December 19 was the last Saturday before Christmas. In the spirit of the holiday, the Consul General hosted what has now become an annual tradition at his Official Residence: Saturday Night Fever: JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching Program) Returnees and Young Executives Networking Party. Around 40 people attended including members of the JET Alumni Association (JETAA) and the Japan America Society of Chicago (JASC) as well as young business people who are interested in Japan.

The event achieved its two goals of welcoming JET returnees back to Chicago and faciliating networking among JET alumni, Japan-related organizations, and young executives. After Consul General Hisaeda's warm welcome and each organization's presentation, the attendees became better acquainted during dinner, mochi pounding, and a full-fledged disco.

Initiated by Consul General Hisaeda, the Saturday Night Fever event has become well known among Japan enthusiasts across the U.S. through the JETAA network. One person asked another Japanese consulate in America if it could host a disco party.

On December 17, at the invitation of the Chicago Bulls, Consul General Hisaeda watched a National Basketball Association game between the Bulls and the New York Knicks. The Consul General discussed recent developments in the local economy and the sports scene with team representatives.

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in Chicago. The Bulls, which are famous in Japan for its former superstar Michael Jordan, are owned by Jerry Reinsdorf, who also owns the Chicago White Sox.

From left, the photo shows Alternate NBA Governor Michael Reinsdorf, Consul General Hisaeda, and Chicago Bulls' General Manager Gar Forman.

On December 16, Consul General and Mrs. Hisaeda toured the production facilities of Chocolatine, an upscale chocolate shop in the Chicago suburb of Schaumburg. The store is owned and operated by famed Japanese chocolatier, Ms. Rieko Wada. She spoke with Consul General and Mrs. Hisaeda about the current state of the chocolate industry, and her strategies for developing new products and building a strong client base.

In addition to selling the finest quality, classic chocolate confections, Chocolatine specializes in fragrant treats made with fresh fruit and liqueurs. It also features Ms. Wada's popular original creations, which incorporate Japanese ingredients in unique ways. Her chocolates have received significant media attention, and have been featured in the Chicago Tribune and on ABC television. Ms. Wada’s high profile clients include premier hotels and the airlines.

The upper picture shows Consul General Hisaeda with Ms. Wada and her daughter, Hidemi. The lower picture shows Ms. Wada demonstrating how to make chocolate shells to Mrs. Hisaeda.

On December 15, Consul General Hisaeda hosted the founder and chairman of Crate and Barrel, Mr. George Segal (pictured 3rd from left in the photo), at the Official Residence. Crate and Barrel is a national furniture and household goods chain that is famous both in Japan and in the U.S. Chicago area political, financial, and cultural leaders attended the gathering where they exchanged views on Japan-Midwest relations.

On December 10, at the Japan America Society of Chicago's 23rd Annual Holiday Fundraiser & Bonenkai, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Award Ceremony was held. Consul General Hisaeda presented this year's recipient, President of the Japanese Mutual Aid Society Calvin Manshio (at left in the photograph), with a Certificate of Commendation.

Mr. Manshio, a third-generation Japanese-Chicagoan, and a leader in the community, has, over many years, given considerable effort to advancing the welfare and status of Japanese Americans and promoting Japanese-American frienship and understanding. The ceremony was held to recognize and extol Mr. Manshio for these incredible achievements.

Click here to read an interview with Mr. Manshio about his reaction to receiving the award, and his feelings about his years of work in Chicago.

On December 10, the Japan America Society of Chicago (JASC) held its 23rd Annual Holiday Fundraiser & Bonenkai at the Mid-America Club in downtown Chicago. Over 200 people attended, including many local political and business leaders, and representatives of Japanese companies in the Midwest. In his opening remarks (shown in the upper picture), Consul General Hisaeda applauded the JASC's many achievements, and offered his sincere hopes for the coming year.

The lower picture shows the guests at the main table. Clockwise from left are Chairman & CEO of Lismore International, Inc. James A. McClung, former United States Senator Adlai Stevenson, Chairman of the JASC and former CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Michael Moskow, Mr. Moskow's wife, the Consul General, the Consul General's wife, President of the JASC Ed Grant, Terri Pizzuto, Vice-President of ANA Naomichi Terazaki, and Mr. McClung's wife.

