New Year Greetings from Consul-General Yanagi
2024/1/1
Dear American Friends in the Midwest,
Happy New Year to each and every one of you!
It has been a whirlwind four months since my arrival in the Midwest on August 22, 2023. I have traveled to many places around the Midwestern states, from east to west, north to south. I am heartened by the large number of individuals contributing to the Japan-US relationship in various capacities throughout the region. Each person's unique story provides me with valuable insights and inspiration, stimulating my ongoing contemplation and learning about the dynamics of Japan-US relations. As we embrace the new year, I am committed to approaching each task, encounter, and meeting with humility and diligence, never forgetting the purpose of our shared endeavors.
To the American individuals who express interest in Japan across the Midwest, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Your support for Japan-US exchanges through various channels such as the Japan America Society, Japanese festivals, Japanese gardens, the JET Program, sister-city, Japanese language education, and cultural activities is sincerely appreciated. In 2024, UW-Madison will host the International Conference on Japanese Language Education in August, while the Minnesota JETAA will organize the JETAA US National Conference. I expect these events to contribute to the further growth of Japanese language education and an increase of JET Program participants throughout the Midwest region.
To those Americans who work in Japanese companies in the United States, as well as the welcoming local authorities and communities, I express my appreciation for your contributions and support for the Japanese companies. It is my great pleasure to witness Japanese companies not only bolstering regional economic employment but also making meaningful contributions to local communities, earning the admiration of employees and residents alike. Thanks to your hard work and warm welcome to Japanese companies, the Midwest has been the heartland of Japanese investments to the US. The Consulate-General of Japan, together with JETRO Chicago, has just recommenced “Grassroots Caravan” with a view to deepening local communities’ understanding of the contributions of Japanese companies, as well as expanding two-way trade and investment opportunities.
I am deeply impressed by the efforts of Japanese Americans who, through collaboration and solidarity with various Japanese organizations and other communities, have enhanced their presence and contribute significantly to mutual understanding between Japan and the US. I am happy to see the Lunar New Year Gala Dinner of Asian Americans in the Chicagoland will be hosted this year by Japanese Americans on February 10th. I hope that the occasion will further strengthens solidarity and unity among Asian American communities. Like many of you, I also look forward to the completion of the new "home" for the Japanese American Service Committee (JASC) Chicago this year.
2024 marks the year of the US presidential election, starting with the Republican Caucus in Iowa on January 15th. In July, Milwaukee, Wisconsin will host the Republican National Convention, while, in August, Chicago, Illinois will host Democratic National Convention. There, the official nominations for presidential candidates for the two parties will take place. The eyes of the nation as well as the world will be on the Midwest.
Furthermore, 2024 has been designated as the Japan-US Tourism Year. I anticipate that this will not only increase tourism but also expand various forms of people-to-people exchanges, including business and sister city interactions between Japan and US. Especially now, with the strong US dollar against the Japanese yen, it is an excellent opportunity for US residents to visit Japan.
In the end, I wish to extend my deepest gratitude and respect to the bond “KIZUNA” of trust built by all American people who, with an interest in Japan, have been involved in Japan-US relations. We at the Consulate are dedicated to further advancing Japan-US relations from the ten Midwestern States, while collaborating with all of you.
I sincerely hope that you and your families have a wonderful and fulfilling New Year.
Yours Sincerely,
Consul-General of Japan, serving ten Midwestern States
YANAGI, Jun
Happy New Year to each and every one of you!
It has been a whirlwind four months since my arrival in the Midwest on August 22, 2023. I have traveled to many places around the Midwestern states, from east to west, north to south. I am heartened by the large number of individuals contributing to the Japan-US relationship in various capacities throughout the region. Each person's unique story provides me with valuable insights and inspiration, stimulating my ongoing contemplation and learning about the dynamics of Japan-US relations. As we embrace the new year, I am committed to approaching each task, encounter, and meeting with humility and diligence, never forgetting the purpose of our shared endeavors.
To the American individuals who express interest in Japan across the Midwest, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Your support for Japan-US exchanges through various channels such as the Japan America Society, Japanese festivals, Japanese gardens, the JET Program, sister-city, Japanese language education, and cultural activities is sincerely appreciated. In 2024, UW-Madison will host the International Conference on Japanese Language Education in August, while the Minnesota JETAA will organize the JETAA US National Conference. I expect these events to contribute to the further growth of Japanese language education and an increase of JET Program participants throughout the Midwest region.
To those Americans who work in Japanese companies in the United States, as well as the welcoming local authorities and communities, I express my appreciation for your contributions and support for the Japanese companies. It is my great pleasure to witness Japanese companies not only bolstering regional economic employment but also making meaningful contributions to local communities, earning the admiration of employees and residents alike. Thanks to your hard work and warm welcome to Japanese companies, the Midwest has been the heartland of Japanese investments to the US. The Consulate-General of Japan, together with JETRO Chicago, has just recommenced “Grassroots Caravan” with a view to deepening local communities’ understanding of the contributions of Japanese companies, as well as expanding two-way trade and investment opportunities.
I am deeply impressed by the efforts of Japanese Americans who, through collaboration and solidarity with various Japanese organizations and other communities, have enhanced their presence and contribute significantly to mutual understanding between Japan and the US. I am happy to see the Lunar New Year Gala Dinner of Asian Americans in the Chicagoland will be hosted this year by Japanese Americans on February 10th. I hope that the occasion will further strengthens solidarity and unity among Asian American communities. Like many of you, I also look forward to the completion of the new "home" for the Japanese American Service Committee (JASC) Chicago this year.
2024 marks the year of the US presidential election, starting with the Republican Caucus in Iowa on January 15th. In July, Milwaukee, Wisconsin will host the Republican National Convention, while, in August, Chicago, Illinois will host Democratic National Convention. There, the official nominations for presidential candidates for the two parties will take place. The eyes of the nation as well as the world will be on the Midwest.
Furthermore, 2024 has been designated as the Japan-US Tourism Year. I anticipate that this will not only increase tourism but also expand various forms of people-to-people exchanges, including business and sister city interactions between Japan and US. Especially now, with the strong US dollar against the Japanese yen, it is an excellent opportunity for US residents to visit Japan.
In the end, I wish to extend my deepest gratitude and respect to the bond “KIZUNA” of trust built by all American people who, with an interest in Japan, have been involved in Japan-US relations. We at the Consulate are dedicated to further advancing Japan-US relations from the ten Midwestern States, while collaborating with all of you.
I sincerely hope that you and your families have a wonderful and fulfilling New Year.
Yours Sincerely,
Consul-General of Japan, serving ten Midwestern States
YANAGI, Jun