Consul General Kishimori Visits Shiga Prefecture
2026/5/1
On Monday, April 27, Consul General Kishimori paid his second visit to Shiga Prefecture since last July. Shiga Prefecture and Michigan have maintained a sister-state relationship since 1968, symbolized by their respective lakes, Lake Biwa and Lake Michigan. During this visit, Mr. Wataru Ariyoshi, Executive Director of Biwako Kisen Co., Ltd, kindly provided Consul General Kishimori the opportunity to enjoy the “Michigan Cruise” on Lake Biwa. This ship was named in commemoration of Shiga’s international friendship with Michigan and will celebrate its 45th anniversary next year.
Following the tour, Consul General Kishimori enjoyed a lunch inspired by the Hyakunin Isshu at the Lake Biwa Hotel. Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture is known as the “holy land of Karuta,” and the meal offered an opportunity to experience the distinctive worldview of Heian-period literature rooted in the Omi region.
During this visit, Consul General Kishimori also reunited with Governor Taizo Mikazuki of Shiga Prefecture for the first time in approximately six months, since the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference was held in Tokyo last September. Governor Mikazuki has also built a close relationship with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and continues to maintain active exchanges with her. In recognition of their friendship, Consul General Kishimori presented Governor Mikazuki with a pin badge featuring “Big Gretch,” Governor Whitmer’s nickname. Governor Mikazuki presented Consul General Kishimori with fresh tea from Shiga Prefecture —often referred to as the birthplace of Japanese tea —creating a meaningful opportunity to further strengthen ties between the two.
Lastly, Consul General Kishimori visited the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU) in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture. Serving as an educational hub for 15 universities in Michigan, JCMU promotes international exchange between Japan and the United States through language education and community engagement. During the visit, JCMU Resident Director Benjamin McCracken guided a tour of the center’s exchange lounge, “Apple Hall,” as well as the JCMU dormitory where Japanese and international students live together as roommates.
Overall, this visit provided a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the long-standing bond between Shiga Prefecture and Michigan, while further advancing exchanges in anticipation of the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference scheduled for this coming September. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all those who contributed to making this visit a success.
Following the tour, Consul General Kishimori enjoyed a lunch inspired by the Hyakunin Isshu at the Lake Biwa Hotel. Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture is known as the “holy land of Karuta,” and the meal offered an opportunity to experience the distinctive worldview of Heian-period literature rooted in the Omi region.
During this visit, Consul General Kishimori also reunited with Governor Taizo Mikazuki of Shiga Prefecture for the first time in approximately six months, since the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference was held in Tokyo last September. Governor Mikazuki has also built a close relationship with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and continues to maintain active exchanges with her. In recognition of their friendship, Consul General Kishimori presented Governor Mikazuki with a pin badge featuring “Big Gretch,” Governor Whitmer’s nickname. Governor Mikazuki presented Consul General Kishimori with fresh tea from Shiga Prefecture —often referred to as the birthplace of Japanese tea —creating a meaningful opportunity to further strengthen ties between the two.
Lastly, Consul General Kishimori visited the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU) in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture. Serving as an educational hub for 15 universities in Michigan, JCMU promotes international exchange between Japan and the United States through language education and community engagement. During the visit, JCMU Resident Director Benjamin McCracken guided a tour of the center’s exchange lounge, “Apple Hall,” as well as the JCMU dormitory where Japanese and international students live together as roommates.
Overall, this visit provided a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the long-standing bond between Shiga Prefecture and Michigan, while further advancing exchanges in anticipation of the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference scheduled for this coming September. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all those who contributed to making this visit a success.
Group Photo in front of the ”BIWAKO”Monument
Group Photo with Executive Director Ariyoshi and Others in front of ”Michigan” Cruise
Lunch Inspired by the Hyakunin Isshu at the Lake Biwa Hotel
Mutual Exchange of Gifts with Governor Mikazuki
Scenary of Lake Biwa
Art exhibition for JCMU’s 50th anniversary
Visiting JCMU Dormitory
Group Photo with Resident Director McCracken and Others in front of JCMU