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  • Reception by Consulate General

Reception by Consulate General

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I have been looking forward to this day ever since I received an invitation with gold-embossed symbol and swirly elegant lettering. This marks my first visit at the house of Consule General Kiyokazu Ota. When I arrived, a beautiful Tudor style mansion appeared on a scenic hill in Queen Anne. I queued up in coat-check line, and Lori Matsukawa with King 5 was standing before me. Mr. Ota and his wife greeted each guest in front of golden byobu (folding screen) like king and queen. I was about to collapse with overwhelming sensation…!

The reception started and the grand hall was absolutely packed. Chandeliers were sparkling and the view was breathtaking. Photograph is not allowed at anywhere in the house. (Boo!) I couldn’t see where the voice was coming from over the sea of heads, but I knew it was Mr. Ohta. He made a really good speech about Japan and US relationship. His congenial and warm personality is coming out from his speech.

The US-Japan relationship started long time ago when Lady Washington sailed from Washington and visited Kobe harbor in 1791. Back then Japan was still closed for foreign commerce. From that time, now 82% of Japanese have favorable impression to Americans in general. This is the highest of all other countries. (A replica of Lady Washington was built in Aberdeen, WA, and was used as a model in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl )

Mr. Ota also touched about the great disaster in Northeastern part of Japan. An one-year memorial event will be held at Seattle Center on March 11th next year.

Next year is just right there - merely three weeks away. This year was truly rough. Japan got a huge blow, and US economy is sinking without a hope. I can't help wishing for better wind next year.

::: Shino