A Message from Consul General Ken Okaniwa

"Increasing links between
Japan and Florida"

Last week, I was privileged to speak about the friendship between Japan and the United States / Florida on the occasion of the 2017 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebration. I would like to express my thanks to the Asian Affinity Group at the Miami office of White & Case, the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of South Florida, and the South Asian Bar Association of Florida for organizing this event.

In May, representatives from Japan Airlines visited Miami International Airport to discuss the possibility of a direct flight from Miami to Narita. The Consulate will continue to provide its full support to realizing a direct flight between Japan and Florida.

During the month, I also visited St. Petersburg to meet with Congressman Charlie Crist and Melbourne to meet with Congressman Bill Posey. It was an honor to discuss increasing links between Japan and Florida.

With summer around the corner, we will see Japanese festivals and events taking place. In June, the Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens will celebrate its 40th anniversary. Congratulations for the great work over the past 40 years! I would like to thank everyone involved that has helped make this achievement possible.

In its 12th year, Tampa Natsumatsuri, run by the Florida JET Alumni Association, will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the JET program on June 24th. The festival will include many traditional Japanese games, foods and crafts. I hope you can make it to this event!

Ken Okaniwa

Consul General of Japan