Murphy re-ups Sister State deal with Fukui Prefecture

A Sister-State Agreement between New Jersey and Fukui Prefecture that began more than 30 years ago when Gov. Thomas Kean visited Japan has been extended, Gov. Phil Murphy announced today.

“There has never been a better moment to invest in the future of New Jersey’s relationship with Japan,” said Murphy  “As we face a new century of challenges and opportunities, we have a historic opportunity to take our partnership to new heights. And I believe there is no better partner for Japan than New Jersey.”

Murphy signed the memorandum of understanding with Fukai Prefecture Lt. Governor Yasuhiro Nakamura that will continue the promotion of trade between the two states.

“From March 2024, it will be possible to come to Fukui Prefecture from Tokyo by Shinkansen bullet train without having to change trains,” said the governor of Fukai Prefecture, Sugimoto Tatsuji.  “I hope that this will be an opportunity for many people from both prefectures to come and go between each other’s regions and for exchange to become more active.”

The first agreement was signed in 1990, but according to the governor’s office, a friendship between Rutgers College and the Fukui Prefecture was established in the 1860s when Kusakabe Taro became the first Japanese student to enroll at Rutgers.  For that reason, Fukai City and New Brunswick remain sister cities.

Any document signed by Murphy while on his East Asia economic mission must be re-signed upon his return to New Jersey, since his absence from the state means a temporary suspension of his Constitutional authority as Governor of New Jersey.