Chicago Office Mission

Our Chicago office has been in operation now over 50 years since 1958 as an operation that covers North America. We have served as the bridge between Osaka and North America, and have dedicated our efforts to mutual understanding, in building friendships and exchange opportunities.

  • Business exchange and inviting businesses to Osaka
  • Trade and business promotion between Osaka and North America
  • Assist Osaka companies located in North America
  • Assist U.S. companies and organizations to begin business in Osaka
  • Culture tourism educational exchanges
  • Introduction of Osaka culture and traditional arts
  • Tour promotion and assisting visitors to Osaka
  • Promotion of school and educational exchange
  • Promotion of sister city exchanges and other types of exchange

Sister City Agreement

The city of Osaka have joined hands with the City of San Francisco in 1957, with the City of Chicago in 1973 and have been promoting a variety of exchanges between the cities for many years. Most recently, we hosted numerous events together with the sister cities. In 2007 we celebrated the 50th anniversary year with the City of San Francisco and in 2008, the 35th anniversary year with the city of Chicago.

Please take a look at our sister city page for more detailed information.

Chicago Office’s first 50 years

1958

City of Osaka, Chicago Office is established, partnered with JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization).

1971

Establishment of partnering relationships between the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and the Chicago Chamber of Commerce.

1973

Establishment of the Partner City relationships between Osaka and Chicago. A photo exhibition of the transit system in Osaka and other major business centers takes place at McCormick Place.

1985

Mayor Harold Washington leads a Chicago Delegation to Osaka.

1986

Chicago/Osaka’s first Cultural Exchange: The Chicago Friendship Delegation visits Osaka and the Osaka City Friendship Delegation visits Chicago. Jazz Performances are held in both cities.

1988

Osaka Deputy Mayor Ota visits Chicago Mayor.


1990

City of Chicago exhibits a garden in the Osaka EXPO ‘90.


1991

Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo presents Osaka’s Tennoji Zoo with a Lion-tailed Macaque.


1993

Chicago Osaka Partner City 20th Anniversary. Chicago Days takes place in Osaka, while City of Chicago delegation visited. Painter Hideo Nakai paints a mural for the opening of Chicago O’Hare’s International Terminal.


1995

Osaka receives $9,300 donation towards the Hanshin Earthquake Relief from Chicago Sister Cities International Program Osaka Committee, Japan-America Society of Chicago, Japan Chamber of Commerce Chicago and the Midwest Japan Conference. Deputy Mayor Sasaki attends the opening of the Japanese Garden in Jackson Park. A Torii gate is donated by the City of Osaka to rename the garden to Osaka Japanese Garden.


1997

Mayor Isomura along with 16 members of the Osaka City Council visits Chicago. In celebration of the 30th anniversary of JCCC, cherry trees are given to the Park District of Chicago.


1998

To celebrate the 25th anniversary between Chicago and Osaka, a delegation from Osaka visits Chicago and is celebrated by a “Kyogen” performance and the Osaka Garden Festival.

1999

Marathon runners from Osaka join the LaSalle Banks Chicago marathon. The runners are cheered with flags, costumes, taiko drums, etc.


2000

The City of Osaka and the Osaka Committee collaborates with the Chicago Park District to produce the Osaka Garden Festival in Jackson Park, making it an annual event.

2001

The City of Osaka participats in the “Tribute to Ethnic Museum” at the James R. Thompson Center, an event sponsored by Governor George Ryan.


2002

City of Osaka and Sister Cities International Program sponsor “Main Course: Osaka”, an event dedicated to the promotion of the City of Osaka as well as Japan in general.


2003

Tadao Ando, the Pritzker Prize winner Architect, lectures and shares his philosophy and designs at the Art Institute of Chicago as one of the celebratory events for the 30th anniversary year.


2004

Mayor Seki from Osaka visits Chicago and Chicago Mayor Daley visits Osaka for the first time, visiting the Chicago Gallery opening on Namba Walk.


2006

Chicago’s Walter Payton College Prep High School and Osaka City High School form a sister school relationship.


2007

“Bunraku” The national puppet theatre of Japan holds its first ever Midwest Performance. Over 2,500 people are able to enjoy this special once in a lifetime event.



2008

Celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Sister City Relationship, two delegations are sent to Osaka, while the Vice Mayor from Osaka visits Chicago and attends a Rededication ceremony of the Osaka Japanese Garden. Katsura Kaishi and two “Rakugo” traditional Osaka “sit down” comedy gives three performances to share the international language of laughter.