New York and Tokyo Celebrate Their Sister City

―What are the characteristics of New York's sister city relationship with Tokyo?

New York City is actually the first sister city that Tokyo ever signed, which makes a lot of sense, because we share a lot of common opportunities, but also common challenges. Since then, we have developed a robust ongoing economic development relationship that we continue to strengthen, most recently through the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2024. We also understand that there are shared challenges that we face, particularly when it comes to infrastructure development and climate mitigation, that we are combating together through mutual knowledge sharing. 

This year, it is such a delight to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the sister city relationship between our two cities. Our relationship represents the consistent cooperation between two of the globe's megacities, and every opportunity we have to meet, we see something great comes of that, so we look forward to more cooperation in the future. 

―What is the attractiveness of Tokyo as a sister city?

Tokyo is a global leader in urban innovation and sustainability, and smart infrastructure. Its meticulous urban planning, cultural vibrancy, and commitment to technological advancement make it a natural partner to New York City. We also believe that Tokyo's most attractive quality is its people. The team working at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is always thinking about how to make the lives of their citizens better, and that is something we, as public servants in New York, are always thinking about as well.  

―What is the importance of an MOU between New York and Tokyo regarding infrastructure and economic cooperation?

In terms of infrastructure, we are all realizing that the "once in a lifetime" emergencies are no longer once in a lifetime, so it is really important for us to be talking, planning, and preparing so that when those moments happen, everyone is able to really meet the challenge of that day. The MOU allows us to easily share how we are building our cities, the tools that we are using, and how we bear in mind the needs of our residents.

Regarding economic cooperation, a few months back we had a CEO round table where many of Japan's biggest corporate CEOs came together along with New York city departments, including our own, to discuss not only what New York has to offer, but what obstacles they may be facing when starting or expanding their business in New York. Through the MOU, we are able to resolve, or at least look at the steps needed to resolve, those issues. This kind of economic cooperation, both on a private and government level, makes our cities' relationship stronger.

―What are your thoughts on SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025?

First, the name is genius. Walking in there yesterday was magical. It was great to see so many people coming together and to see how many other countries and cities were represented. In the short time we were there yesterday, we were already engaging with so many people. SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025 was certainly a job well done. 

―Why is New York's participation in international networks such as G-NETS important?

When G-NETS started and we were invited, of course, we had to join, because, again, we take our sister city relationship seriously, but also because we were already doing this best practice sharing with Tokyo. We welcome delegations from Tokyo to our city, often to share best practices, so it was natural for us to want to be a part of this discussion. 

To be able to attend a conference in person is wonderful—we usually connect via online video calling at three in the morning our time—because it has enabled us to talk to other cities about what is next. That is the power of G-NETS, it is about coming together, seeing the issues we are all facing as well as the opportunities, and creating a plan for what is next.

―How is New York set up to tackle common global issues such as climate change and sustainability?

On a global scale, New York has built a reputation as a place of innovation, where we are consistently striving for the betterment of our residents and the world, so for us, being a part of a network like G-NETS serves numerous purposes. As a big city, we have a lot to share, but also a lot to learn. 

Secondly, we understand that cities are where issues really take shape. Our Mayor, Eric Adams, says that whatever is happening in the world plays out in the streets of New York. It is home to one of the largest diplomatic communities in the world; 193 countries, 115 consulates, and over 70 Trade Commissions have a presence in New York City, which allows us access to lots of different perspectives and voices. So, everything from discussions about peace to thinking about the climate crisis it is happening there.

―In what ways are New York and Tokyo learning from one another?

Our two cities are constantly in communication. We want to figure out how we could continue to support one another, because our relationship is symbiotic. Currently, the Tokyo team is doing a really good job in terms of presenting on climate mitigation and some of the work that is being done here in terms of flood management. We are both metropolises built by the ocean, so we deeply care about sea level rise and those types of issues. That is why the infrastructure MOU was so historic for both sides. It is because we need to learn how to build, not just for today, but build for 30, 40, 50 years from now, when we are going to be facing some of these climate issues. 

―What is your shared goal for the future?

In terms of us working and exchanging as cities, the goal for the future is to recognize that everybody needs to win. This is not about one city being better than another because the problems we are going to be facing with increasing frequency, climate threats, and pandemics, do not know these borders. What we do know is that they are just going to occur. We believe as sister cities, it is easier for us to understand that, because by nature, we've always been working together. Looking ahead, we look forward to deeper collaborations and deeper ways of being able to create solutions that could better our individual cities, but as a result, could also better the world.

Aissata M.B. Camara(left), Dilip Chauhan(right).

Aissata M.B. Camara
Originally from the Republic of Guinea, Camara is a dedicated public servant. As Deputy Commissioner for Policy & Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff in the NYC Mayor's Office for International Affairs, she advises city leadership on international policy, manages diplomatic issues and oversees city protocol. 

Dilip Chauhan
As Deputy Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Innovation in the NYC Mayor's Office for International Affairs, Chauhan helps promote economic development initiatives by fostering strategic international partnerships and supporting international business expansion.

SusHi Tech Tokyo, short for Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo, is a Tokyo-based concept that aims to create sustainable new value by overcoming global urban challenges through cutting-edge technology, diverse ideas, and digital expertise.
SusHi Tech Tokyo | Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo