Through the Eyes of the Consul General of Japan in Detroit

 
“The conference dances, but does not progress.”
This phrase was used to satirize the protracted Congress of Vienna convened in 1814 by Chancellor Metternich following Napoleon’s downfall.
 
From September 7 to 9, 2025, I returned to Japan on official business and attended the 55th Midwest U.S. Japan Conference in Tokyo together with Consul General Mizobuchi of Chicago. Michigan sent a 29-member delegation, including Governor Whitmer, while Ohio dispatched 59 delegates, mainly mayors.
Governor Whitmer had arrived in Japan a week prior to the conference, actively visiting Ibaraki, Nagoya, Shiga, Osaka, and other areas to tour Japanese companies and the Osaka–Kansai Expo. Due to budget constraints, I was unable to accompany her. She quipped that the previous three Consuls General had always traveled with her to the regions, yet I was still glad to have had a full hour for an exchange of views with her at the Imperial Hotel.
Due to budget turmoil back home, however, the Governor shortened her stay in Japan and departed for her next destination before the opening ceremony.
In the end, only the Governor of Nebraska and the Lieutenant Governor of Kansas came from among the eleven Midwestern states. As a result, the plenary session lacked energy, and I couldn’t help recalling the Congress of Vienna.
 
Even so, the Midwest U.S. Japan Conference is by no means without value.
Just as Emperor Alexander reportedly slipped away from the Congress of Vienna to spend time with Christel, the tailor’s daughter, many participants at the Midwest U.S. Japan Conference also carried out various activities outside the meeting hall — myself included.
I accompanied:

• The meeting between Governor Mikazuki of Shiga (Michigan’s sister state/prefecture) and Governor Whitmer of Michigan.
• The meeting between Governor Ono of Saitama (Ohio’s sister state/prefecture) and the mayors of Findlay and Marysville (home to Honda’s headquarters), where we took a commemorative photo posing from the film Fly Me to the Saitama.
• A meal at a soba restaurant in Yurakucho with the Madison County (Ohio) delegation, arranged by Honorary Consul Cook.
• A lunch at Hibiya Matsumotoro with senior officials from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
• A dinner at a Ginza izakaya with all 59 members of the Ohio delegation.
• A lunch with Honda executives hosted by One Columbus.
• A tour for 30 Michigan and Ohio delegates of Mori Building’s Urban Lab.

I believe that even a conference with a proud 55-year history still has room for improvement, and I discussed these points with Mr. Iguchi, the Chair of the Japan-Midwest-U.S. Association. Still, there is no doubt that having nearly 200 delegates from the American Midwest visit Japan and deepen their exchanges with Japanese counterparts is an invaluable opportunity.


Let the conference dance — and that’s fine.
No, perhaps because the conference dances, that is what makes it worthwhile.
That was my impression after attending the Japan-Midwest U.S. Conference for the first time.