Emperor's Birthday Celebration (February 27, 2025)
March 1, 2025
Consul General Takahashi's speech
National anthems sang by Ms. Yuriko Nonaka
On February 27, Consul General Takahashi hosted the Emperor's Birthday Reception at Showa Boston Institute, which was attended by approximately 200 invited guests.
At the beginning of the ceremony, Ms. Yuriko Nonaka, an active Japanese opera singer in Boston, sang the national anthems of Japan and the United States, followed by a speech by Consul General Takahashi (link).
Then the guests of honor, Speaker Sherman Packard of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, and Representative Amy Mah Sangiolo, Japanese-American member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, gave their congratulatory speeches.
Consul General Takahashi, NH Speaker Packard, Representative Sangiolo, Massachusetts Representative Norman Orrall, and former MA Representative Keiko Orrall, the first Asian-American Representative in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, then participated in the traditional sake barrel breaking ceremony, after which Mrs. Keiko Orrall gave the toast.
Congratulatory messages from New Hampshire Congressman Chris Pappas, Vermont Lieutenant Governor John Rogers, Maine House Representative Ellie Sato, and the Boston City Council were also presented.
At the reception, guests enjoyed a performance from an ensemble unit led by Professor Tiger Okoshi and his students from Berklee College of Music, as well as the beautiful Ikebana by Ikebana International Boston Chapter members, and a variety of Japanese food, sake, Japanese wine, and sushi. There were also booths showcasing Japanese companies doing business in New England, the EXPO2025 OSAKA/KANSAI, as well as a booth on Hokkaido, allowing guests to experience the appeal of Japan. This year, Hokkaido celebrates the 35th anniversary of its sister state relationship with Massachusetts.
Link to the highlight video (Youtube)
At the beginning of the ceremony, Ms. Yuriko Nonaka, an active Japanese opera singer in Boston, sang the national anthems of Japan and the United States, followed by a speech by Consul General Takahashi (link).
Then the guests of honor, Speaker Sherman Packard of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, and Representative Amy Mah Sangiolo, Japanese-American member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, gave their congratulatory speeches.
Consul General Takahashi, NH Speaker Packard, Representative Sangiolo, Massachusetts Representative Norman Orrall, and former MA Representative Keiko Orrall, the first Asian-American Representative in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, then participated in the traditional sake barrel breaking ceremony, after which Mrs. Keiko Orrall gave the toast.
Congratulatory messages from New Hampshire Congressman Chris Pappas, Vermont Lieutenant Governor John Rogers, Maine House Representative Ellie Sato, and the Boston City Council were also presented.
At the reception, guests enjoyed a performance from an ensemble unit led by Professor Tiger Okoshi and his students from Berklee College of Music, as well as the beautiful Ikebana by Ikebana International Boston Chapter members, and a variety of Japanese food, sake, Japanese wine, and sushi. There were also booths showcasing Japanese companies doing business in New England, the EXPO2025 OSAKA/KANSAI, as well as a booth on Hokkaido, allowing guests to experience the appeal of Japan. This year, Hokkaido celebrates the 35th anniversary of its sister state relationship with Massachusetts.
Link to the highlight video (Youtube)
Speaker Packard of the New Hampshire House of Representatives
Representative Sangiolo, member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
Booth of EXPO2025 OSAKA, KANSAI
Hokkaido celebrates the 35th anniversary of its sister state relationship with Massachusetts
Consul General Takahashi’s Remarks
1. Introduction
On February 23rd, His Majesty the Emperor of Japan celebrated his 65th birthday. It brings me great joy to be able to hold this reception here in Boston, a city with a special bond to the Imperial Family through Her Majesty the Empress Masako.
As you just watched on the screen during the national anthem, this year, for the first time ever, with the kind support of the Honorable Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston and her excellent team at Boston City Hall the Japanese flag was raised at Boston City Hall Plaza. And on this occasion, Mayor Michelle Wu issued a proclamation designating February 23, 2025, as “Japan National Day,” which is an event of tremendous significance. For Japan, Boston is a city of deep historical bonds, vibrant cultural and academic exchanges, technological cooperation, and expanding business opportunities. Thus, seeing our flag of the Rising Sun flying high alongside the U.S. and Boston City flags in this special city together with a hundred friends who gathered there was truly a moving sight.
On this occasion, as we celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan together, I would like to reaffirm my unwavering commitment, as Consul General of Japan in Boston, to further strengthen the relationship between Japan and the six states of New England.
2. Japan-U.S. Relations
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a significant milestone that highlights the ever-growing importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance in today’s increasingly complex and challenging global landscape.
On February 7th, Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and President Donald J. Trump held their first summit meeting, affirming their determination to pursue a new “Golden Age” for Japan-U.S. relations.
We look forward to staying in lockstep with the U.S., serving as the cornerstone of Indo-Pacific peace, security, and prosperity, while continuing to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific and to deepen our global partnership.
3. Japan-New England Relations
(1) Historical Ties and People-to-People Exchange
New England holds a special place in the history of Japan-U.S. relations. It was here, in New Bedford, that Manjiro Nakahama became the first Japanese citizen to set foot on U.S. soil 182 years ago and reside in the United States for an extended period. It was also here in New England, 171 years ago, that Commodore Matthew Perry of Newport concluded the first treaty between Japan and the United States.
