New Year’s Greetings from Consul Makoto Izakura

January 2016

I wish you all a Happy New Year! Since arriving in Alaska in March 2015, I have enjoyed many opportunities to connect with people from all over the state. I am grateful for everyone who has helped our office in promoting relations between the people of Alaska and Japan.

Last year marked the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and the beginning of a new relationship between Japan and the United States. In April, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe became the first Prime Minister of Japan to address a joint session of the U.S. Congress. In October, an agreement was reached on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), largely thanks to leadership from Japan and the U.S. As 2016 begins, I believe Japan-U.S. relations will continue to grow successfully.

The year 2015 was also particularly significant in Alaska-Japan relations. As the closest state in proximity to East Asia, Alaska and Japan share a rich history of close economic and cultural ties. Japan continues to be one of Alaska’s most valuable international trade partners. In September, Alaska Governor Bill Walker attended the 4th annual liquefied natural gas (LNG) conference in Tokyo, where he delivered a keynote speech about Alaska’s plans for a gasline and LNG project. Walker and his team discussed the benefits of exporting LNG from Alaska with Japanese companies and local governments. The LNG project has the potential to contribute to the growth of both the Alaskan and Japanese economies.

Japan and Alaska also actively interacted on the local level last year. In July, Mayor Makoto Nomura of Gero City traveled with his city council to Ketchikan, Gero’s sister city of almost 30 years. Seward and its sister city Obihiro entered the 43rd year of their student exchange program, allowing students to have first-hand experiences in a different culture. Palmer and Saroma celebrated the 35th anniversary of their sister city relationship by sharing the stories of Palmer students who visited Japan in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley newspaper, the Frontiersman. Palmer also welcomed the Saroma delegation to Alaska in July. We hope to continue our help in fostering successful sister city relationships, both new and old, between Alaska and Japan.

This year, Japan will host the Ise-Shima G7 Summit. Distinguished leaders from the world’s major countries, including President Barack Obama, will attend. This is also the fifth year since the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Many Alaskans have been actively involved in helping with Japan’s recovery efforts. While the natural disaster in Tohoku was a tragedy, it also provided opportunities for Alaska and Japan to develop a stronger friendship.

Both Japan and the U.S. will hold important elections, with the Japanese House of Councillors election and the U.S. presidential election happening this year. 2016 will be a busy year with many important political changes for both countries.

Whether it is on a local or national level, the people of Japan and Alaska are at the heart of excellent international and interpersonal relations. I hope you will join us in strengthening the friendship between Japan and Alaska.

Lastly, I extend my best wishes to all of you for a prosperous 2016.

Consul Makoto Izakura
January 2016