Hawaii Governor Josh Green Concludes Weeklong Visit to Japan, Bolstering Clean Energy Partnerships

Governor Green Strengthens Hawai'i-Japan Relations

Hawaii Governor Josh Green concluded a weeklong visit to Japan on October 13, 2025, leading a delegation through Tokyo, Osaka, and Okinawa. The visit aimed to strengthen partnerships across various sectors, including clean energy, business development, education, and culture. Governor Green was accompanied by First Lady Jaime Kanani Green.

Key Agreements Advance Decarbonization Goals

A significant outcome of the visit was the signing of a Five-Year Memorandum of Cooperation on Clean Energy with Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki. This agreement renews a partnership that originated in 2010 between the Hawai'i State Energy Office and the Okinawa Prefectural Government, focusing on shared goals for renewable energy, clean transportation, and grid innovation across island communities. Governor Green emphasized the shared purpose, stating, 'Hawai'i and Okinawa share more than history, we share purpose. Together, we're proving that island communities can lead the world in clean energy and resilience, while honoring the cultural ties that bind us.'

Furthermore, a Strategic Partnering Agreement was signed on October 6 with JERA Co., Inc. and JERA Americas Inc., establishing a framework for collaboration to support Hawaiʻi's decarbonization goals. JERA, recognized as the largest power producer in Japan and a significant global player, has committed to eliminating carbon dioxide emissions from its operations by 2050. This agreement will advance clean energy initiatives recommended in the Alternative Fuels, Repowering and Energy Transition study published by the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office in January 2025.

Engagements and Cultural Milestones

During his time in Tokyo, Governor Green held meetings with senior leaders from NEC Corporation, JERA Co. Inc., and the Yomiuri Shimbun Group to explore opportunities in technology, energy, and tourism. The delegation also visited Expo 2025 Osaka, where Hawai'i received recognition during a United States Pavilion event. Governor Green met with officials from Japan, France, and the U.S. Pavilion, including U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass.

The visit also commemorated two significant anniversaries: the 40th anniversary of the Hawai'i–Okinawa sister-state relationship and the 125th anniversary of Okinawan immigration to Hawai'i. These milestones underscore the deep historical and cultural connections between the two island communities. Governor Green remarked, 'Japan remains one of Hawai'i's most important partners — in energy, commerce, education and people-to-people exchange. This mission reaffirms our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and friendship that extends far beyond the Pacific.'

Future Outlook

The agreements and discussions held during the visit are expected to foster continued cooperation and accelerate Hawai'i's transition to a clean energy future, leveraging Japan's expertise and commitment to sustainability. Governor Green is scheduled to return to Honolulu on October 15, following a stop in San Francisco.