Group of Seven Leaders Gather for Ise-Shima Summit
Japan, which holds the Group of Seven presidency this year, hosted heads of state and government officials at the Ise-Shima Summit on May 26 and May 27 in Mie Prefecture.
Highlights of the summit included a visit to Ise Shrine. The leaders also test rode autonomous and fuel-cell vehicles on the sidelines of their discussions.
On the second day, G7 leaders attended a session to discuss climate change and energy. They also met with invited outreach country leaders from Asia and Africa for discussions about stability, prosperity and development. The summit concluded with a joint statement in which the G7 nations vowed to tackle major global and economic challenges.
To read more:
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Recipients of the 2016 Spring Decorations Announced
From the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, the following three distinguished persons will be awarded:
Dr. James P. Folsom - Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette
Mr. Alan Takeshi Nishio - Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette
Mr. Yasuo Kumoda - Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays
Read about their achievements and accomplishments here:
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JETAASC Hosts Career Forum
On May 14th, the JET Alumni Association of Southern California and Arizona (JETAASC) hosted their annual Career Forum and Meishi Exchange event at JACCC. Guests networked in the Japanese garden and were treated to a shamisen performance before the forum began.
For more details:
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27th Annual Arizona Japanese Speech Contest Held
The annual Japanese Speech Contest organized by the Arizona Association of Teachers of Japanese took place on April 17 at Gilbert High School. Contestants from high schools, community colleges and universities took the stage, eager to showcase their Japanese language skills. Ms. Emma Devane of Arizona State University took the top prize.
Read more about the annual contest:
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Tokyo 2020 Olympics Economic Forecast!
Construction and tourism increases attributed to the upcoming Tokyo Olympic games are forecast to enhance gross domestic product growth by up to 8% (with annual real GDP growth rate pushed up by an average of 0.2-0.3 percentage point) and increase employment by up to 700,000 persons.
Get the buoyant analysis here:
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Temporary Tattoo Detects Soba Allergies!
Buckwheat - the key component of soba noodles - is ubiquitous in Japan but rarer elsewhere in the world. In order to aid foreigners and Japanese who might be allergic to buckwheat, a temporary tattoo has been developed which will give warning to those who are in fact allergic!
See it here:
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Japan Women's Volleyball To Battle U.S., Turkey and Germany In Long Beach
 Members of the Japanese National Women's Volleyball team will compete in the 2016 FIVB World Grand Prix preliminary weekend against teams from the U.S., Turkey and Germany. The matches will be held at Long Beach State University. If you're in the area, cheer on Team Japan, which will play Turkey on June 17, the U.S. on June 18 and Germany on June 19!
For more details:
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs News
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Check out our community calendar!
JAPAN RELATED EVENTS FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA & ARIZONA
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U.S. President Obama's Historic Trip to Hiroshima
United States President Barack Obama paid a highly-anticipated visit to Hiroshima on May 27 following the G7 Summit, becoming the first sitting American president to do so. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Obama visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and laid wreaths to pay respect to atomic bomb victims.
For more details:
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Prime Minister Abe Meets Russian President Vladimir Putin
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wrapped up a six-nation tour with a stop in Russia to meet with Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin on May 6 in the city of Sochi.
The two leaders discussed the Ukraine, North Korea, Syria, anti-terrorism measures, and other international issues.
For more details about Prime Minister Abe's six-nation trip:
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Last Call for 2017 Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Applications!
 Applications for the 2017 Research Students Scholarship, 2017 Undergraduate Students Scholarship, and 2017 Specialized Training College Students Scholarship are still being accepted. All applications must be received by Friday, June 10, 2016.
For more information:
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Aspiring Artists! Deadline for 10th International MANGA Award Approaching
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will accept entries  for the 10th International MANGA Award from Friday, April 1 to Friday, June 17. Established in May 2007, the annual award offers manga artists and creators an opportunity to showcase their talent. Gold and Silver Award recipients will be invited to Japan by the Japan Foundation to attend an award ceremony. During their stay in Japan, recipients will meet Japanese manga creators and visit publishing companies.
For more details:
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Japan America Society of Southern California Holds 107th Anniversary Dinner & Gala Celebration
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| Courtesy: Japan America Society of Southern California |
The Japan America Society of Southern California held its 107th Anniversary Dinner & Gala Celebration, where it honored Mr. Russell Hanlin, Jr., President and CEO of Sunkist Growers, and Mr. Akira Ohno, Chairman Emeritus of Morinaga Milk.
Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles Harry H. Horinouchi gave a speech, praising the Japan America Society's contributionx to Japan-U.S. ties.
See more photos from the gala here:
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Hiroshima A-Bomb Survivor Tree Installation
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| Credit: Rotary Club of Tokyo Yoneyama YUAI & Rotary E-Club of District 2750, Tokyo Yoneyama |
On May 9, a descendant sapling of a tree from Hiroshima which survived the August 1945 atomic bombing was officially installed at the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden in Pasadena, as a project of Green Legacy Hiroshima in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Tokyo Yoneyama YUAI and Rotary E-Club of District 2750, Tokyo Yoneyama. The Green Legacy Project aims to encourage world peace by planting survivor trees throughout the world.
Read more here:
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Japan in Asia Film Series at Japan Foundation Los Angeles
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| Copyright: 2014 BY MORE IN GROUP & SOCIAL CAPITAL PRODUCTION & VOICE FACTORY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. |
The Japan In Asia Film Series has showcased co-productions between Japan and other Asian nations. On April 27, the Japan Foundation and Korea Foundation co-presented the film The Tenor Lirico Spinto, a South Korea-Japan co-production about a singer who makes a comeback from an illness.
Learn about The Tenor Lirico Spinto and other film screenings here:
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May 2016 Update on Abenomics Progress!
Japan's economy is showing improvement under current economic policies! Get the latest figures right here:
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Japan Leading Research in Nano-Fibers Technology!
Already with a strong leadership position in lightweight and strong carbon fiber technologies, Japanese researchers are leading he way to create cellulose nano-fibers from inexpensive plant materials which will perform even better than ultra-strong carbon fiber for many applications!
See more here:
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Destinations
Travel to Japan!!
Japan has rebounded in tourism and affordability. Visit us and see all the reasons Japan is the place to visit this year. Follow the link to "Affordable Japan" and get a glimpse of landscapes, food, inns, and events -- all in your budget.
A Big City View
Fantastic Destinations
Up and Down the Coast
Special Events of the Season
Click links for budget-friendly airfare, food, inns and events.
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Members of the Japanese National Women's Volleyball team will compete in the 2016 FIVB World Grand Prix preliminary weekend against teams from the U.S., Turkey and Germany.
Applications for the 2017 Research Students Scholarship, 2017 Undergraduate Students Scholarship, and 2017 Specialized Training College Students Scholarship are still being accepted. All applications must be received by Friday, June 10, 2016.
for the 10th International MANGA Award from Friday, April 1 to Friday, June 17.
This newsletter is issued by the Japan Information & Culture Center