Consulate General of Japan in Detroit

Contact:
Glenn Oswald                                                                 Consulate General of Japan
Lana Mini                                                                      Public Relations
Marx Layne & Company                                                    (313) 567-0120 ext. 226
(248) 855-6777

CONSULATE GENERAL OF JAPAN IN DETROIT CO-SPONSORS TOWN HALL MEETINGS WITH FORMER AMBASSADOR
Western Michigan University Event to Take Place on March 16

DETROIT, Mich. – MARCH XX, 2016– The Consulate General of Japan in Detroit is co-sponsoring a series of town hall meetings with a Japanese delegation headed by the Honorable Shuji Shimokoji, the former Japanese Ambassador to Panama and Venezuela.  The “Walk in the U.S., Talk on Japan” events, supported by the Prime Minister’s Office, are to increase awareness about Japan on a variety of issues and further develop the U.S. – Japan relationship through people-to-people diplomacy. Accompanying Ambassador Shimokoji will be a retired businessman from the auto industry, a retired Air Force General in Japan’s Ministry of Defense,  a young CEO/owner of a travel company, and a Shizuoka University student to discuss issues on Japan’s society, business, education, security, politics and economy. 

Joining Ambassador Shimokoji will be:

Hirokichi Nadachi, a prominent Japanese businessman who worked for companies such as ITOCHU Corporation and Isuzu Motors throughout his 40+ year professional career. He will be discussing his experience working in the U.S. during the automobile trade conflict.

Toshiyuki Miyawaki, Ph.D, a retired Major General in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).  During his career, he served on numerous assignments, including Japan – U.S. Defense Cooperation.  He currently works as a corporate advisor and serves the secretariat of the Japan America Air Force Goodwill Association.  He will be discussing the Japan – U.S. Security Treaty of 1952 and how this has evolved from the security of Japan to the maintenance of international peace and security.

Takaki Minamoto, CEO and founder of a Tokyo-based travel agency.  He also has worked for Morgan Stanley on cross-border M&A and finance projects and for a Chinese venture firm in Beijing.  He will be discussing the importance of bowing (“Lei”) in Japanese culture and the traditional concept behind bowing. In this way he hopes to present both the differences and similarities between Japanese and American culture.

Saho Miyashita, is a university senior from rural Fukui Prefecture, located in north central Japan and known for heavy snowfall.  She is studying Literature and Culture at Shizuoka University.  She will be discussing the aspects and beauty of Japan’s small cities, towns and villages, in comparison to the large cities of Tokyo and Osaka that most Americans are familiar with.

The town hall at Western Michigan University will take place on Wednesday, March 16 at 3:00 p.m. at the Fetzer Center, 2350 Business Ct, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

The town hall is free and open to the public. 

“These town halls are a wonderful opportunity for students and all in the community to informally discuss Japan – U.S. relations, ask questions and interact with different representatives from Japan,” said Mitsuhiro Wada, Consul General of Japan in Detroit.  “The friendship between Japan and the United States has never been stronger, and events like this which promote open dialogue are a great way to enhance both countries’ economic and cultural contributions to one another.”

About the Consulate-General of Japan in Detroit
The Consulate-General of Japan in Detroit was established in 1993 by the Government of Japan to serve in the states of Michigan and Ohio.  The Detroit office is one of 14 Japanese Consulates General in the United States.  The Consulate strives to promote better understanding of Japan and Japanese culture through educational and cultural programs.  The office protects the interests of Japanese citizens and strengthens the Japan-U.S. alliance through furthering relations with local governments, companies, educational institutions, cultural organizations and the general public. For more information, visit www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/index.htm or call (313) 567-0120. 

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