2020 New Year’s Reception

On Thursday, January 23, Consul General Uyama hosted a New Year’s celebration at his official residence. About 320 guests attended the event.

In his remarks, Consul General Uyama wished guests a happy new year. Later this month, Consul General Uyama will leave his post in San Francisco, and he thanked everyone for their support over the past two years.

Following his speech, representatives from Japan-related organizations presented Consul General Uyama and his wife with gifts. Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California President Tadao Ogaki, San Francisco Supervisor Catherine Stefani, Palo Alto City Council Member Greg Tanaka, and Consul General Uyama participated in the kagami-biraki, ceremonial sake cask opening. Afterward, Mr. Ogaki offered a toast.

On the residence’s terrace, mochi-tsuki (ceremonial rice-pounding) was performed by San Francisco-based group Kagami Kai. New Year’s decorations of bamboo and pine were placed around the entrance, and ikebana flower arrangements by the Northern California Chapter of the Ohara School of Ikebana were displayed throughout the residence. Guests enjoyed osechi ryori (Japanese New Year’s food) prepared by the Consul General’s Chef Katsuyuki Takahashi.