On December 3, The Emperor’s Birthday Reception was held at the Consulate General of Japan at Chicago. Among the approximately 300 guests in attendance were Midwestern government representatives, local business people, cultural specialists, Chicago media, and leaders of the local Japanese and Japanese American communities. In his speech, Consul General Hisaeda reflected on the events of this year while expressing his hopes for the New Year.

On November 12, Consul General Hisaeda visited the Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA) assembly plant in Lafayette, Indiana. During the meeting, informative presentations were made by President and Chief Executive Officer Motokiyo Nomura, Senior Vice President Toshiaki Ueda, and their colleagues on Subaru and the U.S. vehicle industry. The factory was established in 1987, and became a subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. in 2003. It currently employs about 3,000 associates and produces 200,000 cars annually, including the Legacy, Outback, Tribeca, and Toyota Camry (by commission) models.

The photo shows President Nomura standing to the left of Consul General and Mrs. Hisaeda, with Senior Vice President Ueda standing to their right at the end of the production line.

On November 11, the Japan America Society of Indiana (JASI) held its annual meeting at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis. Four hundred political and business leaders, including Japanese company executives from across the state, gathered for the event. In his opening remarks, Consul General Hisaeda applauded JASI’s many achievements and he highlighted important, new opportunities for Japan-Midwest cooperation. High speed rail in the Midwest with Japanese participation can promote economic growth, and the Japan Pavilion at the Indiana State Fair next August will bring everyday life in Japan to the people of the state.

The upper picture shows the Consul General delivering his remarks, on the right. The lower picture shows Governor John Engler, President of the National Association of Manufacturers, and the evening’s keynote speaker, with the Consul General and his wife.

On November 9, an important meeting on the Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) Program was held at the Consulate General of Japan at Chicago. Sponsored by the Japan Foundation and the Laurasian Institute, the program sends grassroots exchange coordinators to areas that have limited exposure to Japanese culture. Next year, the JOI will increase its outreach activities in the Midwest, which will further deepen the understanding and friendship between Japan and the Midwest.

The photo depicts a courtesy visit with the Consul General. Pictured from left is Fumiko Yamada (Japan Foundation), Consul General Hisaeda, Mari Maruyama (Laurasian Institution), and Vice Consul Menda.

On November 6, Consul General Hisaeda attended the Japan Student Night: A Welcome to Chicago Reception at the Chicago Cultural Center, and presented opening remarks (upper photo). The reception was sponsored by the Japan America Society of Chicago and the Osaka Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International. It brought together local Japanese exchange students, students and faculty from nearby colleges who are interested in Japan, and representatives from the City of Chicago.

In his presentation, Consul General Hisaeda emphasized the importance of this type of networking opportunity, and encouraged Japanese exchange students to learn about America both inside and outside the classroom. He pointed out that the U.S. welcomes more foreign students than any other country. They become lifelong admirers of America in international society, which contributes to America's global stature and security. Remarking on the disparity in the number of exchange students between Japan and the U.S., he called for more American students to study in Japan.

The lower photo shows Japanese and East Asian Studies students from North Central College. Professor Fukumi Matsubara is standing between Consul General and Mrs. Hisaeda.

On November 6, students from Osaka City Senior High School, who were in Chicago on an exchange visit to America, called on Consul General Hisaeda at his office. The students were at Walter Payton High School in Chicago for one week. Their visit here was one of many exchanges between two close sister cities, Chicago and Osaka.

Before the commemorative photograph was taken, the Consul General said, "Show your teeth and smile when your picture is taken. That’s the American way.” So everyone has bright, big smiles.

On November 3, at the invitation of Chicago's business leaders, the Consul General enjoyed Gounod's masterpiece, Faust, at the Lyric Opera. He also discussed Chicago's cultural and economic matters with them.

The Lyric Opera is one of the top three opera houses in America. In addition to featuring world renowned stars, a great orchestra, and stunning stage sets, the Lyric has a special advantage. It is one of the most commercially successful opera houses in the world, thanks to its first-rate management. Chicagoans are proud of their two classical music giants, the Lyric Opera and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Pictured on the right is Chicago businessman Bob Malott, who has endowed the Japanese Garden at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. On the left is his wife, Susan Malott.

