2015 New Year’s Greeting from Consul General Masahiro Omura
A Happy New Year to all of you! I am honored to welcome in the New Year with the Pacific Northwest community in high spirits for the second time since assuming my post as Consul General of Japan in Seattle.
2014 was a big year for Japan. Three scientists born in Japan were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their work in developing efficient blue light-emitting diodes, creating new bright and energy-saving white light sources. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee added the Tomioka Silk Mill, a historic factory in Gunma Prefecture symbolizing Japan’s industrialization from the 19th century, to the World Cultural Heritage list, and "Washi," traditional handmade paper, to the Intangible Cultural Heritage list. It was a year in which Japanese culture and technology, which value both tradition and innovation, were recognized around the world. These events gave great encouragement and pride to all Japanese people.
In 2015, we will be marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. Japan will firmly stay its course as a peace-loving nation. Japan has been contributing to the peace and prosperity of the international community, including the response to the Ebola outbreak though contributions of financial aid, supplies, and technical expertise. The foundation of Japan’s international contributions continues to be the US-Japan alliance, which has long promoted mutual understanding through years of exchange, building the strong bilateral relationship of today.
This region enjoys a strong relationship with Japan and people-to-people and cultural exchanges are very active. These important ties include the Sister State relationship between Hyogo Prefecture and the State of Washington, the Sister City relationship between the City of Kobe and Seattle, Sister State relations between Kumamoto Prefecture and the State of Montana, and the Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year. Additionally, strong economic ties exemplified by over 60 years of relations with Boeing, continue to grow. This solid foundation has been created and supported by Japanese citizens, Japanese Americans, and our many friends in the United States. I express my utmost respect to all those dedicating their time and efforts to this relationship.
We are now within five years of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo. As we move towards the bright future of young people, and as Japan’s role in the international community ever increases, further development of the US-Japan relationship is vital. At the Consulate General of Japan, our staff is dedicated to promoting and strengthening the relationship between Japan and the US and continually strives to improve our service to you to make the New Year meaningful. In this endeavor, we ask for your cooperation to realize our goal.
Lastly, I wish to thank all of you for your efforts to promote friendship between our two countries. I extend my best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year.
Masahiro Omura
Consul General of Japan in Seattle