New York City Signs Historic Memorandum of Understanding with the Tokyo - Mayor's Office of International Affairs

Mayor's Office for International Affairs


Press Release


New York City Signs Historic Memorandum of Understanding with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Focused on Enhancing Infrastructure Innovation and Sustainability

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 16, 2025

CONTACT: Malissa Ifill, IAmedia@cityhall.nyc.gov, (212) 319- 9439

New York City’s Deputy Mayor of Operations Meera Joshi and Tokyo Vice Governor Akiko Matsumoto signed the MOU on behalf of their respective cities

NEW YORK—The New York City Deputy Mayor of Operations Meera Joshi and Vice Governor of Tokyo Akiko Matsumoto entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to drive innovation and collaboration across key infrastructure areas between both cities. This MOU celebrates the sister cities’ relationship from 1960 and establishes a robust framework for cooperation in advancing sustainable urban infrastructure and developing resilient and efficient city systems. This agreement marks a new era of international collaboration in urban planning. Tokyo and New York City are committed to sharing insights and best practices in construction, transportation, and water management. This work is supported by the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs as part of its mandate to promote the sharing of best practices between the City of New York and cities worldwide.

“Tokyo is one of New York’s true sister cities, alike in the complexity of our civic infrastructure and the diverse needs of our residents—which is why a formal partnership, which we mark today, is so uniquely critical as both cities look to improve our capital delivery for the 21st Century,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “I extend my deep gratitude to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Vice Governor Akiko Matsumoto for engaging with us on matters related to water management, affordable infrastructure investment and so much else besides. This is government at its best and most innovative.”

“This historic partnership with our sister city represents a groundbreaking step toward creating sustainable, interconnected urban landscapes that meet the evolving needs of New York and Tokyo. By establishing this comprehensive framework, we will not only promote resilient and efficient infrastructure in both cities but also will set a global standard for sustainable urban development,” said Deputy Mayor for Administration and Chief of Staff to the Mayor Camille Joseph Varlack. “This collaboration will allow us to leverage innovative approaches to tackle the challenges New Yorkers face through shared insights and meaningful, impactful solutions. Together, we are working to build a future that prioritizes quality of life, equity, and environmental stewardship for generations to come.”

“I would like to express our sincere congratulations on the signing of this MOU between Tokyo and NYC. This significant milestone not only strengthens the bond between our two vibrant cities but also paves the way for enhanced collaboration in areas critical to urban development and sustainability,” said Consul General of Japan Mikio Mori. “We are confident that this partnership will foster mutual growth, innovation, and a deeper understanding between our communities.”

“I am proud of the work my team carried out in collaboration with the Deputy Mayor of Operations and Tokyo teams to make this MOU a reality. NYC is a global city, and we are proud to carry out the mandate Mayor Eric Adams has given us to connect and collaborate with our counterparts around the world to benefit our five boroughs,” said Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Commissioner Edward Mermelstein. “As the home of immigrants, it is important that we continue to celebrate these connections and harness them to create a thriving city for all New Yorkers while working collectively for a better and more equitable world.”

“Climate change is causing cities around the world to rethink the type of infrastructure that can best protect their residents from rising sea levels, intense rain storms, extreme heat, and even water shortages, and we look forward to exchanging ideas with the great City of Tokyo on this critical work,” said New York City’s Chief Climate Officer and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “Much like New York, Tokyo is the economic engine of its country and is also a densely populated coastal capital that is vulnerable to typhoons and storm surges and we look forward to learning from their engineers as we continue the work of protecting the five boroughs.”

“As major coastal cities and economic centers, New York and Tokyo manage many of the same issues involving crowding, stormwater and coastal flooding, and constructing complicated infrastructure systems in the midst of a crowded urban environment,” said New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley. “New York has hosted delegations from Tokyo to see the construction of our unique East Side Coastal Resiliency flood protection system and there is much we can learn from Tokyo about organizing public space, efficient transportation and the latest and most advanced building materials. We look forward to future collaboration on best practices in design and construction that will benefit both cities.”

“City leadership is increasingly important as we face challenges that require global solutions. This MOU results from our engagements in city networks and shows the tangible benefits of New York City reaching out to our global counterparts,” said Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Deputy Commissioner for Policy & Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff Aissata M.B. Camara. “Our discussion with Tokyo Governor Koike at the 2023 Urban 20 Mayors Summit has led to this important collaboration between our two cities. We look forward to celebrating the great benefits these Working Groups will create for New Yorkers and the residents of Tokyo.”

