Greetings from Consul General Otsuki Kotaro

It is a profound honor to assume the role of Consul General of Japan in San Francisco. This city holds a uniquely significant place in the annals of Japan-U.S. relations; from the opening of Japan's first diplomatic office in the United States to the signing of the Treaty of San Francisco, this city has served as a vital gateway for Japan-U.S. exchange. To serve as Consul General in such a historically rich location is an immense privilege.

The strong ties between Japan and this region are further evidenced by the vibrant network of nearly 70 sister city relationships between Japan and Northern California. These grassroots connections are a testament to the enduring bonds between our peoples, and I am deeply committed to nurturing and expanding these crucial people-to-people exchanges.

Our consulate’s area boasts a long and successful history of Japanese business presence. Silicon Valley continues to attract Japanese companies and entrepreneurs, while Nevada, beyond just Las Vegas, has also seen significant attention from Japanese firms. In California alone, nearly 130,000 people are employed by almost 3,400 Japanese businesses, the largest number of establishments from any single country in the state. These businesses contribute greatly to the U.S. economy and play a key role in Japan-U.S. economic exchange. We will endeavor to further expand this mutually beneficial economic partnership and attract even more investment from the U.S. into Japan.

We welcome the many visitors from Northern California and Nevada who travel to Japan each year. However, we recognize the potential for further growth in tourism. Therefore, we will continue our efforts to promote Japan and its rich culture and work to cultivate even greater appreciation and enthusiasm for Japan.

Beyond the economic sphere, this region stands as a global powerhouse of intellectual capital, home to world-class academic institutions and research laboratories. It plays a critical role in Japan’s scientific and technological cooperation with the United States, and facilitating collaboration between Japanese and American academic and research institutions will be a focus of our consulate.

The enduring presence of Japantowns in San Francisco and San Jose serves as a reminder of the unwavering contributions of Japanese Americans. We deeply respect their resilience and remarkable achievements, built upon overcoming numerous challenges. They have been instrumental in fostering the strong ties between Japan and the United States, and particularly between Japan and California. We cherish our historical bond with the Japanese American community and are committed to working together with longtime partners and the younger generations to support the community's continued growth and enhanced visibility.

I will do my utmost to further promote understanding and foster strong relationships between Japan and Northern California and Nevada. I look forward to working together towards this goal and I thank you for your continued support.