Credit: Cabinet Public Relations Office

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Addresses 198th Session of the Diet

Prime Minister Abe delivered a policy speech during the plenary session of the House of Representatives. Find out more below:

Foreign Minister Kono on Foreign Policy

Foreign Minister Taro Kono outlined Japan's foreign policy at the 198th Session of the Diet, focusing on such topics as strengthening Japan-U.S. relations and enhancing relationships with neighboring countries. Read more:


Credit: Cabinet Public Relations Office

Prime Minister Abe in Russia and Switzerland 

The prime minister visited Russia and Switzerland from Jan. 21-24, with highlights including a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and a speech at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting.

First TPP Commission Meeting Held in Tokyo

Prime Minister Abe attended the First Trans-Pacific Partnership Commission held in Tokyo, welcoming representatives of the TPP 11 (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) countries.

Awards for Outstanding Achievements in Agriculture! 

From Southern California, the 2018 Japan Agricultural Achievement Award recipients are Mr. Sadao Tome and Mr. Katsuhiro Nakagawa. More information on their achievements in agriculture and the January 22nd Commendation Ceremony at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles right here:

Mr. Edward A. Perron Conferred Decoration

The conferment ceremony for Mr. Edward A. Perron was held on Jan. 23 at the Official Residence of the Consul General. Mr. Perron received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette for having contributed to promoting friendly relations between Japan and the United States.

Mr. Chogi Higa Conferred Decoration

The conferment ceremony for Mr. Chogi Higa was held on Jan. 24 at the Official Residence of the Consul General. Mr. Higa received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays for contributing to the Japanese language and the welfare of Japanese nationals residing in the U.S.

Short Shorts Film Festival in Hollywood 

On Jan. 17, the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia, the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, and JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles co-presented the Short Shorts Film Festival in Hollywood, a one-day film festival program that introduced Japanese and international short films through screenings, live discussions and presentations by industry leaders.

Consul General Visits Chandler Museum Exhibit on Japanese American Internment

Consul General Akira Chiba went to the Chandler Museum in Chandler, Arizona to see the "Gaman: Enduring Japanese American Internment at Gila River" exhibit.  Read more:

2019 Japanese American Leadership Delegation

In March, ten Japanese American leaders from across the country will visit Tokyo and Kumamoto for meetings with political and business leaders, sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and led by Irene Hirano Inouye, President of the U.S.-Japan Council (program organizer). On February 1-2 the delegates gathered in Los Angeles for a pre-trip orientation. This year, Bryce Suzuki, Managing Partner of the Phoenix office of law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, will represent the Los Angeles consulate region. 

Tokyo Geidai Students Perform at Official Residence of the Consul General 

Tokyo University of the Arts, or Tokyo Geidai, gave a chamber concert performance at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles to celebrate the collaboration between Tokyo Geidan, University of Southern California, California Institute of the Arts, and JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles: "Visual Euphony: Animation & Music".


© 2000 Naoki URASAWA/Studio Nuts
“20th Century Boys” was originally published by SHOGAKUKAN

The Art of Naoki Urasawa at JAPAN HOUSE L.A.

Check out the work of renowned manga artist Naoki Urasawa at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, his first exhibition in North America. The exhibition runs through March 28, 2019.

RAND Corp. to hold U.S.-Japan Alliance Series on March 4, 5 

The RAND Corp. will host a two-day conference to discuss U.S. and Japanese perspectives on a free and open Indo-Pacific and the PLA’s growing capabilities. Speakers include Avril Haines, former Deputy National Security Advisor from 2015–2017, and Adm. Scott Swift, former Pacific Fleet Commander. 

Japan America Society of Southern California Japan Update Symposium

The Japan America Society of Southern California's Japan Update Symposium on Feb. 21 will feature expert speakers who will share their perspectives on Japan, U.S.-Japan business trends, trade and other topics that look at geopolitical changes in Asia and elsewhere. Find out more:

Double Oscar Nominees from Japan!

In a good showing for Japan, two films -- Hirokazu Kore-eda's “Shoplifters” and Mamoru Hosoda's “Mirai” -- are among the 2019 Academy Awards nominations!  Watch the trailers for these outstanding films right here:
  “Shoplifters”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9382rwoMiRc
  “Mirai”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8-PW5wvt30

Promoting the Goodness of Japanese Food Abroad! 

The Winners of the Minister's Awards for Overseas Promotion of Japanese Food have been announced, and southern California is home to one of this year’s honorees – Mr. Masanori Shirakata, President of Shirakata Denshiro Shoten and Den's Tea!  More details right here: 

Upcoming Events Showcasing Japanese Food Ingredients and Cuisine!

Explore regional Japanese food at Supermarket Fairs in February: 
- Tono & Sanriku Fair 2/21-2/24, Mitsuwa Torrance  http://www.mitsuwa.com/tr/
- Kyushu Fair 2/21-2/27, Marukai (all locations) https://www.marukai.com/

Is Your Home or Office a Mess? KonMari to the Rescue!

Japanese guru of organization and tidy spaces Marie Kondo is taking the U.S. by storm, battling cluttered spaces! Be inspired and learn how to be a better organizer by watching Marie Kondo's new Netflix show, "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo." Watch the official Netflix trailer:

Sapporo Snow Festival  

The Sapporo Snow Festival, held every year in Sapporo, Hokkaido, draws large crowds from both Japan and overseas. This year's festival, held at different sites, lasted through Feb. 11, featuring the art of snow and ice as well as snow slides and snowrafting, as well as an ice sculpture contest.

http://www.la.us.emb-japan.go.jp | info@ls.mofa.go.jp
Consulate General of Japan, Los Angeles

 

 

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