Consul General of Japan at the Mexican Independence Day Parade

On Sunday, Sept. 8, Consul General of Japan Akira Muto participated in the 73rd Annual East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade & Festival as a representative of Japan, the guest country at the annual festivities organized by Comité Mexicano Cívico Patriótico.

Consul General Muto spoke at the Civic Ceremony held before the parade, noting the strong ties that connect Japan and Mexico, which have engaged in trade and exchange for over 400 years, and have enjoyed formal diplomatic ties of over 130 years. His fellow speakers at the ceremony included the Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles Marcela Celorio, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Los Angeles County Board Supervisor Hilda Solis.
Joining Consul General Muto at the Civic Ceremony were his wife Mrs. Misako Muto, and Ms. Palmira Perez-Najarian, award-winning news anchor, reporter, TV personality & humanitarian, who is joining the steering committee of JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles. Mr. David Yamahata, 2019 Nisei Week President, and Ms. Mia Masae Lopez, Nisei Week 1st Princess also attended the ceremony.

Once the parade began on Cesar E. Chavez Ave. and Mednik St., Consul General Muto, Mrs. Muto and Ms. Perez-Najarian rode on a red convertible decorated with the Japanese flag, waving and cheering with parade goers and spectators. Mr. Yamahata and Ms. Lopez sat in a separate convertible, celebrating the day with parade goers.

Japan’s participation in the East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Parade represented friendly ties between our communities.