On November 1, at the invitation of Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, Consul General Hisaeda watched a National Football League game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers at Indianapolis's Lucas Oil Stadium. The Consul General discussed Japan-Midwest economic relations with Governor Daniels, Indiana State Secretary of Commerce Mitch Roob, and other political and business leaders.

The picture shows the Consul General with Governor Daniels, who is well known as an enthusiastic football fan.

On October 28, Consul General Hisaeda hosted members of the Overseas Research Delegation of the Aichi Prefectural Assembly (led by MP Isao Kobayashi) at the Official Residence. Leaders from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago also attended the meeting. The participants exchanged views on the current state of economic relations between Aichi Prefecture and the Midwest.

On October 26, Chicago Cubs outfielder Kosuke Fukudome visited Consul General Hisaeda at his office and offered insights about his experience this season. The Consul General replied, “You’re doing a wonderful job, and your hard work is a tremendous inspiration to the Japanese community here. We wish you great success next year.”

The commemorative photo shows Mr. Fukudome with Consul General Hisaeda and some fans on our Consulate staff.

On October 22, Consul General Hisaeda hosted a delegation from the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) at the Official Residence. The delegation, which was led by OCCI Chairman Akio Nomura, visited Chicago during a study of the U.S. economy.　Leaders from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago and Consulate staff also attended the meeting. The participants exchanged views on recent developments in Japan-U.S. economic relations.

In the photo, seated from left in the front row is Megan Lee (Panasonic), President and CEO of Kansai International Airport (KIA) Shinichi Fukushima, Consul General Hisaeda, Chairman Akio Nomura, Yasutsugu Kohzuki (OCCI), and Hiroyuki Sumita (KIA). Pictured from left in the back row is Takanori Isaka (KIA), Ken Nagasaka (Panasonic), Osamu Ishimura (Sumitomo Corporation), Hiroyuki Yamada (Sharp Microelectronics), Yasuyuki Kawasaki (Yanmar), Kazuko Kamado (OCCI), Yuko Yajima (Consulate), and Seiichi Kondo (Osaka Gas).

On October 22, Consul General Hisaeda gave a speech at the 19th Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago (JCCC) Foundation Grants Ceremony at the Chicago Club. Over the past 19 years, the JCCC has presented 2.8 million dollars to organizations that excel at promoting Japan-America relations, education, and Japanese language studies. This year, a total of $110,000 was awarded to 14 different organizations.

In his speech, the Consul General expressed his deep appreciation for the JCCC’s commitment to supporting the local community.

On October 20, the Japanese film Dear Doctor was featured at the Chicago International Film Festival. At the screening, director Miwa Nishikawa introduced her film and welcomed questions from the audience. Her answers described the intention and meaning of the film as well as the filmmaking process from beginning to end.

In the photo, Consul General Hisaeda presents a bouquet of flowers to Director Nishikawa.

On October 20, Consul General Hisaeda invited Japanese director Miwa Nishikawa (pictured in the center of the photo) to the Official Residence. They discussed the present state of filmmaking in Japan and the world. Ms. Nishikawa was in Chicago to promote her newest film, Dear Doctor, which was selected for screening at the Chicago International Film Festival.

Ms. Nishikawa is currently one of Japan’s best known young directors. Her 2006 film, Yureru, won numerous awards in Japan and has received high praise from international audiences. Dear Doctor was also selected for screening at the Montreal International Film Festival.

On October 19, Consul General Hisaeda greeted the audience at a screening of the Sabu film, Kanikosen, at the Chicago International Film Festival. The film was a huge hit with everyone who attended.

The 45th Annual Chicago International Film Festival opened on October 8. Three Japanese films were screened: Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Air Doll, Sabu’s Kanikosen, and Miwa Nishikawa’s Dear Doctor. All three films received tremendous praise and tickets sold out quickly in advance.

On October 19, Consul General Hisaeda greeted the audience at the screening of the Japanese film, Air Doll. By bringing the best Japanese films to the Midwest the Consulate is achieving one of its most important cultural goals.

