Head Consul Hamada’s Visit to Chitose City

From November 25 to 26, Head Consul Kiyohiko Hamada visited Chitose city in Hokkaido and exchanged views with Mayor Yokota of Chitose and other senior officials of the Chitose City Hall. Mayor Yokota noted that, following his visit to Anchorage in August last year to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the Sister City relationship, Mayor LaFrance of Anchorage and her delegation made a reciprocal visit to Chitose this October. This visit further strengthened the friendship between the two cities, which he regarded as highly gratifying. Head Consul Hamada expressed that the various people-to-people exchanges have built strong bonds between the people of both cities, and that the Consular Office of Japan in Anchorage will continue to provide support to the extent possible. Head Consul Hamada also visited the Chitose Ainu Association, where Chairperson Nakamura shared insights on the history and culture of the Ainu people, as well as their exchanges with Alaska Native communities.