Celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the Hokkaido–Massachusetts Sister Relationship (Oct 22-23, 2025)
October 25, 2025
On October 22, a ceremony marking the 35th anniversary of the sister relationship between Hokkaido and Massachusetts was held at the Massachusetts State House. The delegation from Hokkaido, led by Mr. Shinichi Hamasaka, Vice Governor of Hokkaido, and Mr. Joichi Ito, Speaker of the Hokkaido Legislative Assembly, attended the event.
In honor of the occasion, Governor Maura Healey proclaimed October 22, 2025, as “Hokkaido Day” in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. During the ceremony, Governor Healey and Vice Governor Hamasaka exchanged signed documents to renew the sister-state/prefecture agreement for another five years. Following the ceremony, a luncheon hosted by the Massachusetts–Hokkaido Association was held.
That evening, Consul General Seiichiro Takahashi hosted a reception at his official residence. Attendees included State Representatives Carmine Gentile, who visited Hokkaido in June, and State Representative Amy Mah Sangiolo, who has family roots in Hokkaido, as well as Ms. Kiyoko Morita Caine, President of the Massachusetts–Hokkaido Association, and members of the Concord–Nanae Network, who also visited Hokkaido earlier this year. Guests gathered to celebrate the 35th anniversary and further strengthen mutual friendship. The reception also featured displays and tastings of Hokkaido specialty products, which were enjoyed by all participants.
In his remarks, Consul General Takahashi reflected on the historical ties between Massachusetts and Hokkaido, citing the contributions of Dr. William Smith Clark, who came to Japan as Vice Principal of the Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University), and Mr. William Wheeler, one of his students who later became Vice Principal and designed the Sapporo Clock Tower. He emphasized the great potential for further collaboration between Hokkaido and Massachusetts across various fields, reaffirming the Consulate’s commitment to serving as a convening power that connects Japan and Massachusetts and a catalyst for future growth.
On October 23, the Hokkaido delegation, accompanied by Consul General Takahashi, visited the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where Dr. Clark once served as president, and laid flowers at his grave in tribute to his enduring legacy.
In honor of the occasion, Governor Maura Healey proclaimed October 22, 2025, as “Hokkaido Day” in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. During the ceremony, Governor Healey and Vice Governor Hamasaka exchanged signed documents to renew the sister-state/prefecture agreement for another five years. Following the ceremony, a luncheon hosted by the Massachusetts–Hokkaido Association was held.
That evening, Consul General Seiichiro Takahashi hosted a reception at his official residence. Attendees included State Representatives Carmine Gentile, who visited Hokkaido in June, and State Representative Amy Mah Sangiolo, who has family roots in Hokkaido, as well as Ms. Kiyoko Morita Caine, President of the Massachusetts–Hokkaido Association, and members of the Concord–Nanae Network, who also visited Hokkaido earlier this year. Guests gathered to celebrate the 35th anniversary and further strengthen mutual friendship. The reception also featured displays and tastings of Hokkaido specialty products, which were enjoyed by all participants.
In his remarks, Consul General Takahashi reflected on the historical ties between Massachusetts and Hokkaido, citing the contributions of Dr. William Smith Clark, who came to Japan as Vice Principal of the Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University), and Mr. William Wheeler, one of his students who later became Vice Principal and designed the Sapporo Clock Tower. He emphasized the great potential for further collaboration between Hokkaido and Massachusetts across various fields, reaffirming the Consulate’s commitment to serving as a convening power that connects Japan and Massachusetts and a catalyst for future growth.
On October 23, the Hokkaido delegation, accompanied by Consul General Takahashi, visited the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where Dr. Clark once served as president, and laid flowers at his grave in tribute to his enduring legacy.
At luncheon
Consul General Takahashi gave a speech
Reception at the official resdence of Consul General
Consul General Takahashi's speech at reception
Vice Governor Hamasaka's speech at reception
Hokkaido specialty products
At UMass Amherst
At Dr. Clark's grave