Hokkaido University participated in the Hawaii–Japan Sister State and Sister City Summit, held in Hawaii on May 20 and 21. 

The summit was held to further promote exchanges in a wide range of fields, including government, education, economy, tourism, and culture, based on sister-state and sister-city relationships between Hawaii and various regions of Japan. The venue brought together many participants from local governments, companies, educational institutions, and other organizations, providing an opportunity to exchange information toward the further development of interregional collaboration. 

At the marketplace set up within the venue, our university introduced its branded products. For the branded products, we explained their features, the background of their development, and initiatives that make use of local resources, sharing the unique appeal of our university with visitors. Through the introduction of our, we also widely presented the university’s research achievements and the potential for industry–academia–government collaboration. The summit provided a valuable opportunity to directly introduce our university’s educational and research activities, as well as the outcomes of its regional collaboration, to international audiences. 

In addition, at the Hokkaido Business Seminar held in conjunction with the summit, Dr. Ikuo Terauchi, Vice executive director at Hokkaido University, took the stage as a speaker. During the seminar, he introduced our university’s educational and research activities, collaboration with local communities, and industry–academia–government initiatives, while highlighting the regional resources and potential of Hokkaido. This served as an opportunity to present our university’s activities as an institution rooted in Hokkaido and to expand possibilities for international exchange and collaboration. 

Lecture by Vice executive director Ikuo Terauchi at the Hokkaido Business Seminar 

Furthermore, a special collaborative dish, "Takikomi Gohan" or butter flavor cooked rice with Biei-area Corn was served at Tonkatsu Tamafuji Kapahulu, Hokkaido-oriented pork cutlet restaurant operated by DOKYU USA INCORPORATED. Pickled Biei Corn is one of Hokkaido University brand products collaborated with Koki, Kita Nihon Food Co., Ltd. The dish was well received by local guests.  

Collaborative product: Takikomi Gohan with Biei Corn, Butter Flavor 

Our university will continue to promote education, research, and social collaboration activities that make use of the region’s attractive resources, while actively communicating these initiatives both in Japan and overseas.