New Year's Greetings (January 2022)

A happy New Year to everyone.

About four months have passed since I arrived in the United States as the Consul General of Japan in San Francisco. During that time, I have had the pleasure of meeting with a variety of people from all walks of life in the Consulate’s jurisdiction of Northern and Central California and the State of Nevada, including many Japanese and Japanese Americans. Through these experiences, I am now even more convinced that Japan and the United States share a strong “kizuna”, or bond relationship, and that it has been shaped and nurtured by the great efforts of those that have come before us. I have had many chances to listen to the personal stories and experiences of Japanese Americans, learning about aspects of the history of Japan-U.S. relations that cannot be found in any textbook, further renewing my appreciation and respect for our predecessors.

Although my experience with the Japan-U.S. relationship has all been positive, we were again required to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic last year. Thankfully, some economic activities have been resuming. However, it is important to continue being cautious and keep a close eye on the COVID-19 situation, especially the Omicron variant, in California and Nevada.

For 2022, our top priority should be overcoming the COVID-19 crisis, or otherwise to lead a more normal daily life even under the COVID-19 circumstances. The Consulate will continue offering Consular service while prioritizing visitors’ safety first, supporting Japanese companies, and making efforts to further develop the relationships between Japan and Northern and Central California and the State of Nevada. The Consulate will also support public-private cooperation focusing on issues common to both Japan and the United States, such as climate change, disaster prevention and mitigation, as well as addressing challenges associated with aging societies. Moreover, I am looking forward to planning a wide array of in-person events after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. Thank you for your support and cooperation.

I wish that 2022 will be filled with good fortune and prosperity for all.

January 2022