Consul General Otsuki attends 2025 Wakamatsu Pilgrimage
2025/10/8
Remarks by Consul General Otsuki
Remarks by Mr. Taguma
On Saturday, October 4, Consul General Kotaro Otsuki participated in the Fourth Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Colony Pilgrimage hosted by the Nichi-Bei Foundation and delivered remarks for the opening ceremony. Originally from Fukushima Prefecture, Consul General Otsuki spoke about the connection he feels to the settlers of Wakamatsu Colony who traveled all the way from Aizu Wakamatsu (present day Fukushima Prefecture) to the United States in 1869. He also expressed his respect for the legacy of the Wakamatsu Colony which symbolizes the grassroots relations between Japan and the United States, and for the efforts made for its preservation.
At the ceremony, remarks were also given by Mr. Kenji Taguma, President of the Nichi-Bei Foundation, and Ms. Elena DeLacey, Executive Director of the American River Conservancy (ARC), which manages the Wakamatsu Colony site. Additionally, 9 descendants of the Wakamatsu Colony settlers now residing in both Japan and the United States gathered to share their family histories.
Wakamatsu Colony was established as a tea and silk farm in 1869 by settlers who emigrated from Aizu Wakamatsu. Although the colony disbanded after a short period, remnants such as the grave of Okei, who accompanied the group and passed away at the age of 19, as well as buildings and photographs, are preserved to this day.
At the ceremony, remarks were also given by Mr. Kenji Taguma, President of the Nichi-Bei Foundation, and Ms. Elena DeLacey, Executive Director of the American River Conservancy (ARC), which manages the Wakamatsu Colony site. Additionally, 9 descendants of the Wakamatsu Colony settlers now residing in both Japan and the United States gathered to share their family histories.
Wakamatsu Colony was established as a tea and silk farm in 1869 by settlers who emigrated from Aizu Wakamatsu. Although the colony disbanded after a short period, remnants such as the grave of Okei, who accompanied the group and passed away at the age of 19, as well as buildings and photographs, are preserved to this day.
Remarks by Ms. DeLacy
Descendants of the Wakamatsu colonists
Consul General Otsuki paying his respects at the grave of “Okei”
An ARC Volunteer explains the memorial presented by the delegation from Fukushima
Taiko Performance at the Pilgrimage