On October 19, Consul General and Mrs. Hisaeda joined a tour of the Chicago Art Institute organized by the Chicago Futabakai Japanese School. The group received an explanation of the aesthetics of Impressionism and American Art from Ms. Hiroko Saito, Assistant for International Relations of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. This tour was organized after being proposed by Consul General Hisaeda. Twenty eight parents of the Japanese School students attended the outing.

This photo is taken in front of the famous lion sculptures that flank the museum’s front entrance. Ms. Saito is shown leaning forward in the center of the front row. Consul General Hisaeda is shown on the far right of the back row standing on the lion’s tail. The gentleman to his right is Principal of Chicago Futabakai Japanese Day School Shoji Matsudaira.

On October 13, the Chiune Sugihara Remembrance Night took place at the Consul General’s Official Residence. Sugihara worked as a Vice Consul at the Consulate of Japan in Kaunas, Lithuania during World War II, saving the lives of thousands of Jews fleeing from Nazi persecution by issuing them transit visas to Japan. Approximately 50 leaders from the local political and business world, as well as the Jewish community attended this event to remember Consul Sugihara’s achievements and bravery.

Following Consul General Hisaeda's opening remarks, Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center (IHMEC) Executive Director Richard Hirschhaut spoke briefly about the Chiune Sugihara Permanent Exhibition at the museum. Keynote speaker Dr. Phyllis Lassner of Northwestern University presented a lecture about Consul Sugihara’s accomplishments followed by the personal remembrances of “Sugihara Survivor” Leo Melamed, known as the Father of American Futures Trading. Lastly, Japanese pianist Mio Nakamura presented a solo mini concert.

Consul General Hisaeda is an avid music-lover and came up with the idea of remembering Consul Sugihara by listening to the piano pieces he loved to play during his lifetime. Attendees were treated to a performance of Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” and “Fur Elise” as well as Bądarzewska-Baranowsk’s “A Maiden's Prayer” while reflecting on Sugihara’s life.

The upper photo shows the Consul General presenting his speech, the middle photo shows the scene of the mini concert, and the lower picture is one of the commemorative group photos taken at the event. Pictured from left in the first row is Consul General of Lithuania Skaiste Aniuliene, Dr. Lassner, Mr. Melamed, Mrs. Hisaeda, Consul General Hisaeda, Mrs. Harris, and Illinois State Representative Julie Hamos. From left in the second row is Illinois Senator Jeff Schoenberg, IHMEC Executive Director Hirschhaut, IHMEC President Sam Harris, and Mr. Alan Greiman.

On October 10, Consul General Hisaeda (pictured at right in the photo) attended the Japan America Society of Minnesota’s Annual Mondale Award and Scholarship Dinner in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Consul General Hisaeda gave opening remarks explaining the implications of having a new Japanese government under the Democratic Party. He also discussed recent developments in Japan-Minnesota relations and expressed his enthusiasm for plans to develop a high speed train system in the Midwest using the technology of Japan’s Shinkansen Bullet Train.

Seated on the left hand side of the main table in the foreground of the photo is former U.S. Ambassador to Japan and former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale. To his right is US Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota (Democrat).

Consul General Hisaeda exchanged views on topics such as Japan-America relations with Sen. Klobuchar, who was invited as the keynote speaker for the Dinner. Sen. Klobuchar is well known as Minnesota’s first elected female senator.

On October 10, Consul General Hisaeda met US Senator Al Franken (D, Minnesota), and they exchanged views about international circumstances, Japan-US relations, and other matters.

On October 8, Consul General Hisaeda toured Keihin Aircon North America in Muncie, Indiana and listened to a presentation from President Takao Mori and his associates about economic conditions in the Midwest and the current state of their company.

From left, the photo shows President Larry Ingraham of Ingraham and Associates, Vice President Robert Lidell, President Mori, Mrs. Hisaeda, Consul General Hisaeda, and Muncie’s Mayor Sharon McShurley.

