“Experience Oita” Reception & Showcase
2025/11/19
Remarks by Consul General Otsuki, Oita Governor Sato, and Mr. Kenji Fukuda of the America-Japan Society of Oita
CG Otsuki and Gov. Sato join a toast
On Wednesday, November 12, the Government of Oita Prefecture and Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco jointly hosted an event to highlight the cuisine and attractions of Oita, a mountainous region on the southern island Kyushu, Japan.
In prepared remarks, Consul General Kotaro Otsuki expressed his hope that attendees would experience the appeal of Oita not only during the reception, but through in-person travel as well. Governor Kiichiro Sato noted the growing relationship between Oita and the San Francisco Bay Area, especially in the areas of economic and educational exchange, as well as the prefecture’s increasing popularity as a tourist destination for its hot springs, beautiful scenery and welcoming atmosphere.
Attendees enjoyed a variety of delicacies using Oita Wagyu, farm-raised yellowtail, and dried shiitake mushrooms called “UMAMIDAKE,” in addition to tastings of sake, shochu, and whiskey produced throughout the prefecture. At the end of the night, a very special performance by Fantastic Negrito, a three-time Grammy Award winner who has previously visited schools in places like Hita City, Oita Prefecture, wowed the audience.
To find out more about Oita prefecture, please visit: https://oita-tourism.com/en
In prepared remarks, Consul General Kotaro Otsuki expressed his hope that attendees would experience the appeal of Oita not only during the reception, but through in-person travel as well. Governor Kiichiro Sato noted the growing relationship between Oita and the San Francisco Bay Area, especially in the areas of economic and educational exchange, as well as the prefecture’s increasing popularity as a tourist destination for its hot springs, beautiful scenery and welcoming atmosphere.
Attendees enjoyed a variety of delicacies using Oita Wagyu, farm-raised yellowtail, and dried shiitake mushrooms called “UMAMIDAKE,” in addition to tastings of sake, shochu, and whiskey produced throughout the prefecture. At the end of the night, a very special performance by Fantastic Negrito, a three-time Grammy Award winner who has previously visited schools in places like Hita City, Oita Prefecture, wowed the audience.
To find out more about Oita prefecture, please visit: https://oita-tourism.com/en
Traditional crafts of Oita on display
Oita Wagyu and yellowtail sushi
Samples of shochu from Oita
Samples of shochu from Oita
Live performance by Fantastic Negrito
From right to left: Consul General Otsuki, Governor Sato, Fantastic Negrito
