Mayor Mike Josef of Frankfurt, Germany, makes his first visit to Yokohama

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the signing of a Partner City Agreement between the cities of Yokohama and Frankfurt am Main.

A delegation from Frankfurt, led by Mayor Mike Josef, visited Yokohama from September 4 to September 10.

During this visit, the delegation engaged in a wide range of discussions and site visits focused on sustainable urban development, innovation, education and personnel exchanges. Both cities reaffirmed their commitment to developing their cooperative relationship in the future.

Exchange on Sustainable Urban Development and Urban Policy

On September 4, Mayor Josef took the stage at the Asia-Pacific Circular Cities Forum (APCC-Forum) 2026 and spoke about the importance of sustainable urban development and international cooperation.

In discussions between Frankfurt and Yokohama, both sides exchanged information on initiatives related to multicultural coexistence and urban management, as well as global city strategies, while sharing a mutual dedication to strengthening inter-city cooperation.

Promoting Innovation and Economic Exchange

The delegation visited Bosch Corporation, a German-owned company, and DeNA Co., Ltd., to gain a deeper understanding of their business operations and community engagement initiatives. Additionally, they discussed potential areas of cooperation between the two cities in the fields of innovation and startups at the economic seminar “Frankfurt Meets Yokohama.”

Students Exchange and Cultural Exchange

The delegation also visited Yokohama Municipal Sakuragaoka High School, which participates in a sister-school exchange program with a high school in Frankfurt. Through observing the school’s cultural festival and participating in a tea ceremony, Mayor Josef and the delegation interacted with the students and deepened ties with the next generation of future leaders. Additionally, at Yokohama University of Art and Design, the delegation viewed a mural created in 2017 by a graffiti artist with ties to Frankfurt who had visited Japan as part of the exchange between the two cities. The visit provided an opportunity to exchange views on collaboration in the fields of art and culture.

Future Outlook

Through this visit, the two cities reaffirmed the partnership they have built over the past 15 years and expressed intention to cooperate across a wide range of fields, including urban policy, the economy and innovation, and education and culture.

Furthermore, ties were deepened not only with government agencies but also with a diverse range of stakeholders, including educational institutions and businesses, making this an important opportunity for the further development of their cooperative relationship in the future.

Frankfurt Meets Yokohama: Startups pitch at Tech Hub Yokohama

Cultural Exchange Between Yokohama and Frankfurt

Promoting Innovation and Economic Exchange Through City Partnership

One of Yokohama’s Public-Private Partnership: Bosch Japan