New Year Greeting from Consul General Todoriki
2026/1/1
Happy New Year, everyone!
I first came to the United States in March of last year, and this is my first opportunity to share the New Year with you here in Portland. I look forward to your continued support in the year ahead.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Consulate General in Portland after the war. Looking back even further, the Consulate was established in 1900 as a branch of the Consulate of Japan in Seattle. It closed at the end of 1941 due to the effects of World War II, reopened in 1952, and was upgraded to a Consulate General in 1966. It has operated as a Consulate Office since 2013.
Since I took up my post, I have had the chance to get to know many people across various sectors in our jurisdiction of Oregon and southern Idaho – stakeholders in government, industry, and academia; Japanese residents throughout the area; and Japanese Americans who have a strong affinity for Japan and serve as a vital bridge between our two countries. Through these interactions, I have once again realized the depth and breadth of the relationship between Japan and the United States.
Currently, there are approximately 8,000 Japanese residents and over 170 Japanese companies operating in the jurisdiction, contributing greatly to the local economy. Additionally, several companies have recently entered the area, a trend I wholeheartedly welcome.
There are also 25 sister city relationships between Japan and Oregon as well as 2 between Japan and Idaho. I have had the opportunity to participate in several active exchange events and I am encouraged by the significant contributions these grassroots-level exchanges make to promoting mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and the United States. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the tireless efforts of those involved on both sides.
Last October, the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting was held in Tokyo and, at the highest level, it was confirmed that Japan-U.S. friendship should continue to grow and exchanges be further strengthened and developed. This year, I hope to build on the solid foundation of the Japan-U.S. relationship we have now, and make even greater advances in cooperation and connection.
We will continue to strive to improve administrative services, support for Japanese companies, and community outreach while we work with you to promote friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States. We appreciate your guidance, encouragement, and engagement in this shared goal.
I first came to the United States in March of last year, and this is my first opportunity to share the New Year with you here in Portland. I look forward to your continued support in the year ahead.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Consulate General in Portland after the war. Looking back even further, the Consulate was established in 1900 as a branch of the Consulate of Japan in Seattle. It closed at the end of 1941 due to the effects of World War II, reopened in 1952, and was upgraded to a Consulate General in 1966. It has operated as a Consulate Office since 2013.
Since I took up my post, I have had the chance to get to know many people across various sectors in our jurisdiction of Oregon and southern Idaho – stakeholders in government, industry, and academia; Japanese residents throughout the area; and Japanese Americans who have a strong affinity for Japan and serve as a vital bridge between our two countries. Through these interactions, I have once again realized the depth and breadth of the relationship between Japan and the United States.
Currently, there are approximately 8,000 Japanese residents and over 170 Japanese companies operating in the jurisdiction, contributing greatly to the local economy. Additionally, several companies have recently entered the area, a trend I wholeheartedly welcome.
There are also 25 sister city relationships between Japan and Oregon as well as 2 between Japan and Idaho. I have had the opportunity to participate in several active exchange events and I am encouraged by the significant contributions these grassroots-level exchanges make to promoting mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and the United States. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the tireless efforts of those involved on both sides.
Last October, the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting was held in Tokyo and, at the highest level, it was confirmed that Japan-U.S. friendship should continue to grow and exchanges be further strengthened and developed. This year, I hope to build on the solid foundation of the Japan-U.S. relationship we have now, and make even greater advances in cooperation and connection.
We will continue to strive to improve administrative services, support for Japanese companies, and community outreach while we work with you to promote friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States. We appreciate your guidance, encouragement, and engagement in this shared goal.
Consul General Ken Todoriki
Consular Office of Japan in Portland
Consular Office of Japan in Portland