Earthquake Recovery Act Passed by Japan's Parliament
Longer-term recovery efforts will require planning, coordination and funding.  On June 20, Japan's National Diet passed the first raft of new laws, the first step in: (1) establishing the agency which will lead these activities, and (2) authorizing the government to issue bonds to finance one of the world's largest building and reconstruction efforts in modern times!  Concrete measures will be decided in the near future. 

Japan Training Squadron Visit to San Diego 

Photo Courtesy: Japan Maritime Self Defense Forces

From June 23 - 25, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force training squadron will visit San Diego in three vessels with nearly 700 crew members, including 175 officer trainees.  JMSDF officers will meet with U.S. Navy officials, furthering the U.S.-Japan security relationship.  The visit provides training opportunities to junior officers.   

Japan Leadership Symposium in Tokyo

Courtesy: US-Japan Council

The U.S.-Japan Council's May 
meeting in Japan provided a chance for leaders to discuss the current situation facing Japan and determine next steps together. 
Speakers included Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Ambassador John V. Roos, and Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto. 
 

Venice Natsu Matsuri 

Summer time! 
Matsuri time! 
The Venice Japanese Community Center is hosting its two-day annual Natsu Matsuri on June 25 & 26.  Eat the food and visit the game booths! 

Riddle: What's Long and Green and Flies Through Space?  
Pretty soon, it'll be cucumbers.  Astronaut Satoshi Furukawa will be harvesting the first crop of space cucumbers during his new mission on the International Space Station in an entirely science-based project to test the viability of growing foods in zero gravity.  Word is, his Russian colleague will be harvesting tomatoes as well.  Sadly, dietary restrictions for astronauts preclude the possibility of enjoying chopped Mediterranean salad, however. Search: Japan + space + cucumbers for the savory details!
 

The Colorful World of Bentobako 
Did you know that bento lunch boxes
date back to the 15th century?   Bentobako
blend traditional wisdom with technology to ensure convenient and delicious meals.  See this short video on the many styles and usages of bentobako.
Japan Video Topics 

Today's Kotowaza:
Asa cha wa shichi ri kaete mo nome 
Morning tea seven ri return home drink.  If you leave home without drinking your tea, you should return home to drink it, even if you have traveled seven ri (28 km). Good tea brings good luck. The health qualities in a good cup of tea are worth returning for.

Japan-related events for
Los Angeles & Arizona 

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Recipients of Decorations from the Government of Japan

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

The 2011 Spring Decorations from the Government of Japan have been announced.  Read about the recipients from Southern California.

Earthquake Recovery Presentations and Roundtables!
In response to scores of inquiries from the southern California and Arizona business community, Consul General Ihara has led numerous roundtable discussions and presentations on the economic impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Japan's trajectory of recovery. View some of the main points put forward at one such event.
 

Japan Benefit Film Screening 
A film screening of Sugihara: Conspiracy of Kindness will be at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles on June 23 at 7:30 pm.  Proceeds will help earthquake victims in Japan.  The film tells of Chiune Sugihara's remarkable efforts to save Jews during World War II.

Wakayagi Dance Performance  
Wakayagi Hisami and her Los Angeles dance troupe, Hana no Kai, will perform on June 23 & 24 at the Torrance Armstrong Theater.  Special guest dancers from Japan will join in the production to perform the highlight, Tsuna Yakata, in which an elderly woman is a demon in disguise.
 

Taikoproject!   
Ensemble Taikoproject will showcase the depth of taiko's power and creativity at a concert on the plaza of JACCC. Also featured will be Bombu Taiko, Kitsune Taiko, and Loma Pacific Taiko. June 25, 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm. 
 

Obon Schedule 
Summer in Southern California Japan-style means o-bon festivals!  And there are many!  Check this page for a list of 2011 o-bon festivals.  Join the bon odori dance line!
  

Japan's Symbol of Spring and Friendship  
Since ancient times, Japanese people love to contemplate the changing seasons and look forward with particular excitement to blossoming cherry trees. This spirit lives on today in cherry blossom viewing parties that people throughout Japan enjoy each spring.
Trends in Japan

Paper Craft Creations

Buses, trains and other forms of transportation. 
See En Tengara's  carefully drafted paper models in the consular lobby of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs News