Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Visits Los Angeles
 On May 3rd, Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida visited Los Angeles and toured Keiro Retirement Home, the Japanese American National Museum, the Go For Broke Monument, and the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, where he exchanged opinions with Japanese American community leaders. He also held a dinner meeting with local Japanese business leaders .
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US Secretary of State John Kerry Visits Japan
 On April 14, Minister for Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida held a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in Tokyo. Minister Kishida welcomed Secretary Kerry's visit to Japan as part of his first trip to Asia since taking office. Minister Kishida and Secretary Kerry discussed the situation in the Asia-Pacific, reaffirming the role of the Japan-U.S. alliance in the region and covering a range of security, economic and environmental issues.
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7th Annual US-Japan Green Conference 
Alternatives to Nuclear: "Japan's renewable Energy Options", on May 15th, 2013. The Annual U.S.-Japan Green Conference is an official World Trade Week event that brings together professionals from a diverse group of small, medium and large companies, as well as entrepreneurs and government representatives. Please join us as our distinguished panel of experts will discuss how Japan can increase its renewable energy options.
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Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Cool Japan Reception
 One of Japan's rising pop stars, fashion icon, media talent and Harajuku "Kawaii Ambassador" - Kyary Pamyu Pamyu - joined LA area executives and representatives from the sectors of fashion, media, publishing, music production and web-based cross platform development, for an unforgettable and energetic "Cool Japan" business networking event at the official residence of Consul General Niimi. More information right here: |
Ikenobo Exhibit Bamboo and Petals
 In celebration of Shunho Shimbashi's 50th anniversary as head teacher of the LA chapter of the Ikenobo School of flower arrangement, the school will be exhibiting her students' flower arrangements at the JACCC George J. Doizaki Gallery on June 1st and 2nd. For more information call (213) 628-2725.
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Japan Installing World's Largest Battery Storage Bank
As Japan continues to invest in solar power facilities, smoothing between energy production and consumption demands becomes an increasingly critical imperative - hence, this project capable of storing 60 megawatt hours of electricity - enough to power at least 60,000 homes for one hour!
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New Survey on Foreign Firms in Japan
 How they're doing in the Japanese market--challenges and recommentdations on creating conditions for encouraging foreign investment in Japan--interesting reading for anyone interested in the dynamic Japanese business landscape. See it here: |
JAPAN RELATED EVENTS FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA & ARIZONA
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Recipients of the Spring Decorations 2013
  On April 29, 2013, the Government of Japan announced the recipients of its Spring 2013 Decorations. From the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, Mr. Thomas Iino will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, and Mrs. Kaneko Bishop, the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays. Read their citations here:
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MEXT Scholarship Applications for 2013 -- deadline June 12th
The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship, Research Student Scholarship, and Specialized Training Scholarship application periods are now open. All applications must be received (not postmarked) by June 12th, 2013. For more information, please see our website or contact the Scholarship Desk at (213) 617-6700x309 or mext@ls.mofa.go.jp. |
Beer and Sake Festival in San Diego
 Join us for the 11th Annual Beer & Sake Festival. The Japan Society's Beer & Sake Festival is a popular and fast-growing charity tasting event featuring local restaurants serving sumptuous appetizers and breweries pouring tasty beers and sakes. For those 21 and over.
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Arizona Speech Contest Report
 The 24th Annual Arizona Japanese Speech Contest was held on April 14th at Desert Ridge High School in Mesa, Arizona. It was organized by the Arizona Association of Teachers of Japanese and co-hosted by Desert Ridge High School and the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles. A total of 47 contestants from seven high schools and seven colleges in Arizona competed for ninteen prizes in four categories.
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Chapman University Festival
Chapman University's Japanese Club hosted the 3rd Annual Chapman Cherry Blossom Festival on Wednesday, April 17th at the Attallah Piazza on campus. It featured a shamisen performance by 16-year old Naoki Atkins, a skit performed in Japanese and English by Japanese club members, and a slide show of club activities on stage.
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Japanese Prints: Hokusai at LACMA
 This exhibition includes prints from the museum's collection as well as pages from wood block printed books and preparatory drawings. LACMA's collection features prints by the renowned artist Katsushika Hokusai, and his iconic works Red Fuji and The Great Wave.
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Japan's Modern Divide: The Photographs of Hiroshi Hamaya and Kansuke Yamamoto
This exhibition at the Getty presents the work of two 20th-century photographers, Hiroshi Hamaya and Kansuke Yamamoto, who represent important but alternate paths in Japanese photography.
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs News
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This newsletter is issued by the Japan Information & Culture Center