“As New York City makes generational investments to improve infrastructure, we must pursue every opportunity to adopt best practices—that means learning what we can from cities across the world and sharing what we can in kind,” said New York City’s Chief Delivery Officer Alison Landry. “I am deeply grateful to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Vice Governor Akiko Matsumoto for this international partnership, which will pay dividends for millions across these two global cities, starting with collaboration around water management. Together, our cities lead by example with our shared commitment to excellence in public infrastructure.

“Solving global challenges requires strong global partnerships. Already two of the world’s leading cities in tackling the climate crisis, by forging a deeper relationship, New York City and Tokyo will further expand their ability to deliver meaningful climate action to reduce emissions and improve life for their local residents” said Laura Jay, North American Regional Director for C40 Cities. “C40 Cities looks forward to strengthening these critical networks of mayors and cities stepping up to address climate breakdown. New York City and Tokyo are proving that cities are central to building a safer, healthier, greener future.”

“The MOU between New York City and Tokyo is a bold step forward in developing a shared journey towards a better future. This Memorandum of Understanding reflects our belief that learning from each other, and mutual collaboration, is more critical than ever,” said Emilia Saiz, United Cities and Local Governments World Secretariat Barcelona. “The future that our communities call for needs to be based on sustainable and innovative public services. The networks of cities will continue to deliver this message to the international community calling to support scale up and amplify impact.”

“New York City and Tokyo have been connected for decades, and our office works daily to build strong relationships between our cities,” said Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Deputy Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Innovation Dilip Chauhan. “We welcome this new opportunity to work together to advance these important work areas. We will continue identifying additional ways to collaborate with Tokyo to highlight our shared priorities.”

New York City and Tokyo became sister cities on February 29, 1960. New York City was Tokyo’s first sister city. The Tokyo-NYC MOU underscores a shared vision of mutual growth and innovation. It also stems from the City of New York’s participation in the 2023 edition of Urban 20. By promoting joint efforts, this partnership will open new avenues for economic and cultural exchange, strengthening ties between Tokyo and New York City. This collaboration also reflects a commitment to a sustainable and forward-thinking approach to urban development, creating opportunities for ongoing exchange and advancement in both cities.

The collaboration will focus on five areas of infrastructure development. Both cities will form working groups to share expertise and foster collaboration in construction practices, sustainable technology, infrastructure maintenance, urban transportation, and water management. The MOU is a mutual and non-binding commitment to promoting cost-effective, environmentally friendly solutions to enhance the longevity and reliability of infrastructure, ultimately benefiting residents and supporting urban sustainability.

Areas of Collaboration:

Construction Delivery Best Practices
Tokyo and New York City will exchange insights on innovative construction delivery methods, such as prefabrication and modular construction, focusing on large-scale projects like highways and bridges. This collaboration aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate project outcomes.

Resilient and Sustainable Technology, including Building Material Innovation
Both cities will promote building material innovation, focusing on resilient and sustainable technologies, such as recycled construction materials, porous pavements, and advanced green infrastructure. This collaboration supports environmentally friendly practices in infrastructure development.

Sophisticated Maintenance and Infrastructure Renewal
The agreement emphasizes sophisticated infrastructure maintenance, focusing on asset management technologies, including condition assessments and maintenance techniques for underground infrastructure. It also encourages innovative reuse of existing buildings and infrastructure, transforming them into multifunctional spaces, such as residential or mixed-use areas, and converting unused structures into parks and walkways.

Advancement of Urban Transportation
The cities will discuss strategies for multimodal transportation solutions to benefit passengers and freight alike. Collaborative efforts will include freight management, railway network expansion, transit-oriented development, and sustainable infrastructure for bicycles and e-bikes to create efficient and convenient transportation options.

Water Management Best Practices
Tokyo and New York City will share expertise in stormwater, waste, and wastewater treatment to address the full urban water cycle. This includes strategies for effective stormwater management, ensuring the resilience of water systems, and protecting essential resources through sustainable practices.

About the NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs

The New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs fosters positive relations and encourages collaboration between the international community and New York City’s agencies and local neighborhoods. The Office is focused on promoting NYC’s economic development opportunities, sharing New York City’s policies and best practices globally, and responding to requests from foreign governments, the United Nations, and the U.S. Department of State. For more information, follow us on Twitter (now X), Instagram, Facebook, and our website.