Beyond Reconciliation: Celebrate Japan-US Alliance and Honor Nisei Veterans Event
2017/9/15
On September 10th (Sun.), Consul General Yoichiro Yamada attended and delivered a speech at the "Beyond Reconciliation: Celebrate Japan-US Alliance and Honor Nisei Veterans" held at the Nisei Veterans Committee Memorial Hall. The event invited members of the 6th Division Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force and members of the 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, for a JUMP (Japan-US Military Program) luncheon. The gathering was organized by the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington (JASSW), Nisei Veterans Committee (NVC) and the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle.
This year's event coincided with the annual “Operation Rising Thunder” where Japanese and U.S. troops performed a joint-exercise. NVC Commander Brian Takeuchi, followed by Major General Willard Burleson III, Commanding General 7th Infantry Division, U.S. Army and Major General Seiji Toriumi, Vice Commanding General of 6th Division Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, welcomed everyone. Special guest speakers included Ambassador James Zumwalt (Sasakawa Peace Foundation CEO) and Mr. Adam Goff, Chairman of the Board of Japan-America Society of the State of Washington. In addition, more than 300 persons such as members of the Washington State legislature, leaders of the Japanese-American community, Nisei Veterans and their families were in attendance.
In the second half of the luncheon, Okinawa Kenjin-Kai Taiko (OKK Taiko) performed and involved participants in a traditional Okinawan folk dance called Kachashi. This event celebrated the stability of the Japan-U.S. alliance and thriving cordial relations, which made for a warm exchange between Japanese and American troops.
Related Links:
Remarks by Consul General Yoichiro Yamada at "Beyond Reconciliation: Celebrate Japan-US Alliance and Honor Nisei Veterans" event (September 10, 2017)
This year's event coincided with the annual “Operation Rising Thunder” where Japanese and U.S. troops performed a joint-exercise. NVC Commander Brian Takeuchi, followed by Major General Willard Burleson III, Commanding General 7th Infantry Division, U.S. Army and Major General Seiji Toriumi, Vice Commanding General of 6th Division Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, welcomed everyone. Special guest speakers included Ambassador James Zumwalt (Sasakawa Peace Foundation CEO) and Mr. Adam Goff, Chairman of the Board of Japan-America Society of the State of Washington. In addition, more than 300 persons such as members of the Washington State legislature, leaders of the Japanese-American community, Nisei Veterans and their families were in attendance.
In the second half of the luncheon, Okinawa Kenjin-Kai Taiko (OKK Taiko) performed and involved participants in a traditional Okinawan folk dance called Kachashi. This event celebrated the stability of the Japan-U.S. alliance and thriving cordial relations, which made for a warm exchange between Japanese and American troops.
Related Links:
Remarks by Consul General Yoichiro Yamada at "Beyond Reconciliation: Celebrate Japan-US Alliance and Honor Nisei Veterans" event (September 10, 2017)