Japan Seminar & Reception at Washington State Capitol – 1/15/2026
2026/1/20
On January 15, 2026, “Rising Together: The Importance of Japan–Washington Relations,” a seminar and reception co-hosted by the Washington Policy Center and the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle, was held at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia, with the participation of the Honorable Steve Hobbs, Secretary of State of Washington, state legislators, government officials, and legislative staff.
Following opening remarks by emcee Ms. Renee Radcliff Sinclair, President of TVW, and welcome remarks by Consul General Iyori, seminar attendees gained insight into the depth of the Japan–Washington State relationship through informative presentations by two guest speakers. Mr. Eric Slagle, Boeing’s Senior Director of BCA Supply Chain, Major Structure Asia, highlighted the history of Boeing’s longstanding biliteral trade relationship with Japanese companies. Brigadier General Joseph Escandon, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army’s First Corps, spoke on the importance of Joint Base Lewis-McChord’s partnership with the Japan Self-Defense Forces in supporting Indo-Pacific security. A Q&A session followed, allowing attendees to further engage with the speakers and explore the strength of the Japan–Washington relationship.
Following the seminar, a reception was held in the Office of the Secretary of State, where Secretary Steve Hobbs joined Consul General Iyori for “kagami wari”—a traditional sake barrel–opening ceremony—and led a toast to the continued prosperity of the Japan–Washington partnership. Reception attendees were treated to Japanese cuisine by the Consul General’s chef, as well as a sake tasting booth by Shirafuji Sake Brewery Company, a Woodinville-based brewery whose family business from Fukushima Prefecture dates back to 1650.
Thank you to all who attended the seminar and reception, and to our collaborators whose support made this event possible!
Following opening remarks by emcee Ms. Renee Radcliff Sinclair, President of TVW, and welcome remarks by Consul General Iyori, seminar attendees gained insight into the depth of the Japan–Washington State relationship through informative presentations by two guest speakers. Mr. Eric Slagle, Boeing’s Senior Director of BCA Supply Chain, Major Structure Asia, highlighted the history of Boeing’s longstanding biliteral trade relationship with Japanese companies. Brigadier General Joseph Escandon, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army’s First Corps, spoke on the importance of Joint Base Lewis-McChord’s partnership with the Japan Self-Defense Forces in supporting Indo-Pacific security. A Q&A session followed, allowing attendees to further engage with the speakers and explore the strength of the Japan–Washington relationship.
Following the seminar, a reception was held in the Office of the Secretary of State, where Secretary Steve Hobbs joined Consul General Iyori for “kagami wari”—a traditional sake barrel–opening ceremony—and led a toast to the continued prosperity of the Japan–Washington partnership. Reception attendees were treated to Japanese cuisine by the Consul General’s chef, as well as a sake tasting booth by Shirafuji Sake Brewery Company, a Woodinville-based brewery whose family business from Fukushima Prefecture dates back to 1650.
Thank you to all who attended the seminar and reception, and to our collaborators whose support made this event possible!