Opening Remarks by the Consul General of Japan in Miami Eiichi Kawahara
At Reception in Honor of the 2011 Miami-Kagoshima Sister City Exchange
At the Official Residence of the Consulate General of Japan
in Miami
November 16, 2011
Honorable Hiroyuki Mori, Mayor of Kagoshima and Mrs. Mori,
Host families,
Boys and girls,
Good evening everyone. I am truly pleased to welcome you all to my home on this occasion when we honor the Miami-Kagoshima Sister City exchange program. My appreciation goes to Sister City Exchange Committee, and above all, the committee leader Mr. Jose Fuentes. I always rely on your very warm supports and good hospitality.
I was in Tallahassee yesterday with Governor Nisaka of Wakayama prefecture. I was very fortunate to witness the signing of the Orange Partnership between the State of Florida and Wakayama Prefecture for the reinvigoration of their sister-state relations.
Today, I am honored in receiving the delegation from Kagoshima City, Mayor and Mrs. Mori, Hon. Hirayama, Deputy Chairman of Kagoshima City Council (Assembly), Councillor Hon. Moriyama, and city officials and Chamber of Commerce representatives to visit Miami to renew and strengthen the sister-city relation.
During my stay in Tallahassee, I participated in the 8th Florida-Japan Summit and delivered closing remarks about “Japan after March 11,” focusing on the business opportunities tied to the process of reconstruction of the affected areas in north eastern Japan. Japan is open for business and tourism; Japan is open to the world, open to Floridians.
I also touched upon Japan as tourist destination.
Compared to last year, the number of visitors from the United States to Japan decreased 27% for the period from January to August of 2011. However, we are confident that we will be seeing an increase in tourism as the word is out about Japan being open for business. Oftentimes, one of the first things that comes to mind to people when thinking of Japan, besides its rich ancient culture and breathtaking landscapes is food; and related to food, I like to share with people that Japan is the country with more 3-Michelin Star Restaurants than any other country, according to the 2010 Michelin Guide. I recommend Floridians to visit and enjoy all these excellent restaurants while they stay in Japan.
I am grateful to the citizens of Miami for showing their solidarity and support to Japan when northeastern Japan was hit by the most devastating earthquake and tsunami on March 11 this year. In Miami, as well as throughout Florida, many organizations and individuals were quick to organize and conduct fundraisers for the victims. I sincerely thank all for their sympathy and expression of solidarity.
2012 will mark the 100th Anniversary of the Gift of Japanese Cherry trees to United States as a token of growing friendship. I have been spreading the word of this important anniversary and asking for cooperation for planting more cherry trees in Florida.
森・鹿児島市長御夫妻、鹿児島市の中学生の皆さん、ようこそいらっしゃいました。今年2月初めの中学生チームの当地訪問以来、2回目のマイアミ市との姉妹都市関係者を対象としたレセプションとなりました。
私は、昨夜までここから北へ1千キロ近くの州都であるタラハシにおり、和歌山県とフロリダ州の両知事さんが、姉妹州の今後の協力を謳ったオレンジ・パートナーシップ協定にサインするのを見届け、併せて、フロリダの実業界代表、大学関係者向けに[３．１１後の日本]について御話しをしてきました。東北地方の被災地の復興事業は、世界に開かれている、どうぞ、日本にお越し下さいという点など話の中心でした。
日本の観光促進の関連でもお話を致しました。 米国から日本に来られるビジターの間での大きな関心は、歴史遺産と日本の食文化であること、今年の日本への米国からの訪問客が、昨年から落ち込んでいることなどお話した上で、どうぞ、日本に来てくださいということを、特に食文化のお話を通じて、お勧めしました。
また、来年春には、日本から米国ワシントン市民に寄贈した桜から１００周年目を迎えますということもご紹介して、桜植樹への地元のご協力をお願いして参りました。
The Sister City network focuses on promoting mutual understanding, friendship, and a sense of family between the two cities. In some ways, Miami and Kagoshima could not be more different. We have different foods, different customs, different cultures, and different languages. But we have similarities too. Both are tropical cities with a strong reliance on their relationship to the ocean. Both are located on the southern tips of their respective countries. Both have histories of being important locations for international trade and communications.
姉妹都市である鹿児島とマイアミ市は遠く離れ、食事、習慣、文化、言葉が違います。他方で、周りを海に囲まれて暖かい気候にあり、 それぞれのお国のなかで南端に位置しており、南方の国との貿易も昔から活発であったという点で共通するところもあります。
Just like real family members, we can celebrate our similarities and our differences, support one another, and learn from each other. The best way we can do this is through our young people. I do appreciate the host families for their kind hospitality. You have an unique opportunity to engage in direct international relations. Your home will be a classroom for these young travelers.
I also want to express my sincere appreciation to Mr. Jose Fuentes, Ms. Isabel de Quesada, and the rest of the Miami-Kagoshima Sister City Exchange Committee for your hard work and dedication as always. Thanks to you and your hard work that the Miami-Kagoshima relationship is so strong.
Finally, the biggest recognition of all must go to these brave young people. Despite jet lag and stress from speaking English during their stay in Miami, I hope they will find the energy to keep going to each new activity and make the most of this unique experience. I also hope that someday your Miami host brothers and sisters will have the chance to visit Kagoshima and feel as you do now.
Thank you
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