The City of Nagoya on May 15 donated $17,700.59 (2,664,292 yen) to support Los Angeles’ recovery from the devastating 2025 wildfires.
The donation was presented at Los Angeles City Hall by Teruko Weinberg, chair of the Los Angeles-Nagoya Sister City Affiliation (LANSCA), on behalf of Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa.
This event reflected the deep and enduring sister-city relationship be-tween Los Angeles and Nagoya – a partnership thoughtfully cultivated and strengthened over the past 66 years by LANSCA.
Established in 1959 as part of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s People-to-People Program, LANS-CA promotes peace and international understanding through citizen diplomacy. The relationship between L.A. and Nagoya embodies a shared commitment to friendship and cultural exchange, fostered through educational programs, business collaborations, and community initiatives.
The total donation included 1 million yen from the City of Nagoya and 1,664,292 yen raised by the Nagoya Sister Cities Association.
Hosokawa said in a statement, “We are deeply saddened by the historic wildfires that have impacted so many lives in Los Angeles. As your sister city, we felt a strong responsibility to stand with you in this time of need. On behalf of the City of Nagoya, it is my honor to present this donation of 2,664,292 yen, which is a heartfelt gift from the City of Nagoya and the Nagoya Sister Cities Association, which collected donations from the Nagoya citizens, including from the staff of the Nagoya Port Authority and the Minami Otsu Dori Shopping District Promotion Association (PureO2).”
Mayor Karen Bass responded, “On behalf of the residents of Los Angeles, especially those affected by the wildfires, I extend my sincere thanks to Mayor Hirosawa, the City of Nagoya, the Nagoya Sister Cities Association, the staff of Nagoya Port Authority, PureO2 and the people of Nagoya for their generosity. This donation will help restore homes, rebuild lives, and keep L.A. Strong. I also want to thank the Los Angeles-Nagoya Sister City Affiliation for its continued efforts and dedication to the sister-city relationship.”
Weinberg added, “The sister-city bond between Los Angeles and Nagoya is a relationship built on friendship, compassion, and shared values. In both celebration and hardship, we stand together. LANSCA is honored to serve as a bridge between our two cities, humbled to witness this expression of care from Nagoya, starting with the donation presentation at Nagoya’s City Hall and now at L.A.’s City Hall.”
This event served as a powerful reminder of the resilience of international friendships and the importance of standing together in times of crisis. As Los Angeles continues its recovery, Nagoya’s gesture stood as an example of cross-border kindness and enduring partnership.
Invited guests included a representative from the California Community Foundation and Consul General Kenko Sone from the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles.