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Japan-ROK-USA Trilateral Statement on North Korea
Trilateral Statement  Upon the conclusion of their Dec. 6 meeting in Washington D.C., Foreign Minister Maehara, Foreign and Trade Minister Kim, and Secretary of State Clinton pledged to maintain and enhance coordination and consultation on DPRK related issues, underscoring the importance of strengthening trilateral cooperation on economic, political, and security issues.
MOFA

Japan's Position on COP16 and Kyoto Protocol 
COP16 At the COP16 meetings in Cancun, participating countries agreed  to negotiate an effective international framework involving the participation of major CO2 emitters.  Japan emphasized its support for an agreement which includes both developed and developing countries, beyond the current scope of the Kyoto Protocol.  Learn more:  MOFA

Agricultural Society of Japan Award Recipients! 


Dai Nippon Awards

Y. Hashimoto & S. Yuge 

Many important sectors of California's agricultural industry, such as cut flowers and nursery horticulture, were, in fact, pioneered by Japanese and Japanese-Americans.  For their long-term contributions in continuing the legacy of  best practices and traditions of Japanese agriculture, Mr. Yotaro Hashimoto and Mr. Steven Manabu Yuge received commemorative awards from his Imperial Highness, Prince Katsura, President of the Agriculture Society of Japan (Dai Nippon Nokai), at a ceremony hosted by Consul General Ihara on December 17, 2010.

Tribute to Toru Takemitsu 
kazumi watanabe Japanese guitarists Kazumi Watanabe and  Daisuke Suzuki perform works by composer Toru Takemitsu. Renowned for his avant-garde work, Takemitsu is regarded as one of the most important composers in Japanese music history. Dec. 19 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.
JapanOC

New Year in Little Tokyo!
  new year Are you homesick for Japan when New Year approaches?   You can enjoy Japanese New Year's customs in Los Angeles.  For New Year's festivities follow the links of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, the Japanese American National Museum, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California.
JACCC
JANM
JCCSC

Today's Kotowaza:
 Fuyu no yuki uri 
 
snow The winter snow seller.  It's difficult to sell snow in winter. No one wants to buy it. It's futile to have a business that no one needs.

Japan-related events for Los Angeles & Arizona

 
kotatsuEnglish
Japanese

Visa passports
Passport 


             

Japan's Transportation Minister to Discuss High Speed Rail for California!
Rail Come and hear what the world's first and most successful high speed rail builders and operators have to say about how high speed rail will not only change travel in California but also build-up the California economy.  Join Japan's Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Honorable Sumio Mabuchi, at this fact-filled seminar, January 14, 1:00 pm, at the Los Angeles Downtown Omni Hotel - sign up here:
Japan International Transport Institute

2010 Report on Compliance by Major Trading Partners With Trade Agreements!
arrows International trade, the essential mechanism supporting our global economy, is facilitated by rules, agreements and treaties.  Every year, Japan issues a report covering its dealings with trading partners.  See how Japan thinks they measure up here:
METI

Kazu Suyeishi Named Special Envoy for Non-Nuclear World 
Kaz Suyeishi Atomic bomb survivor, Kaz Suyeishi, resident of Torrance, was named "Special Communicator for a World Without Nuclear Weapons" by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  She is the first to be named as envoy for North America.  This month she tells her story to the children of the Asahi Gakuen schools in the Los Angeles area.    

Music Rules Manga
musicmanga Could manga heros be good role models for teens? From classical music to rock, new manga series are focusing on tales of musicians.  Read about the popularity and success of these new anime stars in Trends in Japan.

Trends in Japan

Screening:99-nen no Ai
99Nen
This drama series tells the story of a  Japanese family who immigrated to the United States 99 years ago. When World War II  errupts their family faces great difficulty. The film will be screened at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center on Jan. 9, 10, 12, 15, 16 from 1:00 pm.
For reservations contact: JACCC
99 Nen no Ai

Play Ball!baseball
High school baseball teams will square off on Dec. 26-28.  See the team from Ibaraki play against the Urban Youth Academy team at the Urban Youth Academy Baseball Field.
U.S. - Japan Int'l High School Baseball Foundation

Rosa Odow's Watercolors 
Rosa Odow With January comes a new exhibition at the Japan Information and Culture Center at the Consulate General of Japan.  Rosa Odow uses watercolors to depict floral scenes and koi.
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs News


             

mofa iconThis newsletter is issued by the Japan Information & Culture Center