Summer Reception 2019

On June 28, a Summer Reception was held at the Official Residence. Approximately 340 guests were in attendance, including representatives from state and local government, the military, businesses, universities, the local community, and members of the Consular Corps. The reception was held to celebrate the third anniversary of the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Government of Japan and the State of Washington on Economic and Trade Relations.
 
During the ceremony, Consul General Yamada greeted the guests and spoke about the recent results and future prospects for cooperation between Japan and Washington State in the 10 areas outlined in the Memorandum of Cooperation. The Consul General also explained that Japan’s new era of Reiwa (令和) is made up of the Japanese characters for ‘beauty’ and ‘harmony,’ which he saw as an apt description of the Japan-Washington relationship. After his remarks, the Consul General presented the Consul General’s Commendation to Dr. Michele Aoki, International Education Administrator for Seattle Public Schools, and Mr. Takumi Yoshinaga, former US branch manager of the Japanese Agricultural Exchange Council, for their outstanding contributions in the furthering relations between the US and Japan.
   
From the many distinguished guests, Washington State Senators Lisa Wellman and Steve Hobbs gave remarks about the continuing development of economic relations and cooperation between Washington State and Japan. Lastly, Rear Admiral David Throop, Commander of US Coast Guard’s 13^th District, gave a toast.