2016 | 2015

June 2016

Asian Networking Reception

On June 10th, the Consul General hosted a reception in honor of the Michigan Asian Pacific Affairs Commission (MAPAAC), along with various members of the Asian communities. The Consul General spoke on the recent Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and the great contributions and accomplishments of Asian and Pacific Americans in Michigan and Ohio, as well as across America. The Consul General expressed his desire for the organizations of the Asian Pacific American community to continue to build connections with one another and grow stronger. Following the Consul General, MAPAAC Chair, Dr. Jamie Hsu, spoke about appreciation for the work the various Asian Pacific American organizations and Consulate have been able to execute and the success they have had in the region. Mr. Toshiki Masaki, MAPAAC secretary and Japanese American Citizens’ League Board member, then gave a toast of gratitude.

Following the presentation, the guests had dinner and beverages (including sake) and were able to network with one another while listening to the sounds of the koto played by Ms. Yuko Asano.

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JBSD Hosts Annual Sketching Competition at Detroit Zoo

On June 5th, the Japan Business Society of Detroit (JBSD) hosted their annual sketching competition at the Detroit Zoo. It ran for 3 hours featured about 450 students and families of the Ringo Kai Saturday School, as well as the Deputy Consul General of Japan in Detroit. All participants registered in advance for the event and were guided in sketching the zoo animals by two members of the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). There were 6 groups of participants: Preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, high school, and other. Following the competition, the DIA volunteers conducted an examination of the artworks and chose the winners of each category. The winners were then announced. Their artwork will be on display at Ringo-Kai for one month and will be moved to the West Bloomfield Public Library in the summertime.

JBSD Foundation Scholarship Award Ceremony

On June 3rd,  The Japan Business Society of Detroit (JBSD) Foundation hosted their annual scholarship award ceremony at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. After a brief lunch, remarks were given by JBSD Foundation President, Mr. John Clark; Deputy Consul General of Japan in Detroit, Mr. Ryoji Noda; former scholarship winners and the newest scholarship winners; and by the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU) and Youth for Understanding (YFU) representatives. Scholarships were given for students to have the opportunity to study in Japan through the JCMU and YFU programs.

May 2016

Cherry Tree Donation by the City of Findlay

On May 5th, the Consul General hosted a reception in honor of the Mayor of Findlay’s donation of a Cherry Tree to the residence. Many representatives of the city of Findlay in diverse sectors (such as economic development and education) attended the event. Remarks, given by Mayor Mihalik and the Consul General, were followed by the formal planting ceremony, a toast by the Consul General, and a photo session. The new cherry tree is located on the left side of the driveway when you enter the residence.

With the cooperation of the University of Findlay, the Friends of Findlay (a group of Japanese economic development companies), and others from the city of Findlay, Ohio, cherry trees have been planted in various places. The sister state/prefecture exchange with Japan has also been very prosperous. In 2010 and 2014, the state of Ohio received formal visits from the governor of their sister prefecture, Saitama. During these visits trees were planted on the campus grounds and other ceremonies took place.

As a symbol of continuing friendship and cultural exchange between Findlay and Japan in the future, we wish for this young tree at the residence to spread its roots widely and hopefully grow and mature into a beautiful adult tree. To all of the representatives of Findlay, thank you so very much!

March 2016

Walk in U.S. Talk on Japan Town Hall Meetings

During the week of March 13th, a Japanese delegation headed by the Honorable Shuji Shimokoji, former Ambassador of Japan to Panama and Venezuela, visited to Michigan and Ohio under the program titled Walk in U.S., Talk on Japan-U.S. Japan Relations, which is sponsored by the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Office. The delegation included a retired businessman from the auto industry, a young CEO/owner of a travel company, a retired air force general in Japan’s Ministry of Defense, and a Shizuoka University Student.

The delegation visited Eastern Michigan University, the University of Michigan, Western Michigan University, Kent State University and Bowling Green University in Michigan and Ohio, where they initially spoke about issues involving Japan’s society, business, education, security, politics and economy. As the program was designed to be interaction-oriented town hall meetings, the majority of the time was spent having question and answer session. They were able to have a constructive exchange of views about Japan with the participants.

Hina Matsuri at DIA

On Sunday, March 6, the Consulate-General of Japan in Detroit and the Detroit Institute of Arts co-hosted “Hina Matsuri” (Japanese Girl's Day or Doll Festival). Several hundreds of visitors of all ages enjoyed performances of Nihon-buyou (Japanese dance), Tea ceremony, Ikebana (Flower arrangement), Koto (an ancient stringed instrument from Japan), and an Origami workshop.

February 2016

Michigan 2016 Japanese Language Speech Contest and Networking Fair

On February 27th, the Michigan 2016 Japanese Language Speech Contest took place at the Novi Civic Center in Novi, Michigan. Consul General Wada joined as one of the judges. 13 students performed their memorized speeches and responded to questions asked by the judges in Japanese. The first place winners in high school and college respectively were Nahyun Ahn of Troy High School and Marian Kandler of Eastern Michigan University. Prizes were given out for 1st-3rd places, as well as a Consul General Prize and a JBSD Special Prize.

Following the Speech Contest, the First Annual Japanese Job Fair took place. This was a great opportunity for the participants of the speech contest, along with other guests, to network with business executives from several businesses around metro-Detroit and discuss bilingual job opportunities and internship opportunities.

FCA/JETRO Chicago Reception Recent Activities Report

On Thursday, February 25th, our consulate hosted a reception for members of FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), Japanese automotive suppliers, and JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) at the Crowne Plaza Auburn Hills, where approximately 90 people attended the reception. Consul General Wada; and director of Supplier Relations for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles-North America and the Director of Global Supplier Relations and Risk Management for FCA-Global, Sigmund Huber made remarks on the occasion. Chief Executive Director of the Chicago office of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO Chicago), Ichiro Soné also gave a toast.  The reception followed a daylong conference with the purpose of networking between Japanese auto parts suppliers and representatives of FCA.

January 2016

Shinnenkai  

Each year hundreds of Japanese Organizations across the United States host Shinnenkais, or New Year’s Celebrations, during the month of January. The Japanese organizations in Michigan and Ohio are no strangers to these parties. These New Year kick-off events provide an excellent opportunity to meet new people, present ideas for the years ahead, and provide well-wishes for friends and colleagues. This year the Consul General had the opportunity to attend several Shinnenkais in both Ohio and Michigan.

Detroit Auto Show

From January 11th – 24th, Detroit hosted the 28th Annual North American International Auto Show, one of the largest and most prestigious auto shows in the world. The NAIAS was attended by about 820,000 people and included presentations by many dignitaries representing Japanese automobile companies. This year, President Obama as well as Governor Snyder attended the show. Many of the Consulate General Staff including the Consul General also visited the show to observe new technological concepts expected to be available soon, cutting-edge automotive capability, as well as the car of the year, the Honda Civic. There were many Japanese automakers and suppliers (including Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki, Aisin, Denso, Panasonic, Hitachi, etc.) as well as a plethora of American and European cars on display. Earlier in January, it was disclosed that the number of U.S. new car sales reached more than 17.5million, while the auto show recorded its best attendance since its peak in 2003. It surely was a preview of how our motorized society will develop in the coming years.