Engagement of Her Imperial Highness Princess Mako Announced

The Imperial Household Agency announced on Sept. 3 the engagement of Her Imperial Highness Princess Mako -- the eldest daughter of Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino, and the oldest grandchild of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress -- to Mr. Kei Komuro.

Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Meets with Abe

On Aug. 18, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received a courtesy visit from General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., Chairman of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the Prime Minister's Office.

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Visits Abe

On Aug. 18, William Hagerty, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, held talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Prime Minister's Office.

Japanese Foreign Minister, Defense Minister Attend Japan-U.S. "2+2" Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Foreign Minister Taro Kono and Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera met with U.S. counterparts Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense James Mattis for the Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee, or Japan-U.S. "2+2", in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 17. The four ministers reaffirmed their commitment to bolster the Japan-U.S. Alliance, stating that it would continue to be the "cornerstone of regional peace and security.".

Introducing Japan's Attractions 

This official online magazine introduces Japan's attractions and its multifacted ties with the rest of the world. A new edition is published around once every two months. The Autumn 2017 edition is now available.
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Seminar on Raising Children in Los Angeles to Be Held

On Saturday, Sept. 30 (Saturday) from 10am, the Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) will hold a free seminar titled “Raising Children in Los Angeles”. The seminar, co-hosted by the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, will be held in Japanese. For more information:

2017 Nisei Week Success!

Consul General Chiba and consulate representatives attended the 77th Annual Nisei Week Festival in Little Tokyo, which closed on Aug. 27. Thousands attended the festivities and enjoyed the many signature events such as the Tanabata Festival, Grand Parade, and Closing Ceremony and Ondo.   

In the Mood for Shochu?

The Japan External Trade Organization, Los Angeles Office, and the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles jointly hosted a Shochu Promotion Reception at the Official Residence of Consul General Chiba on Aug. 3. Guests from the local restaurant industry and others sampled shochu paired with Japanese food.

OC Japan Fair Coming to Town!

It's that time of year again! Come enjoy Japanese food, culture, traditions and more at the OC Japan Fair from Oct. 13-15.

Sports, Sports and More Sports!

Japanese Sprinter Breaks the 10-Second Barrier in 100m Race

Team Japan Wins the 2017 Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA
Japan's Women's Softball Wins the Gold Medal Finale at the 2017 Japan Cup

Japanese Judoka Put on Strong Showing at 2017 Suzuki World Judo Champtionships 

Giant Agricultural Tourism Attractions!

Using different varieties of rice as their color palette, creative farmers throughout Japan plant monumental living canvases with brilliant detailed designs that change throughout the growing season. This is an agriculture tourism boon for some regions!
See more here:

Japan Update of Global Economy

A very dynamic period for the global economy - trade is down, investment is up - get Japan's analysis on recent trends, hot off the presses, and a view on how things might be going forward.
Full report right here:

World's Largest VR Experience - Tokyo!

One of Japan's hottest new venues allows players to enter dozens of virtual worlds in the largest Virtual Reality arcade on the planet!  
Check it out right here:

Shoku-yoku no Aki (Appetite for Autumn)

The fall season is a delicious time of year, when certain Japanese delicacies are in season and plentiful. For example, sanma, or Pacific Saury, is fresh in the autumn season and delicious when grilled. Mixed rice dishes using chestnuts or mushrooms are also foods commonly prepared in autumn time that whet the appetite.