Japanese Foreign Minister Visits South Korea

Foreign Minister Taro Kono visited South Korea on June 13-14 and met with his U.S. and South Korean counterparts to discuss national security and other issues.
Read more below: 

Japan's Prince and Princess Akishino Visit Hawaii

Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino went to Hawaii in early June for an official visit to help mark the 150th anniversary of Japanese immigration to the islands.
Learn more about their six-day trip:

Spring 2018 Decoration Conferred to Mr. Ernest Doizaki

The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays was conferred to Mr. Ernest Doizaki on June 26 in recognition of his contribution to strengthening economic relations and promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the U.S.

Satoyama Exhibit Opening Reception Held at Japan House L.A.

An opening reception for the new Satoyama - Evolving with the Forest exhibit was held on June 20. Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa was on hand to talk about his work. Check out an exclusive interview with Chef Narisawa below: 

Japan House London Now Open!

Japan House London opened its doors on June 22 on Kensington High Street. Visitors can enjoy food, culture and shopping at the London hub. Read more: 

Nisei Week Festival

The Nisei Week Festival returns to Little Tokyo August 11-19!  Come join the 78th annual festival and experience how past and future generations of this timeless event have celebrated Japanese American heritage.

Kizuna Video Series: Go For Broke Monument Anniversary

The Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles continues its collaboration with Kizuna bringing you news and views on the Japanese American community.  In our latest video, join us as we explore the rich histories of Japanese American veterans through the stories told by their children and grandchildren – a call to action to work together to keep the stories of the nisei veterans’ alive. 

Summer Festivals in Our Area

What's the best way to beat the heat!? By visiting a Japanese matsuri festival dressed in a yukata! Check out a Japanese summer festival in Southern California or Arizona for fun entertainment and of course, great food!

This Month's Sister Cities

In this column we have been introducing the Japan-affiliated sister cities of southern California and Arizona. In our region, as many as eight cities in California began their relationships Japanese cities (in their respective prefectures) in the month of July.

• City of Pasadena/ City of Mishima (Shizuoka) - July 1, 1957
  http://www.pasadenasistercities.org/
  
  
• City of Montebello/ City of Ashiya (Hyogo) - July 1, 1961
  http://montebellosistercity.wixsite.com/classic-layout
  
  
• City of Redlands/ City of Hino (Tokyo) - July 1, 1963
  http://redlandssistercities.com/
  
  
• City of Monterey Park/ City of Nachi Katsuura (Wakayama) - July 1, 1968
  http://www.montereypark.ca.gov/651/Sister-Cities 
  
  
• City of Palm Springs/ City of Nikko (Tochigi) - July 1, 1969
  
  
• City of Santa Monica/ City of Fujinomiya (Shizuoka) - July 1, 1975
  http://santamonicasistercity.org/
  
  
• City of Huntington Beach/ City of Anjo (Aichi) - July 1, 1982
  https://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/government/boards_commissions/sister-city.cfm
  
  
• City of Pasadena/ City of Kasukabe (Saitama) - July 1, 1993 ("friendship city")
  http://pasadenajaycees.org/what-we-do/japan

• City of Alhambra/ City of Kirishima (Kagoshima) - July 29, 2007
  http://www.cityofalhambra.org/ 

See our complete list below:

Certification Recognizing Food Ingredients From Japan!

In a new program rolling out worldwide, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture is encouraging participating restaurants and other food venues to proudly display the certification seal of a “Japanese Food Supporter” – recognition of their utilization of food ingredients sourced from Japan.  More on this new and expanding program here:

Hydrogen Society Japan Case Study!

A major Japanese auto company and a major convenience retailer are joining forces to leverage the advantages of harnessing the smallest molecule in powering facilities operations and logistics.  One step on the path towards realizing Japan’s vision of an emissions-free, clean and efficient hydrogen fueled society!

Explore Traditional Food Culture of Ichinoseki & Hiraizumi!

The continuing “Savor Japan” video series transports us to the north-east Tohoku region of Japan’s main island to visit Ichinoseki and Hiraizumi – areas famed for their rice culture and utilization of mochi rice cakes in a wide variety of dishes.  Enjoy the bounty of this deeply traditional food culture in a video at the link below:

For more information on World Heritage location, Hiraizumi, famed for important Buddhist sites and natural beauty:
http://hiraizumi.or.jp/en/heritage/index.html

Ichinoseki guide to experiencing some of the best in regional Japanese cuisine:
https://en.japantravel.com/iwate/experiencing-the-spirit-of-washoku-in-ichinoseki/36441