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Three months have passed since my inauguration as Consul General of Japan at Chicago last October. Through my work and through promoting exchange projects, I have realized how firmly goodwill and friendship toward Japan have taken hold in the Midwest. This goodwill and friendship has been backed for many years and over multiple generations by the hard work from each of the Japan-America Societies, the Japanese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Japanese-American groups, and Japanese communities all over. In particular, here in the Midwest large numbers of Japanese companies have moved in and employ many local workers, and contribute to local communities. As a result, one can feel that the perception of Japan is incredibly favorable. We are tremendously aided by the efforts of all of you readers and your organizations, and I would like to express my deepest gratitude above all else for your hard work, which helps me work as the Consul General, promoting Japanese-American relations.
In May of this year the G8 summit will be held here in Chicago, and I consider it a great honor to be able to welcome Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda. Around the same time as the G8 summit there will also be a NATO summit, and thus many heads-of-state will visit Chicago. This is also an American presidential election year. Since President Obama's reelection campaign headquarters are located here in Chicago it seems that it will become quite a lively city.
At the Consulate General in charge of the Midwest, we would like to show Americans in the region the energy and boundless potential of Japan. Japan took a huge blow with last year's Great East Japan Earthquake. The thought of the many casualties, of the homes and livelihoods that were destroyed is enough to make my heart ache. However, following the tragedy there has been an incredible reconstruction effort by a united Japan. Japan has not failed. Japan is restoring both its safety and its charm. This year marks the 100th anniversary of America's receipt of the cherry blossom trees from Japan that now line the Potomac River in Washington DC. Each region of the United States, including the Midwest, will receive young cherry blossom plants as part of the "Japan-US Cherry Blossom Centennial" commemoration events. Along with being a very important introduction of Japan, this event represents a great opportunity to show to the American people how Japan is pulling through times of tragedy and moving steadily forward.
As the Consul General in Chicago, now and in the future I would like to provide, to the best of my ability, superior consular services to Japanese citizens living in the Midwest, in addition to promoting understanding and communication between our two countries. I look forward to working with you in the coming year.
OKAMURA Yoshifumi
Consul General of Japan at Chicago
January 1, 2012
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