(October 3, 2025) A highlight of the trip was Mayor Najarian's visit to Higashi-Osaka, where he met with Mayor Yoshikazu Noda at City Hall. The mayors discussed ways to reinvigorate the sister city relationship and expand student exchange programs to foster greater cultural understanding between the two communities. Mayor Najarian was honored to see a replica of Glendale's city seal prominently displayed and maintained in a large public park in Higashi-Osaka.
Glendale, CA — Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian recently returned from an extensive visit to Japan, where he explored cutting-edge transportation systems, met with government officials, and worked to strengthen ties between Glendale and its sister city, Higashi-Osaka.
The well-organized trip included meetings with members of Japan's national parliament, a former prime minister, and local government leaders, focusing on areas of mutual interest including transportation infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and cultural exchange programs.
"This visit reinforced the deep bonds between Glendale and Japan, particularly with our sister city of Higashi-Osaka," said Mayor Najarian. "While we addressed ongoing diplomatic challenges with candor and respect, we also celebrated our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and people-to-people connections. From hydrogen-powered buses to high-speed rail systems, Japan continues to lead the way in sustainable transportation solutions that could benefit cities like Glendale."
A highlight of the trip was Mayor Najarian's visit to Higashi-Osaka, where he met with Mayor Yoshikazu Noda at City Hall on October 3, 2025. The mayors discussed ways to reinvigorate the sister city relationship and expand student exchange programs to foster greater cultural understanding between the two communities. Mayor Najarian was honored to see a replica of Glendale's city seal prominently displayed and maintained in a large public park in Higashi-Osaka.
The Mayor's transportation-focused itinerary included visits to Itami Airport, which is comparable in size to Burbank Airport, where officials discussed best practices for serving travelers. He also experienced Japan's renowned shinkansen bullet train system, traveling from Kyoto to Tokyo on high-speed rail that has been operational for
decades. Additional visits to the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation and the Japan Railways (JR) hydrogen bus facility showcased Japan's innovative approaches to public transit and clean energy.
Mayor Najarian attended the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, a world's fair-style event featuring presentations on ocean conservation, air quality, and recycling innovations, including promising research on algae-based fuel and nutrition solutions.
In Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city, Mayor Najarian paid respects at the gravesite of Diana Apcar, the first female diplomat and Honorary Consul of the first Republic of Armenia to Japan. Guided by the Japan-Armenia Friendship Association, the visit honored Apcar's humanitarian legacy of providing shelter to Armenian refugees after World War I.
The visit included participation in the Japan + U.S. Leadership Summit at United Nations University, where Mayor Najarian joined mayors from Berkeley, Santa Clara, La Cañada Flintridge, Sausalito, Santa Barbara, and Torrance, along with senior city managers and Los Angeles County executives, for discussions on strengthening U.S.-Japan municipal partnerships.
Throughout the visit, Mayor Najarian met with numerous high-ranking officials (titles used are those at the time of the meetings), including Senator Iwao Horii of the House of Councillors, former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Akiko Ikuina, Senator Rui Matsukawa, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Special Advisor Eiichi Hasegawa, and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s Special Advisor Akihisa Nagashima. The officials impressed upon Mayor Najarian that actions taken by a highly-respected U.S. city like Glendale have repercussions in international relations and diplomacy.
The Mayor extends his congratulations to Japan on the historic election of Sanae Takaichi as the nation's first female prime minister.
Mayor Najarian expressed his appreciation for the exceptional hospitality and extends his gratitude to Consul General Kosei Murota and the Japan Consulate for arranging this trip.
Click here for photos of Mayor Najarian's trip.
ABOUT GLENDALE
Known as the “Jewel City,” Glendale is the fourth largest city of Los Angeles County. With a population of more than 200,000, Glendale is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is rich in history, culturally diverse, and offers nearly 50 public parks, and easy access to a municipal airport. It is the home to a vibrant business community, with major companies in healthcare, entertainment, manufacturing, retail, and banking.
ABOUT SISTER CITIES PROGRAM
Established in 1960, Glendale's Sister City Program aims to enhance cultural, educational and professional ties while addressing mutual challenges and promoting economic development. Glendale maintains sister city relationships with cities across Armenia, the Dominican Republic, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, and South Korea.
For more information about the Glendale Sister City Program, please visit GlendaleCA.gov/SisterCities
