NAHA, Okinawa (HawaiiNewsNow) - For the past 40 years, Hawaii has had a great sister-state relationship with Okinawa, an island prefecture of Japan.

Upon arriving in Okinawa, you’ll notice the striking similarities of this island and the islands of Hawaii.

The streets of Naha City are busy with shops, places to eat, and hotels just like Waikiki. And like the natural beauty and the warmth that surrounds you, so are its people who welcome malihini to their island home.

“They have 1.4 million people. We have 1.4 million people. They’re very family oriented. They have big hearts. We’ve shared that we feel welcomed here,” said Hawaii Gov. Josh Green.

Earlier this month, Green led a delegation of state lawmakers to Japan with a stop in Okinawa to commemorate Hawaii’s 40th anniversary of sist

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