A Message from Consul General Maeda

Happy New Year to everyone!

Last year marked the significant milestone of the 50th anniversary of our Consulate. Throughout the year, we dedicated ourselves to organizing various events across the region to help more people experience “Japan” and to renew recognition of the friendly relations between Japan and the Southeastern United States over the past 50 years. In addition to hosting these events, we participated in related programs organized by Japan-related organizations. It was also a notable year not only for our Consulate but also for institutions such as the Georgia Japanese Language School and Japanese companies, many of which celebrated their own anniversaries. I had the honor of joining them at commemorative ceremonies and events to celebrate their milestones together.

On a personal level, I strived to maximize our presence in the region by actively visiting various areas under our jurisdiction. As a result, in 2024 alone, I managed to visit Alabama six times, South Carolina seven times (including one private trip), and North Carolina thirteen times. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to organizing these events and milestones, as well as those who extended their hospitality during my visits.

Looking back, the year was filled with memorable moments, such as Japan Day at Georgia’s State Capitol in January, the 50th Anniversary Reception in June, and JapanFest in Atlanta in September. Among these, the highlight was the visit of Prime Minister Kishida and Mrs. Kishida to the United States which included a visit to North Carolina in April. During the official events in Washington, D.C., the two leaders reaffirmed the importance of U.S.-Japan cooperation and agreed on their role as true global partners dedicated to upholding and bolstering the international order based on the rule of law to ensure prosperity and stability worldwide. In North Carolina, the warm welcome extended by Governor Cooper, the North Carolina First Lady and many others was heartening. A luncheon hosted by the Governor at the Executive Mansion marked a special moment, as Prime Minister Kishida was reportedly the first head of the foreign government to visit the Mansion, according to the Governor.

Through these various occasions, I was reminded that the U.S.-Japan relationship currently stands at its strongest in history. Looking ahead at the challenges facing the international community, I am confident that this robust relationship will continue to strengthen. Most importantly, this relationship is built not just on intergovernmental ties but on the foundation of mutual trust and exchanges between people at a grass-roots level, including economic and cultural relations. I extend my heartfelt gratitude and respect to all those who have contributed to fostering this bond in various ways.

This year marks the “Year of the Wood Snake” (乙巳). The Snake is associated with “rebirth” and “regeneration” — which portends a year of new beginnings and bearing fruit. The “Wood Snake” specifically is said to symbolize a time of growth and fruition when past efforts and preparations start to yield results.

As we step into the next fifty years, the Consulate remains committed to building upon the foundation of friendship and cooperation established over the past five decades by so many dedicated predecessors. We aim to cultivate the strong and positive relationship between Japan and the Southeastern United States and help it grow and bear abundant fruit in the years to come. We sincerely hope for your continued support and cooperation. Should you ever need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

In closing, I wish everyone a prosperous and fulfilling year in 2025.