Summer Reception at Consul General’s Official Residence – 7/16/2026
2026/7/29
On July 16, Consul General and Mrs. Iyori hosted a Summer Reception at the Official Residence, welcoming members and friends of the Japanese American community of Washington State working in government, academia, and business.
Consul General Iyori delivered opening remarks celebrating an exciting year for Washington State. He then invited Seattle Seahawks Vice President Mike Flood to speak about the team’s Super Bowl victory, Managing Director of Global Markets Isabelle Van Coevorden to discuss the Seattle Seahawks’ relationship with Japan, and FIFA World Cup Seattle CEO Peter Tomozawa to highlight the six matches played at Lumen Field.
The Hon. Denny Heck, Lieutenant Governor of Washington, spoke about the longstanding economic and cultural ties between Japan and Washington State, and chef and James Beard Award–winning author J. Kenji López-Alt gave a toast to the enduring Japan–Washington State friendship. Guests then enjoyed Japanese cuisine prepared by the Consulate’s chef and a wagyu barbecue in the garden.
The Summer Reception celebrated the enduring partnership between Japan and Washington State—a relationship strengthened through economic collaboration, sister-city connections, and student exchange programs. The Consulate-General of Japan remains committed to further deepening these longstanding ties.
Consul General Iyori delivered opening remarks celebrating an exciting year for Washington State. He then invited Seattle Seahawks Vice President Mike Flood to speak about the team’s Super Bowl victory, Managing Director of Global Markets Isabelle Van Coevorden to discuss the Seattle Seahawks’ relationship with Japan, and FIFA World Cup Seattle CEO Peter Tomozawa to highlight the six matches played at Lumen Field.
The Hon. Denny Heck, Lieutenant Governor of Washington, spoke about the longstanding economic and cultural ties between Japan and Washington State, and chef and James Beard Award–winning author J. Kenji López-Alt gave a toast to the enduring Japan–Washington State friendship. Guests then enjoyed Japanese cuisine prepared by the Consulate’s chef and a wagyu barbecue in the garden.
The Summer Reception celebrated the enduring partnership between Japan and Washington State—a relationship strengthened through economic collaboration, sister-city connections, and student exchange programs. The Consulate-General of Japan remains committed to further deepening these longstanding ties.
Opening remarks by Consul General Iyori
From left: Mr. Mike Flood, Consul General Iyori, Ms. Isabelle Van Coevorden
Remarks by Mr. Peter Tomozawa, CEO of FIFA World Cup Seattle
Remarks by The Hon. Denny Heck, Lieutenant Governor of Washington
Toast by Mr. J. Kenji López-Alt
Wagyu barbecue
Reception at the Official Residence