Hawai‘i Governor Josh Green Bolsters Ties with Japan, Secures Clean Energy Agreements during Tokyo and Okinawa Visit

Hawai‘i's commitment to clean energy and strengthening international relationships took a significant step forward, as Governor Josh Green wrapped up a productive visit to Japan. The governor, accompanied by First Lady Jaime Kanani Green and a delegation from Hawai‘i, engaged in a series of meetings aimed at fostering ties in sectors such as clean energy, business development, education, and culture, according to a news release from the Office of the Governor.

While in Tokyo, Governor Green's dialogue with top executives from NEC Corporation, JERA Co. Inc. and the Yomiuri Shimbun Group was centered on exploring new opportunities for cooperation. In an event at Expo 2025 Osaka, acknowledging America's 250th anniversary, hosted by Ambassador William E. Grayson, Hawai‘i gained recognition. Having had meetings with officials, including U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass, the governor's itinerary demonstrated Hawai‘i's proactive approach to international outreach, the release detailed.

A pivotal moment of the visit was the signing of the Strategic Partnering Agreement on October 6 with JERA Co., Inc. and JERA Americas Inc. This collaboration aims to propel Hawai‘i towards its decarbonization goals, in line with recommendations from January's Alternative Fuels, Repowering, and Energy Transition study by the Hawai‘i State Energy Office. "Together, we’re proving that island communities can lead the world in clean energy and resilience, while honoring the cultural ties that bind us," said Governor Green, as noted in the news release.

Green's Okinawa segment renewed the Five-Year Memorandum of Cooperation on Clean Energy, alongside Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki. Their agreement strengthens the alliance in clean transportation, renewable energy, and grid innovations that started back in 2010. Moreover, this visit celebrated the 40th year of the sister-state relationship with Okinawa and the 125th anniversary of Okinawan immigration to Hawai‘i, continuing to weave the rich tapestry of both societies' social, cultural, and economic identities.

Among the Hawaiian delegation were Senate President Ronald Kouchi, Vice Speaker Linda Ichiyama, Senators Glenn Wakai, Chris Lee, and Michelle Kidani, as well as Representatives Gregg Takayama, Dee Morikawa, and Kyle Yamashita. Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Director James Kunane Tokioka and Hawai‘i State Energy Office Director Mark Glick also joined in the efforts to deepen Hawai‘i-Japan connections. “Japan remains one of Hawai‘i’s most important partners — in energy, commerce, education and people-to-people exchange,” Governor Green emphasized in the release, replenishing the shared dedication to innovation and sustainability.

After the successful mission, Governor Green is scheduled to return to Honolulu tomorrow, with a planned stop in San Francisco for a speaking engagement at the Salesforce Dreamforce Conference. The Office of the Governor’s release includes photos of the weeklong diplomatic effort to reinforce Hawai‘i’s global standing in clean energy and international partnership.