2026 National Day Reception
2026/2/23
On February 20, a National Day reception hosted by Head Consul Hamada was held in Anchorage to celebrate the 66th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito. Approximately 150 invited guests attended the event, which was marked by a warm and friendly atmosphere throughout, reflecting shared expectations for the continued development of Japan–U.S. and Japan–Alaska relations.
At the opening of the ceremony, Head Consul Hamada delivered remarks, noting that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is scheduled to visit the United States next month. He expressed his expectation that the two leaders will reaffirm their close partnership and further strengthen Japan–U.S. relations beyond their current level. He also highlighted that energy and resource development projects—most notably the Alaska LNG Project—are making significant progress with strong support from the federal government, and conveyed his hope that new opportunities for cooperation between Japan and Alaska will emerge. Furthermore, he emphasized that bilateral relations in the field of security are stronger than ever, referring to the annual joint exercises conducted by the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. Air Force and Army stationed in Alaska, and expressed his sincere appreciation for the continued cooperation of Alaska’s military personnel. He also touched upon Japan–Alaska sister cities’ exchanges, noting that Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance visited Chitose City in Hokkaido last year in return for the previous year’s visit by Chitose Mayor Yokota.
In her guest remarks, Mayor LaFrance underscored that Japan is Alaska’s second-largest export partner, including Anchorage, and an extremely important economic partner. She referred to the Alaska LNG Project while expressing expectations for future economic collaboration, and highlighted the significance of sister city exchanges, Japanese language immersion programs, and Japanese-language training programs. She also celebrated the enduring friendship between Japan and the United States, expressing her hope that this friendship will continue to grow in the years ahead.
Next, Deputy Commissioner Nelson San Juan of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development spoke about trends in Japan’s seafood industry and employment activities in Southeast Alaska, and referred to the deep and enduring ties between Japan and the United States as well as between Japan and Alaska. This was followed by a toast from Mr. George Tolbert, President of the Japan Alaska Association, who offered congratulations to His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito and expressed his hope that Japan–Alaska relations will continue to develop, grow, and prosper.
At the reception, guests enjoyed Japanese cuisine including sushi, along with Japanese sake and wines. An ikebana exhibition by the Ikenobo Alaska Chapter also attracted considerable interest. In addition, PR booths hosted by Japanese-affiliated companies active in the region and by Japanese municipalities with sister city ties to Alaska were featured, providing attendees with opportunities to experience the diverse attractions of Japan.
At the opening of the ceremony, Head Consul Hamada delivered remarks, noting that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is scheduled to visit the United States next month. He expressed his expectation that the two leaders will reaffirm their close partnership and further strengthen Japan–U.S. relations beyond their current level. He also highlighted that energy and resource development projects—most notably the Alaska LNG Project—are making significant progress with strong support from the federal government, and conveyed his hope that new opportunities for cooperation between Japan and Alaska will emerge. Furthermore, he emphasized that bilateral relations in the field of security are stronger than ever, referring to the annual joint exercises conducted by the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. Air Force and Army stationed in Alaska, and expressed his sincere appreciation for the continued cooperation of Alaska’s military personnel. He also touched upon Japan–Alaska sister cities’ exchanges, noting that Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance visited Chitose City in Hokkaido last year in return for the previous year’s visit by Chitose Mayor Yokota.
In her guest remarks, Mayor LaFrance underscored that Japan is Alaska’s second-largest export partner, including Anchorage, and an extremely important economic partner. She referred to the Alaska LNG Project while expressing expectations for future economic collaboration, and highlighted the significance of sister city exchanges, Japanese language immersion programs, and Japanese-language training programs. She also celebrated the enduring friendship between Japan and the United States, expressing her hope that this friendship will continue to grow in the years ahead.
Next, Deputy Commissioner Nelson San Juan of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development spoke about trends in Japan’s seafood industry and employment activities in Southeast Alaska, and referred to the deep and enduring ties between Japan and the United States as well as between Japan and Alaska. This was followed by a toast from Mr. George Tolbert, President of the Japan Alaska Association, who offered congratulations to His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito and expressed his hope that Japan–Alaska relations will continue to develop, grow, and prosper.
At the reception, guests enjoyed Japanese cuisine including sushi, along with Japanese sake and wines. An ikebana exhibition by the Ikenobo Alaska Chapter also attracted considerable interest. In addition, PR booths hosted by Japanese-affiliated companies active in the region and by Japanese municipalities with sister city ties to Alaska were featured, providing attendees with opportunities to experience the diverse attractions of Japan.