Online meeting with the US Consul General in Sapporo

On February 8, US Consul General in Sapporo Andrew Lee and Mr. Aniya exchanged views online. Consul Beau Miller (public affairs) and Consul Jacob Rocca (consul, economics and management) from the US Consulate General in Sapporo, and Mr. Michael Joseph Hughes (economic and sister city affairs) and Ms. Junko Suzuki (administration and sister city affairs) from the Consular Office of Japan in Anchorage attended the meeting.

Consul General Lee mentioned that the US Consulate General in Sapporo would like to cooperate with the Consular Office of Japan, and that so far it has promoted sister city exchanges including the Sapporo-Portland sister city relationship, as well as support for the reconstruction of areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake including Rikuzentakata City. He also mentioned that the US Consulate General is working on activities such as promoting renewable energy, combatting the climate crisis, supporting the U.S.-Japan alliance, and supporting LGBTQ rights and women's empowerment. 

Mr. Aniya mentioned that it is fortunate to have the opportunity to exchange opinions with the staff of the US Consulate General in Sapporo, and that there are tasks that can be supported mutually between the Consular Office and the US Consulate General in Sapporo. He also explained that so far the Consular Office has been mainly promoting sister city relationships, and talked about other recent events such as the Arctic Symposium in January. 

In addition, both parties exchanged opinions on their current work, and events and programs that contribute to Japan-US friendship such as the JET Program.