Japan in Africa: TICAD VI Held in Kenya

The Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI) was held in Nairobi, Kenya on August 27-28. From 2016 to 2018, Japan will invest for the future of Africa through measures set to total around 30 billion dollars that strive to further develop infrastructure and promote peace and stability. 

All Smiles for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Japanese Olympians in Rio

Prime Minister Abe greeted Japanese athletes during his visit to Rio de Janeiro for the Closing Ceremony of the 2016 Summer Olympic games. Japan won a combined 41 medals at the Rio games: 12 gold, eight silver and 21 bronze. Japan will now accelerate its preparations to host the next 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

Introducing New Consul General Akira Chiba

The Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles is delighted to introduce new Consul General Akira Chiba, who assumed the post on July 25. His previous postings include such locations as China, Switzerland, Washington, D.C. and Iran. 
To read Consul General's greeting and more about his profile:

Japan Night Presented by JAPAN HOUSE Held at Dodgers Stadium

The Los Angeles Dodgers hosted "Japan Night" Presented by JAPAN HOUSE on July 26 at Dodger Stadium. Newly arrived Consul General Akira Chiba threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Dodger pitcher Kenta Maeda.

Santa Monica-Kizugawa Friendship Cities

On August 2, 2016 at Santa Monica City Hall, Santa Monica and Kizugawa officially became friendship cities.  Consul General Akira Chiba participated in the signing ceremony, which included Mayor Tony Vasquez of Santa Monica and Mayor Noriko Kawai of Kizugawa. The friendship city designation arose out of a middle school student exchange program that began in 1999. 

2016 JET Program Participants Depart for Japan

On July 23rd, one hundred and fifty new Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program participants from Southern California and Arizona departed for Japan from LAX. The Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles hosted a Pre-Departure Orientation and Send-Off Dinner Reception in honor of the 2016-2017 participants on the eve of their departure.

"KAMPAI!" Reception Promotes Japanese Film and Sake

The Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles and Sundance Selects co-hosted a reception on August 16 in honor of the U.S. premiere of "KAMPAI! For the Love of Sake," a film directed by Mr. Mirai Konishi. Some of the personalities from the documentary spoke at the event, including sake sommelier Ms. Marie Chiba, sake journalist Mr. John Gauntner, and proprietor of Nambu Bijin Mr. Kousuke Kuji. Over a dozen varieties of Japanese sake were available for tasting alongside several Japanese dishes.

Television Coverage on Japanese Food Trends!

Fascinating videos on explorations in Japanese cuisine and recipes with chefs and media personalities from all over the world, all at one convenient link!  Enjoy it all right here:

Stunning Aerial Dance of Drones!

Beautiful backdrop of the world heritage site Mt. Fuji was used to stage a beautiful live performance of a complex computer controlled lighted drone aerial ballet.  Check out the spectacular presentation right here:

Japanese Innovation Supporting U.S. Innovation!

Battery cell production is expected to start by the end of the year at the first phase of the ‘Gigafactory 1’ near Sparks, Nevada. The first phase offers about 1.9 million square ft. of manufacturing and work-space. The final version of the factory is expected to have 13 million square ft. Ultimately, it has been estimated that the factory will employ 6,500 persons.

September: Otsukimi

Otsukimi, or moon viewing, is a celebration in Japan of the full moon in autumn, when the air is clear and outdoor temperatures aren't too cold. Around this time, altars are set up in places where people can see the moon. The altars are decorated with silver grass and offerings such as tsukimi dango, or moon-viewing dumplings, and sake. The practice of Otsukimi is believed to have started in Japan more than 1,000 years ago. 
This September, the full moon is expected to occur around midmonth. 

Local Events to Watch

Check our community calendar for Japan-related events in Southern California and Arizona: