Reception: 70th Anniversary of the Japan Self Defense Forces

On October 15, 2024, Consul General Sone hosted a reception at the official residence celebrating the 70^th anniversary of the Japan Self Defense Forces, with guests including U.S. military officers, service members, reservists, and veterans previously stationed in Japan. The close to 150 guests and their families enjoyed Japanese local cuisine from each prefecture in Japan where U.S. Forces are stationed. The national anthems were performed by singer Maki Mannami with special performances by Yoyoka on the drums and Mike Penny on tsugaru shamisen, accompanied by Japanese classical dancer Ichinosuke Umekawa. The reception sought to bolster the Japan-U.S. relationship and encourage service members and their families to further strengthen their friendship with Japan.

 

Remarks by Consul General Sone	Toast by LCDR Hironori Ikeda
Remarks by CAPT Takeuchi	Live Performance
CG Sone, Ichinosuke Umekawa, Congressman Mark Takano