First Trip to Cuba by a Japanese Prime Minister

On Sept. 22-23, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe became the first Japanese leader to visit Cuba. In addition to meeting with Fidel Castro, former President of the Council of State of Cuba, the Japanese prime minister met with current President Raúl Castro. Prime Minister Abe also spoke with Cubans of Japanese descent during his trip. 

Japan's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Attend U.N. General Assembly

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida attended the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, which was held on Sept. 18-24.

Prime Minister Abe gave a speech at the General Assembly, while Foreign Minister Kishida attended a Group of Seven Foreign Ministers' meeting.

Autophagy Research Lands Microbiologist Yoshinori Ohsumi Nobel Prize!

His experiments with simple baker's yeast revealed key fundamental mechanisms of cells. Check out the fascinating story behind the latest Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine right here:
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L.A. Area Recipients of 2016 Fall Decorations Announced

On Nov. 3, the Japanese government announced the recipients of its Fall 2016 decorations

Mrs. Kay Kayoko Inose

To learn more about their distinguished achievements, please see here:

Tuna Canyon Traveling Exhibit Unveiled

On October 2, the Tuna Canyon Detention Station Coalition unveiled their traveling exhibit telling the story of the City of Los Angeles site where Japanese Americans were detained during World War II. Honorable Norman Mineta, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Japanese American National Museum delivered the keynote address.

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Cherry Blossom Dedication in Alhambra

On Sept. 22, longtime Councilman Gary Yamauchi led the City of Alhambra in its dedication of three cherry blossom trees on City Hall grounds. Japanese Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Shunsuke Takei attended the ceremony, joined by Consul General Chiba.

Reception Promotes City of Hachinohe's Local Products

On Oct. 5, the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles and the city of Hachinohe, Japan co-hosted an event at the official residence of the Consul General of Japan to promote Hachinohe. The city's mayor and others spoke at the event, promoting seafood, sake and other local products from the city.

Welcome Back Reception Held for JET Program Returnees

On Sept. 30, Consul General Chiba hosted the Welcome Back Reception for Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program participants who recently returned from Japan. For the JET returnees, it was an opportunity to reconnect with the Southern California community while sharing their experiences abroad, and also to build a network of professional contacts to support continued ties with Japan.

JET Program Applications Now Available Online!

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET), 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. The deadline is Friday, November 18.

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Tokyo Station & Haneda Airport Testing Robot Tourist Assistants!

Foreigners who are lost or confused often head to the tourist assistance booth to seek directions.  If tests proceed smoothly, in the very near future tourists might be led to their gate by a humanoid robot on wheels.  The goal is to have them up and running by the 2020 Tokyo Olympics!  See more here:

Simplified English Rail Map Launched in Tokyo!

Six rail operators joined forces to begin publishing an English language rail map to help in using Tokyo's efficient and extensive railway system. Just in time for your next trip to Japan! Get more information here: 

November National Holidays in Japan
Culture Day (Nov. 3) : The promulgation of the Constitution of Japan took place on Nov. 3, 1946. Two years later, the date was made into a holiday two years later to foster the ideals of the Constitution - the love of peace and freedom - through cultural activities.

Labor Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 23): This day became a holiday in 1948 as a day for citizens to express gratitude to one other for work done throughout the year and for the fruits of those labors.

For information about the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles holiday schedule, please see here: