Ambassador Yamada visits California
2024/9/30
Ambassador’s remarks at Sakata Woodland Innovation Center
Ribbon cutting by Sakata Seed President Hiroshi Sakata, Sakata America CEO David Armstrong, and Ambassador Yamada
Ambassador of Japan to the U.S. Yamada Shigeo visited California from Thursday, September 12th to Saturday, September 14th. During this time, he met with California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis; attended the opening ceremony of the Sakata Seed America Woodlands Innovation Center; viewed the Colma Japanese Cemetery, Stanford University's Japan Innovation Campus, Department of Defense Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) headquarters, and San Francisco office of NTT Research; and met with members of the local Japanese American community.
On the 12th, Ambassador Yamada met with Lt Gov Kounalakis to discuss her visit to Japan in March of last year and the progress that has been made since then. They also exchanged views on Japan-California relations in areas including economy, trade, and culture.
Ambassador Yamada and Lt Gov Kounalakis
Ambassador Yamada, Consul General Osumi, Lt Gov Kounalakis, and CA State officials
Later that day, the Ambassador spoke at the opening ceremony of Sakata Seed America’s Woodland Innovation Center.
On the 12th, Ambassador Yamada met with Lt Gov Kounalakis to discuss her visit to Japan in March of last year and the progress that has been made since then. They also exchanged views on Japan-California relations in areas including economy, trade, and culture.
Ambassador Yamada and Lt Gov Kounalakis Ambassador Yamada, Consul General Osumi, Lt Gov Kounalakis, and CA State officialsLater that day, the Ambassador spoke at the opening ceremony of Sakata Seed America’s Woodland Innovation Center.
Exchange of views with Ambassador Yamada and Consul General Osumi
Ambassador Yamada and Consul-General Osumi with Professor Tsutsui of Stanford University
On the 13th, the Ambassador laid flowers at the memorial monument in the Colma Japanese Cemetery and observed a moment of silence.
Ambassador Yamada paying respects
Japanese Benevolent Society of California members with Ambassador Yamada and Consul General Osumi
At Stanford University, the Ambassador held a lively discussion with researchers on a variety of topics, including security, AI, and education.
Ambassador Yamada paying respects Japanese Benevolent Society of California members with Ambassador Yamada and Consul General OsumiAt Stanford University, the Ambassador held a lively discussion with researchers on a variety of topics, including security, AI, and education.
At the Japan Innovation Campus (JIC), the Ambassador exchanged opinions with Japanese venture capital firms (VCs) and startup representatives.
Ambassador Yamada and Consul-General Osumi listen to a startup presentation
JIC, VCs and startup representatives with Ambassador Yamada and Consul General Osumi
At the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) of the U.S. Department of Defense, the Ambassador met with officials including former U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos and former U.S.-Japan Council President Suzanne Basalla, and discussed the utilization of cutting-edge technologies and issues facing the U.S and Japanese defense industries.
Participants in the meeting with Ambassador Yamada and Consul General Osumi
Ambassador Yamada and Consul-General Osumi listen to a startup presentation JIC, VCs and startup representatives with Ambassador Yamada and Consul General OsumiAt the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) of the U.S. Department of Defense, the Ambassador met with officials including former U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos and former U.S.-Japan Council President Suzanne Basalla, and discussed the utilization of cutting-edge technologies and issues facing the U.S and Japanese defense industries.
Participants in the meeting with Ambassador Yamada and Consul General Osumi
Ambassador Yamada and Consul General Osumi with staff from NTT Research and JCCNC
Ambassador Yamada touring the demonstration facility
At NTT Research, the Ambassador received an explanation of the company's technology and had the opportunity to tour a local facility. They also received an introduction to the activities of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC).
During the meeting with members of the local Japanese American community, the two sides noted ongoing exchanges between Japanese Americans and Japanese people, as well as the importance of nurturing young Japanese Americans to encourage future contributions to Japan-U.S. relations.