Japan Culture Center of Western New York Named Inaugural Recipient of U.S.-Japan Global Impact Grant
Cross-cultural initiative “Feathered Diplomacy” will foster nature education programs in Kanazawa & bird conservation engagement
Press Release — Sept. 29, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Sydney Bucholtz
Phone: (585) 457-3228
Email: sydney@buffaloaudubon.org
Website: www.birdfriendlybuffalo.com
BUFFALO, NY—The Japan Culture Center of Western New York 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 (USJF) 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)—both crucial flyways and stopover sites for migrating birds especially. It will launch conservation programs, nature education, and outdoor recreation activities between Buffalo Audubon 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.
“Buffalo and Kanazawa have shared a strong Sister City relationship for nearly 65 years, built on mutual respect, friendship and a commitment to learning from one another,” said Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan. “Through the Feathered Diplomacy grant, we are building on that relationship by connecting our communities through a shared appreciation for birds and the natural environments that support them. As a lifelong birder, I am especially excited to see this partnership grow and encourage more people in Buffalo and Kanazawa to discover the joy of birding.”
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.
“The joint ‘Feathered Diplomacy’ project proposal we received from Buffalo and Kanazawa captured perfectly the essence of the global impact challenge: to take a longstanding friendship between two sister cities, and transform it into a partnership to address shared challenges,” said Jacob M. Schlesinger, President/CEO of the U.S.-Japan Foundation. “We look forward to seeing the impact this new collaboration has for both cities, and also how this can become a model for other paired communities in both countries.”
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.
“What’s good for birds is good for people,” said Buffalo Audubon Senior Naturalist Tom Kerr. “By connecting with our sister city of Kanazawa, Ishikawa through birds, our hope is to share helpful strategies and programs that will protect birds and their habitats, during our migration and theirs.”
Chris Morrison, President of the Japan Culture Center of Western New York, echoed: “Along with naming our new Sister City Birds, there’s been new translation technology, promotional materials, and birding equipment put into good use, and many new faces learning about both birds and the Buffalo-Kanazawa relationship.” Morrison added: ”It’s already brought great energy to our causes and a ton of new ideas to explore, and we’re excited to meet Mayor Murayama in Kanazawa to discuss further plans as we head into our 65th anniversary in 2027.”
More Information: Buffalo Audubon |City of Buffalo | Japan Culture Center | U.S.-Japan Foundation
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