Consul General Hanatani attended a holiday reception at Fort McPherson, hosted by General and Mrs. James D. Thurman (December 17, 2010).

Consul General Hanatani paid a courtesy call to Chief of Police George Turner. Chief Turner confirmed the commitment of his department to work with the Consulate in the event of an emergency that might affect Japanese citizens in the Atlanta area (November 23, 2010).

Consul General Hanatani gave opening remarks at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens prior to a demonstration and lecture on "The Art of the Japanese Garden" by Japanese gardener Masashi "Mike" Oshita (November 3, 2010).

Consul General Hanatani visited Aderans Research Institute in Marietta, GA, and got briefed about their research activities (October 28, 2010).
(Group Photo): (L-R) Dr. Kurt Stenn, Consul General Hanatani, Mr. Vern Liebmann, Dr. Washenik, Professor Itami (Osaka Univ), Messrs. Minowa and Shimada (Executive Officers from Tokyo Hdqtrs.), and Mr. Dennis Hannigan.

Mr. Masahiko Yanagihara, head chef of Sushi Koma in Tokyo, gave a sushi-making demonstration while explaining the history of the dish at Consul General Hanatani's residence. Guests were fascinated to learn of the origins of sushi as a means of preserving fish, rather than a way of preparing it fresh. For his demonstration, Mr. Yanagihara made several traditional types of sushi, including oshizushi (pressed sushi), bozushi (cylindrical sushi), and chirashizushi (scattered topping sushi). Guests were then treated to samples of the prepared sushi. Consul General Hanatani also gave a few remarks (October 22, 2010).

Consul General Hanatani attended the SEUS-Japan meeting in Nashville, TN and gave closing remarks (October 19, 2010).
(Pic #1) Closing Session: Chairman Yonekura and Consul General Hanatani.
(Pic #2) Tennessee State Host Reception: Consul General Hanatani with Ambassador & Mrs. Fujisaki.

Consul General Hanatani visited Montevallo, AL on the occasion of the Sister City Exchange Event held at the University of Montevallo. Included as special guests were Montevallo Sister City Commission & City Reps and Echizen Town Delegation (October 13-14, 2010).
(Group Photo): Among those pictured with Consul General Hanatani are Mr. Tomita (founding member/leader) and members of Echizen Otaiko Drum Troop, Mayor Seki (Echizen Town), Mayor Ben McCrory (Montevallo), and Dr. John Stewart (President of University of Montevallo).

Consul General Hanatani paid a courtesy call to Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell (September 22, 2010).
Photo courtesy of Michaele White, Governor's Office

Consul General Hanatani at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Japan Tobacco International Leaf Services' new facility in Danville, VA (September 22, 2010).
Group Photo: Standing to the left of Consul General Hanatani are Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and Mr. Mitsuomi Koizumi, Chairman of the Board, JT International Holding (September 22, 2010).
Photos courtesy of Michaele White, Governor's Office

Consul General Hanatani attended Seigakuin Atlanta International School's 20^th Anniversary Celebration and gave a speech with congratulatory remarks (September 3, 2010).

Consul General Hanatani paid a visit to AFL Telecommunications’ facility in Duncan, SC (August 25, 2010).
Pictured with Consul General Hanatani are: 2nd from left, Mr. Featherstone, AFL Manufacturing Director; 3rd from left, Mr. Lundgren, President of the Japan-America Association of South Carolina; 3rd from right, AFL Telecommunications Chairman, Mr. Kuroda.

Consul General Hanatani gave a speech before the crowd at the 2010 Charlotte Bon Dance Festival. More than 5,000 people participated in the festival (July 31, 2010).

Consul General Hanatani hosted a debriefing session and reception for three Georgia teachers who recently spent two weeks in Japan on the International Educators to Japan Program, sponsored by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia, the Hanamizuki-Kai, and the Georgia Japanese Language School (July 29, 2010).