Congratulations to Dr. Karen Fred T. Korematsu Institute on receiving special recognition as Ambassador to California Education by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond. I’m delighted that her contributions to human rights have been further recognized & I wish her the best in her new role.

This weekend, I had the chance to view beautiful photographs from past Olympics at an exhibition reception hosted by Art Ventures Gallery & Japan Society. Thank you, David Madison, John Todd, ＆　David Burnett, for sharing your incredible work in celebration of the Games.

Proud to join the SFGiants for their 2021 Japanese Heritage Night tonight. I’m looking forward to a great celebration of friendship through baseball.

Thank you SFGiants for inviting me to throw the first pitch at your Japanese Heritage Night celebrating Japanese/Japanese American culture & community. Baseball holds a special place in the hearts of Japanese and American people. I’m glad we could all come together to enjoy it.

Thank you SJ Betsuin for having me at the virtual San Jose Obon@Home. Honored to join Sam Liccardo and Raul Peralez in welcoming everyone to this festival celebrating Japanese and Japanese American heritage & culture in San Jose.

It was great to speak with innovative Japan & US tech companies at the Japan-US Innovation Awards Symposium. Thank you Japan Society & Stanford US-Asia Technology Management Center for hosting this annual event to enhance collaboration between companies. Day 2 will be held on 7/15: usjinnovate.org

I was amazed by the blending of art & technology in teamLab: Continuity, the new exhibit by Japanese art group teamLab at the Asian Art Museum. I hope all of you have a chance to visit and experience this interactive installation in person while it’s here in the Bay Area.

Summer is the season for matsuri (festivals) in Japan. We hope you will join us and explore Japanese festivals and “What Makes a Matsuri” at our office’s webinar next Wednesday evening. More info here: matsuri-webinar.eventbrite.com

Honored to be a part of the Foster City-Inagi sister city agreement signing ceremony. Congratulations City of Foster City & 東京都稲城市（公式）! This makes 109 CA-Japan sister cities that are engaged in grassroots diplomacy between our countries.

Our office, with fellow Asian Consulates General in SF & Asia Society Northern California, will co-host the webinar “Strengthening Solidarity Against Hate,” featuring CA State officials Senator Dave Min & Asm. Al Muratsuchi. Mon, 8/9 @ 4:00pm PT. Register: eventbrite.com/e/strengthenin…

I hope everyone enjoyed virtually visiting Japan and learning about Japanese festivals at our webinar, “What Makes a Matsuri?” Thank you to our presenters & Mountain View Mayor Ellen Kamei Ellen Kamei & Palo Alto City Councilmember Greg Lin Tanaka for your remarks.

Today, I participated in a bell-ringing ceremony at Cupertino Memorial Park to commemorate the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. It was very touching to see people in the US remember the tragedies & share our wish for peace. Thank you Cupertino-Toyokawa Sister Cities Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival.

Thank you @EleniforCA Rob Bonta Senator Dave Min Asm. Al Muratsuchi Asm Phil Ting for joining “Strengthening Solidarity Against Asian Hate" to show support for Asian communities facing this issue. Honored to have co-hosted this event with other Asian Consulates General & Asia Society Northern California.

Congratulations to Dr. Satsuki Ina, Ambassador Lawrence Charles Greenwood, Jr., & Dr. Emily Moto Murase, recipients of the 2021 Foreign Minister’s Commendations. Official announcement: sf.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/21_082…

Dr. Satsuki Ina, recipient of the 2021 Foreign Minister’s Commendation, is a psychotherapist and has worked in trauma therapy for Japanese Americans for more than 30 years. She has also produced documentaries, raising awareness of the history of Japanese American internment.

Ambassador Charles Lawrence Greenwood, Jr., recipient of the 2021 Foreign Minister’s Commendation, is Board Chair of Japan Society & former US Ambassador to APEC. As former President of Japan Society, he expanded its activities, increasing Japan’s presence in the Bay Area.

Dr. Emily Moto Murase, recipient of the 2021 Foreign Minister’s Commendation, has strengthened Japan-US relations in many positions, including as U.S.-Japan Council Northern CA Regional Director, SF-Osaka Sister City Association Board Member, & Director of SF Dept. on the Status of Women.

Congratulations to this year’s participants of the SPICE Regional Programs in Japan on the completion of their programs. Thank you Stanford SPICE for offering these programs for young people in Japan and helping to improve their understanding of the U.S.

Our office was honored to host Dr. Satoru Nishikawa of Nagoya University for a special lecture on earthquake disaster prevention & mitigation. Thank you Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, California Governor's Office of Emergency Services Deputy Director Nezhura for your participation & to all participants for their interest in this topic.

This week, I am finishing my assignment as Consul General in SF. Thank you to the friends & partners of the Consulate for your gracious support. It was an honor to serve here, and I’ll carry the memories & friendships with me. My full message: facebook.com/cgjsf1/posts/4…