On October 8, Consul General Hisaeda gave a speech about the current state of Japan-America relations as well as future concerns at Sursa Hall of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He later met with BSU President Jo Ann Gora and other school officials and local business and political leaders for an informal discussion at President Gora’s official residence.

The upper photo shows Consul General Hisaeda presenting his talk. The lower photo shows the attendees of the discussion. Seated in the front row from left are Vice Consul Menda, Mrs. Hisaeda, President Gora, Consul General Hisaeda, President Takao Mori of Keihin Aircon North America, and Muncie’s Mayor Sharon McShurley.

On October 7, Consul General Hisaeda attended the Japan America Society of Indiana’s dinner in Indianapolis to discuss views on the outcome of the Meeting of the Japan-Midwest US Association held in Tokyo this past September. Consul General spoke about the change of governing party in Japan and recent Japan-America relations, as well as expressing his enthusiasm for the possibility of constructing of a high speed train system in the Midwest using the technology of Japan’s legendary Shinkansen Bullet Train. Governor Daniels of Indiana is also a passionate supporter of this plan, and toured the Tohoku “Nasuno” Shinkansen train while in Tokyo for the Meeting of the Japan Midwest Association.

On October 7, Consul General Hisaeda visited the Studio Lenthe of renowned Trombonist Prof. Carl Lenthe at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University Bloomington, and had exchanges with the students.

In this photo, Prof. Lenthe is shown third from the left in the back row, fifth from the left is Prof. Pete Ellefson.

On October 7, Consul General Hisaeda visited the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University Bloomington and met for an informal discussion with Dean Gwyn Richards about the state of the school’s affairs and its relationship with Japan. The Jacobs School is well known in the US for its outstanding facilities and faculty, and many Japanese exchange students study there.

On October 7, Consul General Hisaeda visited Indiana University Bloomington and met for an informal discussion about academic relations between the US and Japan with Vice President for International Affairs Patrick O'Meara and other IU professors. Indiana University is highly ranked as a State University in the US for its outstanding standards in research and education. It is also recognized for its excellent Japanese program and research related to Japan.

From left, the photo shows University Director of International Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives; Shawn Reynolds, Prof. Mike Robinson, Mrs. Hisaeda, Vice President O’Meara, Consul General Hisaeda, and Prof. Keiko Kuriyama.

On October 6, the Lincoln Bicentennial Commemorative Essay Contest awards ceremony was held at the Consul General’s official residence. This contest is an opportunity for the Japanese community to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth alongside Americans with the aim of giving the students of Chicago’s Japanese Schools an opportunity to learn about American history while polishing their essay writing skills. The contest was designed by the Consulate General of Japan at Chicago, and held in corporation with the Chicago Futabakai Japanese Day School and Saturday School as well as the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago (JCCC). Winning essays on the topic of Lincoln were selected from a large number of entries, and presented at the awards ceremony.

The upper photo shows Consul General Hisaeda presenting welcoming remarks to guests. The lower photo is a photo commemorating the competition winners. Seated from left in the first row is Ms. Nanako Kikukawa, Ms. Mei Shiota, Consul General Hisaeda, Ms. Rika Okada and Mr. Hiroki Takahara. Seated from left in the second row is Mr. Hiroki Hashimoto, Mr. Yu Nakagawa, Mr. Kota Fukunaga, Ms. Aoi Noda, Mr. Takahito Ueki and Ms. Mao Murakami.

On September 14, Consul General Hisaeda presented opening remarks at the 41st Annual Joint Meeting of the Japan-Midwest U.S. Association, in Tokyo, Japan.

In his remarks, Consul General Hisaeda discussed Japan’s ‘Shinkansen’ high speed train system, and the proposed regional rail system in the Midwest. He expressed his hopes that Japan-US cooperation in this field would stimulate both the Japanese and US economies, especially in the US Midwest.

During the event, Consul General Hisaeda strengthened positive relations with many Midwestern leaders, and they exchanged views on topics relating to the development of Japan-US economic relations.

The top picture shows Consul General Hisaeda presenting his opening remarks.

