New Year’s Cocktail Reception
2016/6/22
On Wednesday, January 14, Consul General and Mrs. Watanabe hosted a New Year’s celebration at their residence. Approximately 280 guests attended, including Mr. Hitoshi Yamamuro, President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California; Ms. Kuniko Yagi, President of Nichi Bei Kai; Mr. Steve Isao Matsuura, Chairman of the Japan Society of Northern California; and Mr. Masaki Ogata, Vice Chairman of JR East.
In his New Year’s remarks, Consul General Watanabe said that he and his staff would work hard to further enhance Japan’s presence and deepen feelings of mutual understanding with Japan in Northern California. After the remarks of Mr. Ogata, the customary kagami biraki (sake barrel opening ceremony) was performed by Consul General Watanabe, Mr. Yamamuro, Ms. Yagi, Mr. Matsuura, and Mr. Ogata. After the kagami biraki, Mr. Yamamuro led the guests in a toast to the New Year.
On the residence’s terrace, a mochi-tsuki (ceremonial rice-pounding demonstration) was performed by Kagami Kai, a volunteer organization which teaches traditional Japanese culture. Pine branch decorations for the New Year were placed around the residence entrance, and beautiful ikebana arrangements by Ikenobo School adorned the interior. The many guests enjoyed osechi (special New Year’s dishes) as well as large displays of Doraemon and the Shinkansen.
In his New Year’s remarks, Consul General Watanabe said that he and his staff would work hard to further enhance Japan’s presence and deepen feelings of mutual understanding with Japan in Northern California. After the remarks of Mr. Ogata, the customary kagami biraki (sake barrel opening ceremony) was performed by Consul General Watanabe, Mr. Yamamuro, Ms. Yagi, Mr. Matsuura, and Mr. Ogata. After the kagami biraki, Mr. Yamamuro led the guests in a toast to the New Year.
On the residence’s terrace, a mochi-tsuki (ceremonial rice-pounding demonstration) was performed by Kagami Kai, a volunteer organization which teaches traditional Japanese culture. Pine branch decorations for the New Year were placed around the residence entrance, and beautiful ikebana arrangements by Ikenobo School adorned the interior. The many guests enjoyed osechi (special New Year’s dishes) as well as large displays of Doraemon and the Shinkansen.
| When: | Wednesday, January 14, 2015 |
| Location: | Consul General's Official Residence |
