New Years Message from Consul General Takahashi
January 6, 2025
Happy New Year!
I am Seiichiro Takahashi, the Consul General of Japan in Boston.
It has been three months since I arrived in Boston from Israel last September. During this time, I have visited all six states in New England, and engaged with many Japanese people, Japanese-Americans, and individuals involved in Japan-U.S. friendship and cooperation across various fields including politics, economics, academia, and culture. Through these activities and discussions, I have repeatedly felt the depth and great achievement of the historical ties between this region and Japan, as well as the tremendous potential for further development in these relations.
One area that particularly stands out today is the dynamic economic relationship between Japan and the local innovation business community, which is effectively expanding on the foundation of traditional academic exchange between Japan and the local universities as well as other research institutions in Greater Boston. In the rapidly growing startup ecosystem centered around Greater Boston, particularly in fields like life sciences and biotechnology, many Japanese companies have established their business presence here. At the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC), where our Consulate has a satellite office, over 30 Japanese companies have become members, and more companies continue to join. This is especially notable in the pharmaceutical industry, where many major Japanese firms have set up operations locally, expanding not only business development and R&D but also manufacturing activities. The growth of organizations and institutions supporting startups, including those at MIT and Harvard University, has also been impressive, and there are visible changes and expansions in the relationship with Japan.
The Consulate General is committed to supporting this dynamic economic development to the best of our ability, by organizing convening events and meetings with stakeholders from various sectors.
Another initiative we have launched at the Consulate is the information-sharing platform, “Cultural and Innovative Fridays at CGJ Boston.” This event features mini-lectures and demonstrations on topics related to business, science and technology, academia, culture, and sports, and other fields of our people-to-people exchange, highlighting the contributions of Japan-U.S. relations in these fields. So far, we have held the events both in-person and online, covering themes such as tea ceremony, Japanese films, kendo, and Japanese cuisine. We hope to continue using the new platform to connect local stakeholders and further strengthen the role of the Consulate as a catalyst to promote these activities.
Above all, the fundamental mission of the Consulate is to support the Japanese residents in New England, which counts approximately 18,000, and to ensure their safety and security. We will continue working to improve our consular services and support.
2024 marks the 170th anniversary of the signing of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity by the Tokugawa Shogunate and Commodore Matthew C. Perry, who was from Newport, Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Legislature passed the first-ever resolution on Japan in the state to commemorate the anniversary. Close and regular people-to-people exchanges between Newport and its sister city, Shimoda, has continued actively, including a visit by a delegation from Shimoda to Newport. This year also marks the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and the 120th anniversary of the conclusion of the Treaty of Portsmouth, both of which are significant in New England's history. On top of that, the United States will have a new administration this year. With the new leaderships, Japan and the U.S. will continue to develop the strong bilateral relationship as global partners, working together to uphold and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law.
As Consul General in Boston, I will continue to work with all my strength to further enhance exchanges and relations between Japan and New England, particularly focusing on academic and economic ties, and bring our cooperation to even greater heights.
As we enter the new year, I wish you all continued success and prosperity, and I ask for your continued warm support in the year ahead.
I am Seiichiro Takahashi, the Consul General of Japan in Boston.
It has been three months since I arrived in Boston from Israel last September. During this time, I have visited all six states in New England, and engaged with many Japanese people, Japanese-Americans, and individuals involved in Japan-U.S. friendship and cooperation across various fields including politics, economics, academia, and culture. Through these activities and discussions, I have repeatedly felt the depth and great achievement of the historical ties between this region and Japan, as well as the tremendous potential for further development in these relations.
One area that particularly stands out today is the dynamic economic relationship between Japan and the local innovation business community, which is effectively expanding on the foundation of traditional academic exchange between Japan and the local universities as well as other research institutions in Greater Boston. In the rapidly growing startup ecosystem centered around Greater Boston, particularly in fields like life sciences and biotechnology, many Japanese companies have established their business presence here. At the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC), where our Consulate has a satellite office, over 30 Japanese companies have become members, and more companies continue to join. This is especially notable in the pharmaceutical industry, where many major Japanese firms have set up operations locally, expanding not only business development and R&D but also manufacturing activities. The growth of organizations and institutions supporting startups, including those at MIT and Harvard University, has also been impressive, and there are visible changes and expansions in the relationship with Japan.
The Consulate General is committed to supporting this dynamic economic development to the best of our ability, by organizing convening events and meetings with stakeholders from various sectors.
Another initiative we have launched at the Consulate is the information-sharing platform, “Cultural and Innovative Fridays at CGJ Boston.” This event features mini-lectures and demonstrations on topics related to business, science and technology, academia, culture, and sports, and other fields of our people-to-people exchange, highlighting the contributions of Japan-U.S. relations in these fields. So far, we have held the events both in-person and online, covering themes such as tea ceremony, Japanese films, kendo, and Japanese cuisine. We hope to continue using the new platform to connect local stakeholders and further strengthen the role of the Consulate as a catalyst to promote these activities.
Above all, the fundamental mission of the Consulate is to support the Japanese residents in New England, which counts approximately 18,000, and to ensure their safety and security. We will continue working to improve our consular services and support.
2024 marks the 170th anniversary of the signing of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity by the Tokugawa Shogunate and Commodore Matthew C. Perry, who was from Newport, Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Legislature passed the first-ever resolution on Japan in the state to commemorate the anniversary. Close and regular people-to-people exchanges between Newport and its sister city, Shimoda, has continued actively, including a visit by a delegation from Shimoda to Newport. This year also marks the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and the 120th anniversary of the conclusion of the Treaty of Portsmouth, both of which are significant in New England's history. On top of that, the United States will have a new administration this year. With the new leaderships, Japan and the U.S. will continue to develop the strong bilateral relationship as global partners, working together to uphold and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law.
As Consul General in Boston, I will continue to work with all my strength to further enhance exchanges and relations between Japan and New England, particularly focusing on academic and economic ties, and bring our cooperation to even greater heights.
As we enter the new year, I wish you all continued success and prosperity, and I ask for your continued warm support in the year ahead.