Emperor’s Birthday Celebration
2017/12/7
Consul General Yamada playing the American and Japanese National Anthems
Consul General Yamada delivering his remarks
On Tuesday, December 5, Consul General Jun Yamada hosted a reception at his official residence in celebration of the Emperor of Japan’s birthday on December 23. More than 300 guests were in attendance, including leaders of California from various fields, representatives from the local Japanese community, and members of the Consular Corps.
The program began with performances of the American and Japanese National Anthems. In his remarks afterwards, Consul General Yamada expressed his deepest sympathy and condolences to the people who were affected by the recent wildfires in Northern California. Consul General Yamada also said that Japan-California relations was further strengthened on the economic and cultural fronts in the year 2017. Before finishing, Consul General Yamada touched upon the sister city relationship between Osaka and San Francisco saying that Japan continues to pursue genuine reconciliation with all our neighbors and he hopes that San Francisco will continue to be “united against hate” in all its form. (Full text of the remarks
) California State Assemblymember Ken Cooley finished off the program by offering a toast.
A special table showcasing the legacy of Mr. Kanaye Nagasawa, known as the “Wine King” of California was set up in the residence. (Note: A museum built at Paradise Ridge Winery dedicated to Mr. Nagasawa was lost in the recent fires. A flyer about Mr. Nagasawa was distributed at the reception.) Guests were also able to enjoy Onigiri (Japanese rice balls) made with Yumepirika (Japanese rice grown in Hokkaido).
The program began with performances of the American and Japanese National Anthems. In his remarks afterwards, Consul General Yamada expressed his deepest sympathy and condolences to the people who were affected by the recent wildfires in Northern California. Consul General Yamada also said that Japan-California relations was further strengthened on the economic and cultural fronts in the year 2017. Before finishing, Consul General Yamada touched upon the sister city relationship between Osaka and San Francisco saying that Japan continues to pursue genuine reconciliation with all our neighbors and he hopes that San Francisco will continue to be “united against hate” in all its form. (Full text of the remarks
) California State Assemblymember Ken Cooley finished off the program by offering a toast.A special table showcasing the legacy of Mr. Kanaye Nagasawa, known as the “Wine King” of California was set up in the residence. (Note: A museum built at Paradise Ridge Winery dedicated to Mr. Nagasawa was lost in the recent fires. A flyer about Mr. Nagasawa was distributed at the reception.
) Guests were also able to enjoy Onigiri (Japanese rice balls) made with Yumepirika (Japanese rice grown in Hokkaido).
Assemblymember Ken Cooley offering a toast
Guests mingling at the reception
