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Japan in the News

It is never too early to start thinking about the National Cherry Blossom Festival! A recent article even recommends the festival as an excellent way to see Japan's famous cherry blossoms without leaving the US. The cherry trees at the DC Tidal Basin were a gift from Japan in 1912. This gift is commemorated each year by the National Cherry Blossom Festival, a celebration of the lasting friendship betwen Japan and the US. We are organizing many exciting events associated with the festival, so be sure to sign up for our events newsletter to be the first to hear.

©JNTO

The Year Ahead in Japan

Leaders from around the world will gather in Osaka this year for the G20 Summit to discuss issues facing the international community. Alongside the summit, and in collaboration with the Women 20 (W20), Japan will host its fifth World Assembly of Women (WAW!), a platform to discuss women's empowerment and gender equality. In addition, this year Yokohama will host the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7). The conference was launched in 1993 to promote high-level policy dialogue between African leaders and development partners.

Celebrating the Japanese New Year

Have you ever experienced the Japanese New Year? Traditional activities include mochi-making, shrine visits and special food — all of which were featured at the annual Shinshun Matsuri organized by the Japan Commerce Association of Washington DC. From taiko performances to games of kendama, the program was full of unique opportunities to bring in the new year. Co-organized by the Embassy, the event was joined by Deputy Chief of Mission Aikawa, as well as performers, sponsors and volunteers from throughout the region.

Ambassador Visits Kentucky

For his first trip of the New Year, Ambassador Sugiyama made his way to the Bluegrass State. While in Kentucky, he toured Toyota's Georgetown plant, their largest vehicle manufacturing plant in the world. He also toured Beam Suntory's Frankfort facility, where he sampled the state's famous bourbon. In celebration of the growing business and people-to-people ties between Japan and Kentucky, Governor Matt Bevin hosted the Japan/America Society of Kentucky's New Year's Party, welcoming the Ambassador to the historic Governor's Mansion.

Japan Now is the official newsletter of the Embassy of Japan

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