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Massachusetts and Hokkaido enjoy a friendship that goes back 132 years.  This is perhaps the oldest sister state relationship between the United States and Japan.

The University of Massachusetts has played an enduring role throughout the history of the relationship with Hokkaido.  In 1876, Dr. William Smith Clark, President of what was then Massachusetts Agricultural College in Amherst, was brought to Hokkaido by the government of Japan.  Along with MAC alumni William Wheeler, David P. Penhallow, and William Penn Brooks, Dr. Clark established Sapporo Agricultural College, now Hokkaido University.  Dr. Brooks remained until 1888 and then returned to Amherst.

There have been educational exchanges between UMASS and Hokkaido University for many years. After receiving an honorary degree from the University of Massachusetts, Governor Takahiro Yokomichi returned to Hokkaido and suggested to the Mayor of Takikawa City that he consider a sister city relationship with Springfield.  Concord followed Springfield in forming a sister city relationship with Nanae.  Effective sister school exchanges have developed within the sister city relationships.

We look forward to knowing more about your connections with Hokkaido and invite you to share your photographs.

Email: mass.hokkaido@comcast.net

And, please join us to enjoy the many opportunities for friendships and educational exchanges with Hokkaido, an extraordinary part of Japan.  2010 Membership Form.pdf

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