From left to right, the lower picture shows Consul General Hisaeda, Governor of Tochigi Prefecture Tomikazu Fukuda, Governor of Chiba Prefecture Kensaku Morita, Governor of Indiana Mitch Daniels, Fomer Governor of Illinois James R. Thompson, CEO of Kikkoman Yuzaburo Mogi, Governor of Wisconsin Jim Doyle, Governor of Michigan Jennifer Granholm, Governor of Saitama Prefecture Kiyoshi Ueda, and Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture Shomei Yokouchi.

On September 2, Consul General and Mrs. Hisaeda toured the research facilities at Shedd Aquarium, and listened as Aquarium Vice President Jim Robinett (pictured 2nd from the right) explained the current state of international exchange with overseas aquariums.

As one of the world’s leading aquariums, the Shedd Aquarium is known as one of the world’s first inland marine life exhibition facilities, established in 1930. The museum grounds extend into Lake Michigan, offering a wonderful view of Chicago’s skyscrapers that is a popular tourist attraction for visitors from near and far.

On September 1, Consul General Hisaeda attended a screening of director Kore-eda Hirokazu’s film "Still Walking" and presented opening remarks at the invitation of the Chicago International Film Festival (Cinema/Chicago). This film will be screened at the Music Box Theater in Downtown Chicago beginning September 4.

Director Kore-eda’s new film "Air Doll" will also be screened at the upcoming Chicago International Film Festival, running from October 8 through 21.

On August 25, Consul General Hisaeda met for a discussion with Minnesota’s Governor Tim Pawlenty at the State’s Capitol Building in Saint Paul, Minnesota. They exchanged views on Japan-Minnesota relations and Minnesota’s economic affairs.

From right, the picture shows Honorary Consul General of Japan at Minneapolis William Strang, Consul General Hisaeda, Governor Pawlenty, Director of the Minnesota Trade Office Tony Lorusso, and Executive Director of the Japan America Society of Minnesota Ben van Lierop.

On the evening of August 21, Consul General Hisaeda invited the regional representatives attending the JETAA (Japan Exchange and Teaching Program Alumni Association) National Conference in Chicago to the official residence for an informal discussion session.

In his welcome speech, the Consul General introduced the Chicago Consulate General’s activities that support JETAA and unique events hosted at the official residence, and expressed his desire to extend continuing support to the JET community.

The Consul General also presented New York JETAA Representative Megan Miller with a certificate and a souvenir to commemorate her status as the official residence’s 1,000th guest. Since assuming his post in July of last year, the Consul General has hosted a variety of events at the official residence, such as discussion sessions with experts, seminars, concerts and so forth. Attendees sign their names in a guest book at events, and Ms. Miller was the lucky number 1,000th guest to sign their name!

“It’s a tradition at places such as Tokyo Disneyland in Japan, to give a gift when they’ve reached a certain number of visitors, but it’s rare for this to happen at a Consul General’s official residence,” The Consul General explained.

“I was surprised but I’m happy that I was the lucky one. I’m so glad I came to Chicago!” Ms. Miller replied.

On August 21, Consul General and Mrs. Hisaeda voted in the Japanese House of Representatives election at the polling place held in the Japanese Consulate.

On August 21, Consul General Hisaeda presented a speech at the opening ceremony of the JET Alumni Associate National Conference held at the Dana Hotel in Chicago. In his speech, the Consul General welcomed conference attendees to Chicago, and highlighted the important role of the JET Program and the JET Alumni Association in fostering exchange between Japan and America. He expressed his desire for the Consulate to cooperate with JET related activities as much as possible.

The JET Alumni Association boasts approximately 9,000 members nationwide, including over 800 members in the Chicago Area alone. Additionally, the Chicago Consulate General sends more JET Participants to Japan than any other Japanese consulates and embassies, making it one of Consulate’s most important activities.

On August 18, a thank you letter presentation ceremony was held at the Consul General’s official residence in honor of trombone student Yoshiko Hirata, a participant on the Japanese Government Overseas Study Program for Artists. In his opening speech, Consul General Hisaeda congratulated Ms. Hirata on her outstanding achievements in her year of study in Chicago, which has come to its conclusion. The Consul General also expressed his gratitude for her efforts to promote cultural exchange between Japan and the US through positive cooperation with our consulate and other related organizations.

