BUFFALO, NY (April 17, 2026)—The Japan Culture Center of Western New York today
announces that its Buffalo-Kanazawa Sister City Committee is the recipient of the inaugural
U.S.-Japan Global Impact Grant. Buffalo-Kanazawa joins the Broomfield-Ueda relationship in
receiving this award from the United States-Japan Foundation and Sister Cities International
from among a competitive pool of 34 applicants. The grant will fund “Feathered Diplomacy,” a
bird conservation and cross-cultural exchange initiative between Kanazawa, Ishikawa and
Buffalo, New York—sister cities for 64 years.
The initiative connects both cities through their shared designation as Important Bird and
Biodiversity Areas (IBAs). It will launch conservation programs, nature education, and outdoor
recreation activities between the Buffalo Audubon Society and the Wild Bird Society of
Japan-Ishikawa, with support from the Office of Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan and the International
Exchange Division of Kanazawa City.
Building on the Bird-Friendly Buffalo initiative sponsored by Buffalo Audubon, the project’s
objectives include engaging citizens in both cities in developing and implementing bird-friendly
policies, such as “Lights Out” campaigns for migratory birds and window treatments to reduce
collisions, and fostering new cross-cultural connections among avian enthusiasts of diverse
backgrounds through activities such as in-person exchange visits, the supply of in-need
equipment, and joint outreach/data sharing.
The project aims to serve as a model for other sister city partnerships in promoting citizen-to-
citizen and city-to-city collaboration on shared initiatives and innovative problem-solving on
topics of shared importance to civil society.
More Information
Buffalo Audubon Society | Wild Bird Society-Ishikawa (in Japanese)
US-Japan Foundation | Sister Cities International
About the Japan Culture Center of Western New York (JapanWNY)
JapanWNY is a member of the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS) and
the umbrella organization of the Buffalo-Kanazawa Sister City Committee. The 501(c)(3) and
fully volunteer nonprofit aims to serve as facilitators for all things related to Japan in Western
New York, establishing and nurturing enduring connections between our communities across all
dimensions—including cultural, diplomatic, business, and personal relationships.