WA and Hyogo Prefecture celebrate 45 years of collaboration
To celebrate the 45th anniversary of Western Australia’s (WA) sister-state relationship with Hyogo Prefecture, their Vice Governor, Mr Yutaka Morimoto, led a Japanese business delegation to Perth.
Between 25-27 August 2026, the delegation which comprised 25 representatives from Osaka Gas Australia, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kansai Electric Power Company, Kobe Steel, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Yamamoto Electric Works Company undertook a three-day program, supported by the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
The schedule of meetings and engagements highlighted the strength of the longstanding relationship between WA and Hyogo Prefecture while exploring new opportunities for collaboration across key priority sectors.
A significant milestone of the visit was the signing of a new Joint Statement by Premier Roger Cook and Vice Governor Morimoto.
The Joint Statement seeks to expand cooperation in sectors related to renewable energy, port decarbonisation, and health and medical life sciences, building on more than four decades of successful partnership across education, tourism, culture and sport.
The delegates gained firsthand insights into WA’s capabilities and opportunities in these sectors through engagements with government and industry stakeholders, including:
- A tailored briefing on WA’s renewable energy and decarbonisation priorities from the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification and Pilbara Ports Authority.
- Visiting two emerging hydrogen and clean energy projects and facilities with HAZER Group and Woodside Energy.
- Exploring opportunities for education collaboration and exchange with the Department of Education and Curtin University, as well as a visit to Mount Lawley Senior High School.
- Discussing avenues to expand sports diplomacy and strengthen cultural ties with the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport and Football West.
Japan is one of WA’s most important international partners, and the sister-state relationship has played an important role in fostering strong economic, cultural and people-to-people ties between WA and Hyogo Prefecture since its establishment in 1981.
Marking 45 years of partnership, the visit reflects the strength of the longstanding ties between WA and Hyogo Prefecture. As the State's oldest sister-state partnership, it continues to provide an important platform for fostering new opportunities, strengthening connections and delivering economic, social and cultural benefits for both regions.
Connect with our Northeast Asia Hub to learn more about trade and investment opportunities across the region.
Published on: 31 August 2026
Get in touch
If you are looking for opportunities in business, investment or trade, contact our experienced team at Invest and Trade WA.
Our in-house experts can support you directly and provide referrals or introductions across our network of overseas offices, industry bodies and government agencies.