HONOLULU (KHON2) — Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi was joined by Uwajima Mayor Fumiaki Okahara to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Honolulu’s and Uwajima’s sister relationship.

The partnership was initially established in 2004, following the tragic sinking of Japanese fishing vessel, Ehime Maru, in 2001.

The Feb. 9, 2001 tragedy killed nine men and boys when the training ship collided with the submarine USS Greenville 10 miles off Oahu.

Since then, the tragedy has created an educational and cultural exchange program between Honolulu and Uwajima.

“Twenty years ago, we were brought together. Not by choice, but by an event that tested our collective humanity and our resolve,” said Mayor Blangiardi. “The bond between our two cities is built on mutual respect, shared values and a deep sense of friendship.”

The ceremony also included a presentation of gifts.

Mayor Blangiardi presented a custom-made lei hulu to Mayor Okahara, which was designed with the colors of Uwajima’s emblem.

The lei also featured nine sections in honor of the nine crew members who died in the tragedy.

In return, Mayor Okahara gifted a “commemorative plaque made of Akoya pearls to symbolize enduring friendship.

An embedded pearl on the plaque also signifies the cities’ intertwined destinies.