Prime Minister Abe Visits Russia and the United Kingdom

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe traveled to Russia for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on April 27.

Prime Minister Abe then headed to the U.K. for talks with Prime Minister Theresa May on April 28.

Group of Seven Leaders To Meet in Italy

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and fellow leaders will convene in Italy on May 26-27 for the Taormina Group of Seven summit. Italy holds the G7 presidency this year, making it the host and organizer of all ministerial meetings as well as technicial and informal meetings involving G7 members.

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U.S. Vice President Pence in Japan 

Vice President Pence visited Japan on April 18-19, with highlights of his trip including a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. For Pence, who visited Japan twice during his previous position as Indiana governor, the latest trip was his first since becoming vice president.

G7 Foreign Ministers Convene in Italy 

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida met with his Group of Seven counterparts in Lucca, Italy on April 10-11 to address international issues with the potential to impact global peace and security. On the sidelines of the G7 meeting, Kishida held talks individually with foreign ministers from Germany, Italy and the U.S. 
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America-Japan Society Centennial Celebration Held in Tokyo
Founded in 1917, the America-Japan Society celebrated 100 years of activities promoting the Japan-U.S. relationship at an event in Tokyo on April 13. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gave remarks at the fete, which was also attended by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress.

To watch video (Japanese language only) from the celebration, click here:

Japan House São Paulo Holds Opening Ceremony

Japan House launched its first location with an opening event in São Paulo on April 30. Japan House is a project launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan that aims to showcase the most authentic and appealing aspects of Japan to the world through art, culture, technology, tourism, entertainment, food and more. Japan House aims to spur understanding and appreciation of Japan. The two other Japan House locations, planned for Los Angeles and London, are set to open later this year.

Applications for Japanese Government "MEXT" Scholarships Now Available!

Applications for the 2018 Research Students Scholarship, 2018 Undergraduate Students Scholarship, and 2018 Specialized Training College Students Scholarship are now available. Established in 1954, the MEXT Scholarship Program has enabled more than 102,000 students from around 160 countries and regions worldwide to study in Japan. All applications for the 2018 scholarships must be received by Tuesday, June 13, 2017.

Recipients of Spring 2017 Decorations Announced

On April 29, the Government of Japan announced the recipients of its Spring 2017 Decorations. From the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, the following two distinguished individuals will be awarded:

Consul General Attends 48th Annual Manzanar Pilgrimage

On April 29, Consul General Akira Chiba of Los Angeles and Consul General Jun Yamada of San Francisco attended the 48th Annual Manzanar Pilgrimage “Never Again, To Anyone, Anywhere!  - 75th Commemoration of Executive Order 9066,” held at Manzanar National Historic Site. They joined thousands of attendees to pay tribute during a special program and interfaith service.

Celebrating Japanese Films in Los Angeles 

The 2017 Japan Film Festival Los Angeles kicks off on May 5 with Japanese films from a wide variety of genres. The festival, in its 12th year, aims to promote understanding of contemporary Japanese culture through film. Directors and cast members from some of the films will make appearances at the screenings.
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Japanese Films at NewFilmmakers Los Angeles' Monthly Film Fest

On May 13th, NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by showcasing films from Asian filmmakers. Included is the Student Academy Award-Winning Japanese short film "Cloud Kumo" from filmmaker Yvonne Ng. The Japanese feature film “Where Florence Sleeps,” from the talented brother duo of Katsuto and Kenji Kobayashi, will be screened as well. 

Play Ball! Celebrate Japan Night at Dodger Stadium!

The Los Angeles Dodgers are hosting Japan Nighton Thursday, May 18, when the home team plays the Miami Marlins. The first 40,000 fans in attendance will also receive a Great Dodger Moments Coin #3 - Clayton Kershaw's No-Hitter presented by 76. Fans can also purchase a special event ticket package that includes a game ticket and exclusive Japan Night T-shirt. For more info:

Also, the Dodgers will host Hello Kitty Night on Thursday, May 25. Fans can purchase a special event ticket package that includes a game ticket and exclusive Hello Kitty x Dodgers T Shirt.
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If You Can't Stand Standing in Line... Autonomous Chairs!

Restaurants and other popular venues in Japan are getting a taste of what could be the future of queuing for entrance at the door. No need to stand in line as these clever chairs do all the moving for you! 
Check it out right here:

Virtual Experiences in Real Japan!

As the home of cutting edge video games with a large and fanatical customer base, there is no better place to enjoy the growing world of virtual reality than Japan.  Check out this informative article for tips on where in Japan one can experience the blurring line between virtually real and really real! 

Holidays in May: Golden Week in Japan

Japan's Golden Week is anchored by four national holidays that fall between late April and early May. Depending on how the days land on the calendar, coupled with the weekends, the Golden Week break can become an extended holiday for students and workers, making it a peak travel time.

April 29 - Showa no Hi (marking the late His Majesty Emperor Showa's birthday)
May 3 - Constitution Memorial Day (the day the Japanese Constitution was enacted)
May 4 - Greenery Day (a day to appreciate nature)
May 5 - Children's Day (a day for families to celebrate the health, growth and happiness of their children)