Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Visits the Netherlands and the United Kingdom

Prime Minister Abe met with leaders of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom during a Jan. 9-11 trip.

Foreign Minister Kono in Russia

Foreign Minister Taro Kono visited Russia from Jan. 12-16. During his trip he met with his counterpart Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

New Year's Reflection by Prime Minister Abe 

Read the prime minister's New Year's message for 2019.

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.

Japanese Intl MANGA Award Winners Announced

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the winners of the Twelfth Japan International MANGA Award. The competition drew 331 entries from 68 countries and regions. The award ceremony for Gold and Silver Award winners will be held on Feb. 26 in Tokyo.

Applications Available for 2019 Japanese Studies Scholarships (MEXT)

The Consulate General of Japan is accepting applications for the 2019 Japanese Studies Students scholarships until Feb. 20.  Learn more about the application and other related forms at the link below:

Japan House Events

JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, which first opened its doors in December 2017, has welcomed more than 170,000 visitors in its first year. It continues to present many exciting events, including the Short Shorts Film Festival in Hollywood on Jan. 17 and a talk and book signing by internationally-acclaimed manga artist Naoki Urasawa on Jan. 23.

SAVE THE DATE - Monday, February 11
!
Asako Osaki, Director of the Gender Action Platform and Visiting Professor at the Kwansei Gakuin University School of Policy Studies, will speak at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles on Monday, February 11 (time: TBD). She is a policy and advocacy expert specializing in gender mainstreaming and empowerment of women and girls. Please check the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles and JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles websites in the coming weeks for further information about the event.

Mark Your Calendar for the Arizona Matsuri in February!

The 2019 Arizona Matsuri will be held on Feb. 23-24 at the Heritage & Science Park in downtown Phoenix. Check out Japanese exhibits, demonstrations, arts and culture, games and contests and other entertainment! And please stop by the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles' booth at the Arizona Matsuri. Hope to see you there!

Kizuna Video Series: Mochitsuki

The Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles and Kizuna bring you news and views on the Japanese American community.  Our latest video features mochitsuki events held by the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center and Orange Coast Optimist Club in celebration of the New Year’s holiday.  Join Kent Marume as he explains why mochitsuki is his favorite annual tradition and such an important part of the Japanese American community.  

Michibiki Satellites - Revolution in GPS Accuracy! 

Existing GPS systems can have inaccuracies measured in meters – the Michibiki satellites covering Japan will be accurate down to several centimeters, unlocking the potential of autonomous vehicles within the Japanese market, among other activities reliant on high levels of accuracy.

AI to Assist in Judging Gymnastics at Tokyo Olympics!

Computers generating data from millions of laser signals measuring gymnastics performances will provide human judges new points of reference in evaluating gymnastics events.

Japan Green Technology Showcase at VerdeXchange 2019! 

Many Japanese firms will be with the Consulate of Japan, JETRO and NEDO at one of the most influential environmental issues/technology/policy conferences in the western United States.  See videos of previous years’ panel discussions, and get more information on the upcoming event, right here: 

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.