New Year's Reflection by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe 

Read the prime minister's New Year's message for 2018, which also marks the 150th anniversary of the Meiji Restoration, at the link below:

New Year's Greeting from Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles 

Consul General Akira Chiba offers his New Year's greeting to all in the consulate's jurisdiction of Southern California and Arizona. 

U.N. Secretary-General Visits Japan

On Dec. 14,  Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a meeting with Mr. António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Japanese Champions of the Little League World Series Visit Abe 

Play ball! Tokyo Kitasuna Little League, the champions of the Little League Baseball World Series, visited the Prime Minister's Office on Dec. 11. 

Foreign Minister Kono At One Planet Summit

On Dec. 12,  Japan's Foreign Affairs Minister Taro Kono attended the One Planet Summit in Paris, France that was held in part to commemorate the second anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Agreement.

Inaugural Exhibit Opens at Japan House, Los Angeles

Japan House Los Angeles, just one of three Japan House hubs worldwide, opened its gallery on Jan. 19 with the fashion and technology-themed exhibit "Anrealage" at the Hollywood & Highland complex. Find out more:

Matsuri Time in Arizona!

The Matsuri, to be held Feb. 24-25, will feature Japanese exhibits, demonstrations, arts and crafts, children's activities, bonsai displays, Japanese food, Japanese beer and sake garden, games and contests, and live entertainment on 4 stages throughout Heritage & Science Park in downtown Phoenix.

Sister City Ties  

From this month and through 2018, we introduce Japan Focus readers to the Japan-affiliated sister cities located in Southern California and Arizona.  We plan, each month, to highlight the ones which were founded in that month and to provide website addresses for readers who would like to follow up.
Currently, about 35 cities in our southwest region actively maintain sister-city relations with Japanese cities.  Such ties can enrich community life and strengthen friendship between cities and countries.  This year, see if your city has ties with Japan!

January:
Brea – Thirty-seven years ago this month, on January 1, 1981, the City of Brea in Orange County, California and the City of Hanno in Saitama Prefecture, Japan established their sister-city relationship.  Find information on Brea’s Sister City Program, an introduction to Hanno, and the two cities’ exchange activities from the link at: 

Kizuna Video Series: Koko the Dog Invites You to Make Mochi!

The Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles in association with Kizuna brings you a video series highlighting the unique features and history of the Japanese American community.  Our latest video introduces a Japanese American family tradition of mochitsuki to welcome the new year: “Koko the Dog Invites You to Make Mochi!” 

Looking for a Beautiful 2018 Japan Calendar?

Look no further! The Japan National Tourism Organization has a downloadable calendar with beautiful landscapes of Japan. Click below:

Another Authentic Taste of Japan Now Available!

For the first time, persimmons from Japan will be cleared for import into the U.S. market and will be available in southern California markets! More information on the celebratory event right here: 

Scientists Test Relativity at Tokyo Skytree Tower

Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity states that the weaker gravity becomes, the faster time flows. A clock at the height of 450 meters should tick minutely faster than one on the ground level, as gravity is weaker.  To be tested and demonstrated by scientists in Japan with hyper accurate clocks on Tokyo Skytree!

Coming-of-Age Day (Seijin no Hi)

Japan's Coming of Age Day is a national holiday that falls every year in January on the second Monday of the month. Local governments host special ceremonies for 20-year olds, to mark their entry into "adulthood." Women who attend the ceremonies may dress in traditional furisode -- a kimono with extra-long sleeves that are worn by unmarried women.
Seijin Shiki coming-of-age ceremonies are held by different organizations in Southern California as well, keeping alive this Japanese tradition outside of Japan.