The City of Monterey invites the community to celebrate a very special milestone—30 years of friendship with our sister city, Nanao, Japan. Join us for Nanao Day on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) in Monterey.
This anniversary event honors the bonds formed since Monterey and Nanao signed their sister city agreement in 1995. Over the years, the two communities have built lasting friendships, shared cultural traditions, and created opportunities for exchange.
Mayor Tyller Williamson shared:
“This will be a wonderful cultural celebration of the signing of our sister city agreement that spawned three decades of enduring friendship, mutual respect, and cultural exchanges. We’re grateful to the Monterey Peninsula Nanao Friendship Association for their coordination, and to the many residents who have nurtured this special connection for decades.”
Event Highlights
Saturday, September 27, 2025 • 10:00 AM–2:00 PM • Japanese American Citizens League (424 Adams St., Monterey)
The City of Monterey invites the community to celebrate a very special milestone—30 years of friendship with our sister city, Nanao, Japan. Join us for Nanao Day on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) in Monterey.
This anniversary event honors the bonds formed since Monterey and Nanao signed their sister city agreement in 1995. Over the years, the two communities have built lasting friendships, shared cultural traditions, and created opportunities for exchange.
Mayor Tyller Williamson shared:
“This will be a wonderful cultural celebration of the signing of our sister city agreement that spawned three decades of enduring friendship, mutual respect, and cultural exchanges. We’re grateful to the Monterey Peninsula Nanao Friendship Association for their coordination, and to the many residents who have nurtured this special connection for decades.”
Event Highlights
- Welcome and introductions by Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson and Friendship Association President Toshio Moriyama
- Monterey Taiko drumming by Shinso Mugen Daiko
- Flute recital by Toshio Moriyama
- Japanese Tea Ceremony
- Slide presentations about the January 1, 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake
- Traditional Japanese festival dance (open to all to join)
- Food and drink available
About the Monterey–Nanao Connection
This fall, 20 delegates from Japan, including Nanao Mayor Yoshitaka Chatani, will travel to Monterey to celebrate the anniversary and attend the 68th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival.
Located on Japan’s scenic Noto Peninsula, Nanao shares much in common with Monterey. Both cities transitioned from thriving fishing economies to vibrant tourism destinations and both celebrate jazz and waterfront culture. Nanao even has its own Fisherman’s Wharf and an annual jazz festival inspired by Monterey.
The sister city partnership has included active student exchange programs—most notably the Junior Wings program with Colton Middle School—and ongoing efforts from dedicated friendship associations in both communities.
On January 1, 2024, the Noto Peninsula was struck by a devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake. The people of Nanao continue to recover with resilience, and the sister city connection remains a source of support and solidarity.
Join us on September 27 to honor three decades of cultural exchange, community ties, and international friendship.
This fall, 20 delegates from Japan, including Nanao Mayor Yoshitaka Chatani, will travel to Monterey to celebrate the anniversary and attend the 68th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival.
Located on Japan’s scenic Noto Peninsula, Nanao shares much in common with Monterey. Both cities transitioned from thriving fishing economies to vibrant tourism destinations and both celebrate jazz and waterfront culture. Nanao even has its own Fisherman’s Wharf and an annual jazz festival inspired by Monterey.
The sister city partnership has included active student exchange programs—most notably the Junior Wings program with Colton Middle School—and ongoing efforts from dedicated friendship associations in both communities.
On January 1, 2024, the Noto Peninsula was struck by a devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake. The people of Nanao continue to recover with resilience, and the sister city connection remains a source of support and solidarity.
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