Tomodachi Reception held for Navy Personnel Stationed in Japan

On June 2, at the Consul General’s Official Residence, a Tomodachi Reception was held for U.S. Navy personnel with the shared experience of being stationed in Japan. The event was the second such reception hosted by the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle to build stronger connections between Japan and U.S. military personnel.

During the opening speeches, Consul General Masahiro Omura and Rear Admiral Jeffrey Ruth, Commander of Navy Region Northwest, spoke about the importance of the security alliance between the U.S. Navy and Japan. Washington State Senator Karen Fraser then gave a toast to furthering Japan-U.S. relations. The reception featured a musical performance by Ms. Fumi Tagata and Ms. Lisa Maria d’ Aquila, both of the Seattle-based music group Songs of Hope, a samurai armor demonstration, and a quiz game about Washington State-Japan relations.

Over 60 Navy personnel and their spouses from Navy installations in Washington were in attendance. Rick Takeuchi, Commander of the Nisei Veterans Committee, and other representatives from local community organizations, including the Japan Business Association of Seattle, the Japan-America Society, and the Japanese Community Service of Seattle, were also in attendance.
  
The Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle hopes that this reception provided an opportunity for Navy personnel to reflect on their service in Japan. We look forward to building and strengthening connections between the U.S. Navy and Japan through future events.