2023 National Day Reception to celebrate His Majesty the Emperor's Birthday

On February 23, 2023, the Emperor's Birthday Reception was held in Portland. This is the first time the event has been possible in 3 years due to the pandemic.

At the reception, Consul General Shiga celebrated His Majesty the Emperor's birthday with the mayors of the sister cities and many other attendees. He spoke about the importance of the relationship that has been nurtured between the U.S. and Japan across the Pacific Ocean and his hopes for the next generation of friendship between our countries.

The Consul General’s Commendation was announced for Mr. Wynn Kiyama and Mrs. Keiko Kodachi who have made significant contributions in support of friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States.

Mrs. Keiko Kodachi has made significant and lasting contributions in support of friendship and mutual understanding between the United States and Japan through her long promotion and mentorship in the art of Ikebana here in Portland and beyond. Since her arrival in the U.S. in 1962, she has spread knowledge and expertise of her craft, founding Sogetsu Portland and working tirelessly with Ikebana International particularly on the Ikebana Exhibition at our annual Rose Festival. Through this, and in countless other ways, she has shared the beauty of Japan, its nature and traditions, with people throughout the Northwest and around the world.

Mr. Wynn Kiyama has contributed greatly to the promotion of understanding and friendship not only between the United States and Japan, but among other cultures and communities as well. Over many years as a musician, director of Portland Taiko and professor and director at PSU, he has organized numerous wonderful performances throughout our region In cooperation with our office, he took a leading role and proposed diverse approaches to musical collaboration at the "Three Nations" cultural exchange events bringing together artists from Japan, China, and Korea. Throughout all he has broken down barriers and shared his joy and knowedge of Japanese culture with thousands of people through the power of music.

The event also featured "Chirashi-zushi" made with rice from Fukushima Prefecture and fresh ingredients from Oregon, as well as a Japanese sake tasting table and a display of Japanese tea from our sister city areas.
A huge thank you to all of our guests and volunteers who braved the inclement weather to join us!