Foreign Minister’s Commendation Presented to JFAN; Consulate Activities at 15th Aki Matsuri
2024/10/25
Remarks by JFAN President Blakely and Consul General Osumi
Ms. Blakely receives the Foreign Minister’s Commendation on behalf of JFAN
On Saturday, October 12, the 15th Aki Matsuri was held at Water Street Plaza in Henderson, Nevada by the Japanese Festival Association of Nevada (JFAN). During the speaking program, Consul General Yo Osumi spoke on the significance of Aki Matsuri and its accomplishments in providing people-to-people connections and authentic Japanese cultural experiences, and strengthening the Japan-Nevada relationship. Consul General Osumi highlighted people-to-people exchanges as “the most effective way to develop the future stewards of the U.S.-Japan relationship” quoting from the April 2024 U.S.-Japan Joint Leaders’ Statement issued by President Joe Biden and then Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
In recognition of their achievements in promoting Japanese Culture in the U.S., Consul General Osumi presented the 2024 Foreign Minister’s Commendation to festival organizers, the Japanese Festival Association of Nevada, represented by President Kathleen Blakely who also serves as the Honorary Consul of Japan in Las Vegas. Other speakers during the program included U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Congresswoman Dina Titus.
As part of the festival, the Consulate, in partnership with JFAN, helped organize the Sake Pavilion. Attendees over 21 enjoyed sampling a variety of sake with background information provided by onsite experts.
The Consulate also held an information booth with an activity for visitors to learn Japanese Fall-themed vocabulary, and practice writing in Japanese. Information was also provided on EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan; travel and study in Japan; and the Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program.
The Aki Matsuri is a day-long event featuring a variety of Japanese cultural performances, activities, food, and vendors.
In recognition of their achievements in promoting Japanese Culture in the U.S., Consul General Osumi presented the 2024 Foreign Minister’s Commendation to festival organizers, the Japanese Festival Association of Nevada, represented by President Kathleen Blakely who also serves as the Honorary Consul of Japan in Las Vegas. Other speakers during the program included U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Congresswoman Dina Titus.
As part of the festival, the Consulate, in partnership with JFAN, helped organize the Sake Pavilion. Attendees over 21 enjoyed sampling a variety of sake with background information provided by onsite experts.
The Consulate also held an information booth with an activity for visitors to learn Japanese Fall-themed vocabulary, and practice writing in Japanese. Information was also provided on EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan; travel and study in Japan; and the Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program.
The Aki Matsuri is a day-long event featuring a variety of Japanese cultural performances, activities, food, and vendors.
Senator Cortez Masto and Congresswoman Titus
Group Photo
Consul General Osumi speaks on the appeal of Japanese sake at the Sake Pavilion
Consul General Osumi inspects the Sake Pavilion
Sake Pavilion
Sake Pavilion
Visitors try writing Japanese at the Consulate’s Booth
The 15th Aki Matsuri
