Bridging San Diego and Yokohama: 2025 Trade Delegation to Japan

From October 6–15, 2025, we had the incredible honor of joining the North San Diego Business Chamber's Inaugural Trade Delegation to Japan, beginning our journey in the vibrant city of Yokohama. This trip built on the strong foundation laid when the Yokohama City Council delegation visited San Diego last year, during a luncheon hosted by the Chamber in partnership with the San Diego–Yokohama Sister City Society.

Over several days, our delegation engaged in meaningful business, education, and innovation exchanges. We met Yokohama city leaders, connected with the Yokohama Chamber of Commerce and Yokohama City University, and explored BioJapan, Asia’s largest life sciences expo. We also visited Hokubu Sludge Treatment Plant, Tech Hub Yokohama, and Minato Mirai 21, witnessing firsthand how innovation, sustainability, and long-term urban planning drive thriving communities.

Beyond business, we immersed ourselves in the beauty of Japanese culture and history, from participating in a traditional tea ceremony at Kanazawa High School, a San Diego sister school, to exploring the breathtaking Sankeien Garden in Yokohama, the Osaka Castle, and experiencing the dynamic city of Tokyo. These cultural moments reminded us that strong partnerships are rooted in both professional collaboration and cultural understanding.

Grateful for this inspiring experience and looking forward to the opportunities ahead to further strengthen and celebrate this partnership, maximizing collaborations across business, education, and culture between San Diego and Yokohama.