Leaders of the Group of 20 nations gathered in Hangzhou, China on Sept. 4-5 to discuss the global economy and ways to coordinate policy. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with other leaders on the sidelines of the talks, before heading to Vientiane, Laos to attend Association of Southeast Asian Nations-related meetings. 

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a summit meeting on the occasion of the 2nd Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on Sept. 2-3. In addition to talking about security and economic issues, the two leaders touched on international affairs. Prime Minister Abe also invited President Putin to Japan for a visit later this year.

The three policy arrows of 'Abenomics' -- monetary policy reform, fiscal policy reform and economic structural reform -- continue to move forward as Japan strives for economic revitalization. 

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JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles Forum

JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles held the “JAPAN HOUSE L.A. Forum” at the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo. The forum’s theme was “Culture Startups: Launching JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles” with two panels consisting of JAPAN HOUSE advisory team members from Japan and established art and gastronomy personalities from the States.

 

Mr. Taro Araki, resident chef at the official residence of the Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, was awarded the Foreign Minister's Commendation in recognition of his service as an  “Excellent Executive Chef for Ambassador/Consul-General of Japan.”

Foreign Minister's Commendation Honors Mrs. Hisako Shohara

The Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles held a ceremony for the conferment of the Foreign Minister’s Commendation upon Mrs. Hisako Shohara, President of the Ikebana Teachers’ Association of Southern California, on Friday, September 23.

Paro the Therapy Robot Visits Kids

“Paro”, a purpose-built therapeutic harp seal robot visited the Harbor Regional Center to meet children with developmental disabilities. Two white Paro robots came along to assist in the demonstrations, moving and cooing as spectators and children interacted with them. Paro's inventor, Dr. Takanori Shibata, chief senior research scientist at Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), was on hand to explain the therapeutic applications of Paro.

 

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, founded in 1987, has sent more than 60,000 participants from around the world to work in schools, government offices and boards of education throughout Japan. The application for the 2017 Japan Exchange and Teaching Program is now available. 

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JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles will be at the 2016 Japanese Food Festival, which will be held at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City on Sunday, Nov. 13 from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Come see cultural performances and cooking demonstrations, and learn more about JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles opening in Hollywood & Highland next year. 

On August 24, Consul General Akira Chiba joined close to 100 participants at a dedication ceremony for a plaque memorializing the Pomona Fairplex – Los Angeles County Fairgrounds as the site of the Pomona Assembly Center where Japanese Americans were detained from May 7 – August 24, 1942.  

Head to the north side of the Santa Monica Pier on Sunday, Oct. 16 for the Japan America Kite Festival. The annual event, organized by the Japan America Society of Southern California, features food vendors, cultural entertainment, and of course, Japanese kites!!

In what seems to be just an oddball story – a hotel staffed largely by robots – could actually be a much more important story on the future automation of service jobs currently accomplished by humans.  Is this just a tourist attraction, or a window into the near future?  Decide for yourself, right here:   

 

For those of us who can't get their ramen quite quickly enough, Shin Sen Gumi has opened their first drive-thru location in Torrance. Further evidence that Ramen Boom continues - news and reviews right here:

The Japan Foundation is now accepting project proposals for Performing Arts Japan (PAJ) touring and collaboratrion grants for the 2017 - 2018 fiscal year. This program is designed to provide financial assistance for non-profit organizations in the US and Canada that aim to introduce Japanese performing arts to local audiences.

Learn more about Japan's foreign policy in such areas as peace and security, development and global issues, gender equality, postwar relations, and territory of Japan

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