On August 18, Consul General Hisaeda attended the Japan America Society of Chicago’s breakfast meeting. There, he listened to the Kansas City Royals’ Manager Trey Hillman (formerly manager of the Nipponham Fighters) give a lecture, and then the two discussed Japanese-American exchange through baseball. In regards to the first pitch at the previous evening’s Royals-White Sox game, Mr. Hillman praised Consul General Hisaeda’s magnificent pitch.

On August 17, Consul General Hisaeda threw the opening pitch at the Chicago White Sox-Kansas City Royals game at US Cellular Field, and thrilled the crowd with his expertly thrown curveball, which was judged a strike.

The bottom picture is an Official Commemorative Sox Team photograph with pitcher John Danks. Please notice the scoreboard in the upper-left-hand side of the picture.

On July 29, on the occasion of the Abraham Lincoln 200th Anniversary Exchange Program, Consul General Hisaeda invited the participating high school students, their host families, concerned officials from the schools, and others, to the official residence. In addition to hearing a report on the success of this year’s exchange, the Consul General and the other participants also traded opinions on how to best run grassroots exchanges in the future.

In his opening speech, the Consul General explored the program’s full story (and some of its difficulties), from its inception to its final implementation. He added that he was very happy that such a big undertaking was a success. The Consul General also thanked those people and organizations that made the plan a reality. Then, he asked that the assembled high school students make the most of these valuable experiences and, with their deepened understanding of America, further promote mutual understanding through grassroots exchange upon their return to Japan.

On the morning of the 31st, the exchange students headed for Washington, D.C. where, after visiting sites related to Abraham Lincoln, they returned home.

The top picture shows the Consul General delivering a greeting message. The bottom picturs shows him with the participating exchange students. In the front row, from the left, are the Consul General's wife and the Consul General. In the back row, from the left, are Mr. Yuuki Nakajima (Wakasa High School, Obama City), Ms. Akane Ogawa (Matsugaya High School), Ms. Yukari Koga (Wakaba Sogo High School), Ms. Saki Tabata (Tokyo Metropolitan Kokusai High School), Ms. Azusa Koyama (Tokyo Metropolitan Kokusai High School), and Ms. Emi Itabisashi (Wakasa High School, Obama City).

On July 27, Consul General Hisaeda welcomed and cheered on the Abraham Lincoln 200th Anniversary Exchange Program visitors.

This US visit and exchange program was planned by our Consulate and implemented with the cooperation of the Japan Foundation, International Education Center, and the City of Obama. Its goal is to help Japanese high school students study the history of the United States and democracy through a visit to sites related to Abraham Lincoln. Furthermore, the trip promotes mutual understanding between Japan and the US through grassroots exchanges with people in the area.

On July 26, Consul General Hisaeda watched a Women’s Professional Soccer match between the Chicago Red Stars and the Washington Freedom, at Chicago's Toyota Park. He was there to cheer on the Freedom’s midfielder, Homare Sawa, who previously played for Japan's national squad. Consul General Hisaeda was an avid supporter of Ms. Sawa when she played on the Atlanta Beat, and frequently attended her games during his term as Consul General in Atlanta from 2002 to 2005. This was their first time to see each other in five years.

From left, the photo depicts Mrs. Hisaeda, women's soccer player Emi Yamamoto, Homare Sawa, and the Consul General.

On July 25, lead trombonist of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Megumi Kanda gave a recital at the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights in the Chicago suburb. This recital was organized with the aim of giving exposure and support to talented Japanese artists active in the Midwest. After over a year of planning, the Consulate presented this recital with cooperation from the Japan American Society of Chicago and the Japan Foundation.

Megumi Kanda has been recognized for her extraordinary musical talent since she was a high school student in Japan. After graduating from the Cleveland Institute of Music, she made a name for herself in America when she was the first woman appointed as principal trombone in a major US Orchestra. Ms. Kanda's trombone performance has been praised by local music experts for its "exceptionally beautiful tone," which is certainly the highest kind of praise that a trombonist can hope to receive.

