Consul-General of Japan in Chicago, Mr. Toshiyuki Iwado
Message from Consul-General Toshiyuki Iwado
I am delighted to begin my new assignment as Consul-General of Japan in Chicago. From my first days here, so many people have welcomed me very warmly. I knew immediately that the Midwest is a wonderful place to live, and I have embraced it as my second home.
I am most eager to visit all the states covered by our Consulate: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. I am committed to doing everything possible to broaden and deepen our already close economic, cultural, and grassroots cooperation. The key is to strengthen our networking with all the people here as well as the Japan America Societies, Japanese American organizations, business associations, and educational institutions throughout the entire region.
Our close partnership is already impressive. More than 33,000 Japanese nationals reside in the 10-state area. Nearly 1,300 Japanese business facilities, which provide over 126,000 direct jobs mainly for Americans, call the Midwest home. They come here, succeed here, and expand here, and they benefit local communities.
Our two-way collaboration is much more. Our Consulate in Chicago is at the forefront in the United States in sending Japan Teaching & Exchange Program participants to Japan, while Americans study the Japanese language here. The region offers both traditional and modern Japanese culture. Each year, various Japan Festivals welcome tens of thousands of visitors, who enjoy a remarkable cultural experience.
Our friendship has reached this high level, thanks to the outstanding leadership and commitment of so many people across the Midwest. You have my deepest appreciation.
I’m very happy to serve in the United States again. After joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, my first overseas assignment was in California nearly three decades ago. Over the years, I have visited this country many times on business and private trips. Now that I am in the heart of America, I am most enthusiastic to join with you to build upon the many strengths of our partnership. Together, let’s seize every opportunity to bring Japan to the Midwest and the Midwest to Japan.