insights into Houston’s thriving innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The group also experienced Houston’s cultural vibrancy with visits to The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Japanese Garden, celebrating the city’s creativity, diversity, and deep-rooted commitment to Japan–U.S. exchange.
Celebrating 53 Years of Sister City Friendship
To commemorate this important visit, the Mayor’s Office of Trade and International Affairs, in partnership with JASH, organized a reception at Houston City Hall honoring Mayor Kamiya and the Chiba City delegates. The event, led by Gigi Lee, Chief of International Affairs, and her dedicated team, was hosted by Mayor John Whitmire and celebrated more than half a century of friendship between the two cities.
In recognition of this enduring partnership, October 20 was proclaimed Houston–Chiba Sister City Day, marking 53 years of friendship, exchange, and collaboration.
Adding to the evening’s spirit of connection, the 2025 Houston–Chiba Sister City Youth Ambassadors shared heartfelt reflections on their recent trip to Chiba, underscoring how the next generation continues to strengthen and renew the bonds between Houston and Chiba.
The celebration reaffirmed the long-standing and evolving relationship between the two cities—one built on shared values, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future.
Looking Ahead: The Chiba City Innovators Academy
The visit concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a new partnership between Chiba City and JASH, focused on education, entrepreneurship, and exchange. Building on more than five decades of sister-city friendship, this agreement paves the way for the Chiba City Innovators Academy, set to launch in 2026.
The academy will bring ten high school students from Chiba to Houston, where they will explore innovation, develop business ideas, and learn from real-world entrepreneurs in Houston’s vibrant startup ecosystem.
Together, Houston and Chiba are empowering the next generation of innovators—strengthening a bridge of friendship and collaboration that will continue to inspire for years to come.
📸 Photos by @night.sky.creative
Images courtesy of Jay Ford