A Message from Consul General Ken Okaniwa

"New developments in
Japan-Florida relations"

In June, I made my third trip to Jacksonville to host the JUMP (Japan-U.S. Military Program) event in Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The event brought together more than 150 US service members and families who were stationed at US bases in Japan. We are lucky to have so many US service members who come back from Japan and continue to promote our friendship.

I then traveled west to Tallahassee to attend a dinner hosted by Governor Rick Scott at his Mansion. It was a good opportunity to update the Governor about new developments in Japan-Florida relations. This was my fourth visit to the State capital. I always feel homesick there because of the hilly streets that are common in Japan but never in South Florida.

On June 21, I was invited to speak at the 2017 Annual Convention of the Florida Association of Broadcasters. The broadcasters were interested to find out about Florida's not-so-well-known links with Japan. I will work with them to promote understanding about the importance of relations with Japan.

For my American friends, July fourth is a time of celebration. May I express my sincere congratulations!

The Consulate also has an important occasion to celebrate in July. For the first time in history, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Training Squadron will visit Port Everglades on July 21. Through this visit, I hope to promote understanding of and support to the Japan-US Alliance among the people of Florida.

Ken Okaniwa

Consul General of Japan