Through the Eyes of the Consul General of Japan in Detroit

 
The well-known anecdote of Mōri Motonari, a formidable warlord of Japan’s Warring States period, is the lesson of the “Three Arrows.” Motonari is said to have taught his three sons the wisdom needed to survive turbulent times by giving each a single arrow: one arrow alone is easily broken, but three bound together cannot be snapped so easily. In this way he urged his sons to unite and protect their house.
 
There is only so much the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit can accomplish on its own. But when joined by JBSD (the Japan Business Society of Detroit), JASMSO (the Japan America Society of Michigan and Southwestern Ontario), and the JETRO Chicago Office, the “Four Arrows” gain far greater strength. This collaboration is known as “The J4.” And on November 12, in the state capital of Lansing, Team Japan—now expanded into a full “Nine Arrows”—successfully held its first Matsuri.
 
The original purpose was to strengthen outreach toward members of the Michigan Legislature. Today, there is no sense of anti-Japanese sentiment in Michigan. Yet understanding of Japan also remains shallow. How, then, could we foster a sense of closeness toward Japan?
The answer was an experiential introduction to Japanese culture.
 
Have many Michigan residents drunk matcha before? Some may have viewed ikebana arrangements or enjoyed taiko performances. But how many have actually whisked their own matcha and served themselves? With this in mind, we sought the cooperation of groups representing tea ceremony, ikebana, calligraphy, and taiko drumming. The Shiga Prefecture booth—representing Michigan’s sister-state relationship—also joined us. These five organizations warmly welcomed not only the 11 state legislators who attended, but also Governor Whitmer, the mayors of Lansing and Farmington Hills, as well as business and military leaders.
 
There is only so much the Detroit Consulate can achieve alone. But now we have “The J4.” With the addition of five Japan-related organizations, we grew into “The J9.” A single arrow can be broken, but nine arrows bundled together cannot. Guests fully enjoyed hands-on cultural experiences and delighted in sushi, yakisoba, and sake from Shiga Prefecture (the “Shichihon-yari” label).
 
The preparations must have been demanding: securing the venue, arranging food and beverages, coordinating among all the groups, and sending individual invitations to key state lawmakers. Under Deputy Consul General Yamane’s leadership, consulate staff worked together as one. JBSD leaders welcomed guests one-on-one. JASMSO led the program as MC, while JETRO’s Chief Executive Director Nakagawa provided a video message. It was truly an “all-hands” J4 effort. I again express my deep gratitude to the five partner organizations whose strength made this possible. It marked the birth of “The J9.” As for me, all I did was work to ensure the attendance of Governor Whitmer—who normally does not attend events that focus solely on a single country. A consul general alone can accomplish nothing; I am fortunate to be surrounded by such remarkable partners in Detroit.
 
And the “Nine Arrows” will surely continue to grow. The Matsuri has only just begun.