With anticipation for the recital running high, over 300 music fans packed into the church. Ms. Kanda played several famous classical trombone concerto pieces by composers such as Gröndahl and Larsson, jazz standards like "Blue Moon," and traditional Japanese songs like "Akatombo (Red Dragonfly)." Listeners were very impressed by her performance, which lasted for more than an hour and a half.

The upper picture shows the Consul General presenting his opening remarks before the performance. The lower picture shows Ms. Kanda giving a passionate performance, accompanied by pianist Mio Nakamura.

On July 24, Consul General Hisaeda attended the 23rd annual JET Programme pre-departure reception at a hotel near Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. He gave words of encouragement to the 137 JET Program participants from the Midwest who would be departing for Japan with high hopes and aspirations the next day. Among all the Japanese diplomatic missions abroad, the Chicago Consulate sends the most JET participants each year.

On July 24, Consul General Hisaeda visited University of Chicago Professor Emeritus Yoichiro Nambu, recipient of the 2008 Nobel Prize in Physics and presented Professor Nambu with certificates of commendation on behalf of Speaker of the House of Representatives Yohei Kono and President of the House of Councillors Satsuki Eda, as well as a certificate of appreciation from Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso.

On July 22, Consul General and Mrs. Hisaeda met for a discussion with North Dakota’s Lieutenant Governor and President of the Senate, Jack Dalrymple, at the State’s Capitol Building in Bismarck, North Dakota. They exchanged views on Japan-North Dakota relations and North Dakota’s economic affairs.

On July 21, Consul General Hisaeda visited North Dakota’s capitol city, Bismarck, for an informal talk with past participants of the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund’s Teacher Program. They exchanged views with the Consul General about their experiences visiting Japan and their recent activities. The Teacher Program selects American primary and secondary teachers and administrators to participate in a 3 week training session in Japan, with the expectation that they will use this experience to enrich their curriculum upon returning home. Over 6,500 educators and administrators have participated on this program, but unfortunately it was discontinued in 2008.

From left, the photo shows Mrs. Hisaeda, Ms. Rebecca Young-Sletten, Ms. Kim Schultz, Ms. Pamela Rettig-Ring, Ms. Ellen Knudson, and Consul General Hisaeda.

On July 14, Consul General Hisaeda hosted a discussion with local Japanese American organizations at his Official Residence, with approximately 40 attendees from various organizations present. Mr. Robert Kumaki presented a report on his visit to Japan this past February as a member of the 2009 Japanese American Leadership Delegation to Japan, sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership. After that, the group engaged in a lively discussion of the best way to resolve the issues faced by various organizations such as how to involve the younger generation in the Japanese American community’s activities.

The photo shows the Counsel General (back shot) presenting his opening remarks to the audience.

On July 11, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s principal trombonist Megumi Kanda presented a salon concert at the Consul General’s Official Residence. Ms. Kanda gave an enthusiastic performance of pieces such as Larsson’s "Concertina," Guilmant’s "Concertpiece," as well as Japanese songs like "Sakura Sakura," playing with beautiful technique and lovely tone. Ms. Kanda performed to a rapt audience of almost fifty Japanese and American musicians, intellectuals, people from the business circle, and so forth. The upper photo shows the Consul General presenting his opening remarks. The lower photo shows Ms. Kanda during her passionate performance.

Ms. Kanda will also present a recital on July 25th, at the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights in the Chicago suburbs. This event is co-sponsored by the Consulate General of Japan and the Japan America Society of Chicago. Admission is free, so we hope to see all of you there.

Offering support and publicity to the many talented Japanese artists active in Chicago and the Midwest is one of the Consulate General’s most important duties.

For more information about Megumi Kanda and the upcoming recital, please click here.

On July 7, at the invitation of the State of Illinois, Consul General and Mrs. Hisaeda enjoyed a White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians baseball game along with other locally-based Consuls General from around the world. The White Sox and the Cubs are Chicago's two major league baseball teams, and Chicagoans are divided into Cubs fans and Sox fans. President Obama is known as a Sox fan, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is known as a Cubs fan.

From left, the picture depicts Special Advisor for Public Affairs Takeshi Yoshida, Consul General and Mrs. Hisaeda, and Senior Advisor Kenji Suzuki.