A Message from Consul General Maeda

2023 New Year's Message from Consul General Mio Maeda

Greetings to all, and Happy New Year!

I arrived in Atlanta in November and have been part of the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta for almost two months. Looking back to the short time I’ve been here, there have been so many “first time experiences” for me; my first time working in the United States, first time working anything related to United States, and my first time serving as Consul General. It makes me look forward to all that has yet to come, such as my first New Year’s here in the United States.  I would not only like to thank everyone who have helped me within the past two months, but also to all of you who have supported our Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta’s office activities in different ways.

As I mentioned in my new arrival message, when I had asked about what it is like to live in the Southeast, many told me that the four states, known as Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, are a wonderful place. The Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta is proud to be able to serve each of them. Within my short time here, I have only been able to visit Georgia and North Carolina, so I am looking forward to visiting all four great states and to meet many people.

As the New Year starts, I have three goals to aim for this year. First, to expand the great relationship and connection of Japanese business in the Southeast. Second, to support the activities of cultural exchange including sister city relationship which was forcibly stagnate due to the pandemic period. Last, but not least, to provide a high quality consular service at our office to support all those of Japanese nationality who lives here in the southeast. This is a goal that our office is dedicated to, all of us are working to accomplish this together. Should you need anything from us, please do not hesitate to contact us at the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta.

Once again happy new years to you all, and wishing you all the best for this year.