The Kikkoman Group Sponsors the U.S.-Japan Sister Cities Summit in Izumisano, Osaka Prefecture
October 17, 2025
To commemorate the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the United States, the U.S.-Japan Sister Cities Summit, hosted by Sister Cities International (SCI), was held in Izumisano City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, from September 16 to 19, 2025. In support of SCI’s mission, “To promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation — one individual, one community at a time,” the Kikkoman Group participated as a platinum sponsor of the summit.
Sister Cities International (SCI) was established in 1956 by then-U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower and celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. As a global network supporting citizen diplomacy through sister city relationships, SCI boasts the longest history and the largest scale of its kind in the world. As of September 2025, it connects over 432 members in 140 countries through more than 1,800 partnerships. The U.S. state of Wisconsin was the first overseas location where the Kikkoman brand, originally from Japan, established a soy sauce production base. Since then, the Kikkoman Group has carried out numerous initiatives aimed at promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the United States and Japan. One such example is its long-standing support for high school student exchange programs through the nonprofit organization Youth For Understanding, which we have continued since 1978. Recognizing the significance of this commemorative summit, the Kikkoman Group participated as a sponsor.
During the summit, Osamu Mogi, Representative Director and Senior Executive Corporate Officer of Kikkoman Corporation, took the stage as a representative of the Kikkoman Group at the Mayor’s Reception on September 16, as well as the panel discussion and subcommittee session the following day.
On the first day of the summit, the “Izumisano Mayor’s Welcome Reception” was hosted by Mayor Hiroyasu Chiyomatsu of Izumisano City. During the event, letters of appreciation were presented by the mayor and Sister Cities International (SCI), along with commemorative gifts. On the second day, Mr. Osamu Mogi participated in the panel discussion titled Plenary 2: “Economic Partnerships — Reimagining What’s Possible”, and delivered a solo lecture during the subcommittee session titled “Flavor as a Bridge: How Culinary Exchange Builds Global Understanding.” In his talk, he introduced the history of Kikkoman’s overseas expansion and growth, explaining how we have pursued the fusion of soy sauce with local food cultures while respecting the culinary traditions of each country. He also highlighted Kikkoman’s efforts not only in global business operations but also in social contribution and environmental initiatives.
The Kikkoman Group will continue to promote deeper mutual understanding between Japan and the United States, as well as the international exchange of food culture, through sponsorship of events and organizations dedicated to international exchange.