Consul General Omura's 2014 New Year's Greeting

For the first time since I assumed my post as Consul General of Japan, I am honored to welcome in the New Year with all of you in the Pacific Northwest.

Since my arrival in Seattle last August, I have been truly impressed by the longstanding relationship shared by Japan and Washington State.  Soon after I arrived, a number of events commemorating the Washington-Hyogo Sister State 50th Anniversary were held. Now, to further deepen these strong bonds, both the Olympia-Kato Sister City Association and our Consulate are pleased to present the Japanese New Year Celebration “Oshogatsu in Olympia”, on January 18th.

Looking ahead at 2014, two of the region’s most well-established Japanese cultural events, the “Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival” and the “Eastside Nihon Matsuri (Aki Matsuri)”, will once again symbolize the friendship between Japan and the United States.  Our Consulate will be pleased to take part in these events, strengthening the ties between our two peoples.

Japan and the State of Washington also have a close and strong economic relationship. Washington-based companies are very active in the Japanese market and Japanese companies find business in this state, as well, in the areas of aeronautics and space, agricultural and maritime products, and trade and investment, among others. The Consulate General of Japan will continue to place emphasis on business support to see further growth in two-way economic relations.

Soon it will be three years since the occurrence of the Great East Japan Earthquake. I would like to commemorate the victims once again and express my appreciation for the support from the international community, especially the United States. Japan is still facing many challenges, such as economic revitalization in the affected areas and the handling of nuclear accidents, as well as a low birth rate and an aging population. These are challenges many countries may face in the future. We must work together to address these issues and, as a developed nation, be the frontrunner for the next generation.  

I also would like to extend my sympathy to all those still suffering from Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Japan has responded substantially to provide reconstruction assistance, including medical support, financial contributions, as well as Self-Defense Forces units composed of more than 1,000 personnel. It is our sincerest wish that the New Year will bring strength and hope to the region.

Our Consulate will continue to provide information concerning Japan’s foreign policies, as well as to keep you posted in regards to various regional events with which we are involved.

With my kindest regards I wish all of you a very prosperous and happy New Year!

Masahiro Omura
Consul General of Japan in Seattle