Moreover, baseball—now one of the most cherished parts of Japan-U.S. relations—was first introduced to Japan 153 years ago by Mr. Horace Wilson, a native of Maine. Earlier this month, in collaboration with the President of the Japan-America Society of Washington DC, a Maine native, Mr. Ryan Sheffer, present here with us today, together with local political and cultural leaders of Maine, and Red Sox superstar Masataka Yoshida, we held a major cultural event in Maine to honor Mr. Wilson’s contributions.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the sister-state relationship between Massachusetts and Hokkaido, as well as the 120th anniversary of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty that ended the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905. Several important events are planned to commemorate these milestones. Through these opportunities, I hope to see further deepening of people-to-people exchanges and the elevation of Japan-New England relations to new heights.
(2) Political Engagement
On the political front, last year’s elections brought new leadership to both Japan and the United States. Here in New England, I am pleased to note the election of four Japanese-American legislators: Representative Erika Uyterhoeven of Massachusetts, Senator Linda Ujifusa of Rhode Island, and newly elected Representative Amy Mah Sangiolo of Massachusetts, and Representative Ellie Sato of Maine, the first Japanese-American legislator in Maine’s history.
This is truly a moment of great significance for Japan, as we have gained exceptionally strong supporters in the political sphere, which serves as a cornerstone of our bilateral relations. We are eager to work together to further strengthen Japan-U.S. relations and build upon this momentum. Furthermore, in close collaboration with the Massachusetts House Asian Caucus, we at the Consulate-General are committed to further strengthening ties with the region’s political leaders.
(3) Economic Cooperation
Economic cooperation between Japan and the United States is an area I place the utmost importance on. The economic relationship between our two nations is one of the clearest indicators of our new “golden age”—over the past five years, Japan has remained the largest source of direct investment in the U.S. and created nearly one million job opportunities across the country.
New England is no exception. Approximately 300 Japanese companies operate in this region, particularly in the life sciences and biotech sectors, where Japan’s most prominent corporations have established manufacturing and R&D centers. These investments are fueling economic growth in New England and driving global innovation.
In recent years, U.S.-Japan collaboration to support the growth of Japan’s startup ecosystem has been accelerating at an unprecedented pace. Initiatives such as the Japanese government’s Global Startup Campus (GSC), along with various partnerships between local governments, businesses, and universities, are advancing Japan’s science, technology, and innovation landscape.
Japan’s domestic market also continues to expand. In 2023, private-sector capital investment surpassed 100 trillion yen ($670 billion USD), setting a new record. With cutting-edge technology and a world-class business environment, Japan holds immense potential, and I strongly encourage further direct investment in Japan.
In just two months, EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai will open its doors, under the theme "Designing a Future Society for Our Lives." I have high expectations that this event will further deepen Japan-U.S. collaboration across all sectors—government, business, culture, academia, and high-level political engagement.
(4) Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges
Above all, what I value most as Consul General is grassroots, people-to-people exchanges. Political leadership may change every few years, but the bonds between people remain constant. At its core, international relations are ultimately relationships between people, and I firmly believe in the power of people-to-people relations.
Here in New England, we are fortunate to have many active Japan-U.S. exchange organizations, including the Japan Society of Boston, which has been active for over 120 years. Japan studies and Japanese language education also continue to flourish at universities and other educational institutions. In the field of academic exchanges, an international conference commemorating the 120th anniversary of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty is set to take place soon. At a time of major global transformations, collaboration with New England’s world-class academic and research institutions is more important than ever.
New England is also home to 24 Japan-U.S. sister cities, and this year, from September 16 to 19, U.S.-Japan Sister City Summit will be held in Osaka to commemorate the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the U.S. last year. This year is also the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the first sister-city relationship between Japan and the US. and the 80th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries since the end of World War II. Interest in establishing new sister-city relationships continues to grow. As we move forward, we aim to explore various ways of engagement while contributing as much as possible to enhancing the presence and activities of these partnerships.
The 80th anniversary of the end of World War II reminds us of the significance of the history of Japanese-Americans. And I would like to further strengthen our collaboration with the Japanese-American community. Last month, Representative Sato of Maine joined us at the New England Kenjinkai New Year’s Celebration in Lexington, which saw an unprecedented number of attendees and was a resounding success. I firmly believe that strengthening ties between the Japanese community and the Japanese-American community, which has long been rooted in this region and has contributed greatly to Japan-U.S. relations as a bridge between the two countries, will further strengthen and build layers of people-to-people relationships. I encourage all Japanese-Americans to actively participate in Japan-related events, and I look forward to seeing many of you there.
4. Upcoming Events
In just two months, on April 26th-27th, the Boston Japan Festival—which is now the largest Japanese cultural festival in the U.S.—will take place. This year, in addition to Boston Common, part of the festival will also take place at Downtown Crossing, thanks to the support and cooperation of the Boston Downtown Alliance. This expansion presents an exciting opportunity to further strengthen connections between the Japanese community and local Bostonians and New Englanders. I strongly encourage all of you, as well as the various organizations and communities present today, to take part in this extraordinary cultural event.
Our "Cultural and Innovative Fridays at CGJ in Boston" series continues to highlight various aspects of Japanese culture, including tea ceremony, Japanese film, kendo, Japanese food, and competitive karuta games. This series provides a unique opportunity to expand networks and exchange ideas for those involved in Japan-U.S. relations here in Boston and New England. Tomorrow, on February 28th, we will hold an ikebana demonstration by Ms. Tomoko Tanaka, the President of the Ikebana International Boston Chapter present here. Ikebana International has graciously decorated today's venue with exquisite ikebana, a traditional Japanese flower arrangement, as you can see. And on March 7th, it is to be followed by a ramen event showcasing the growing ramen boom in the region. I strongly encourage everyone to attend.
Next year, New England will commemorate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and the 400th anniversary of the city of Salem, while also hosting seven FIFA World Cup soccer matches. With these major events to come, we anticipate a significant increase in visitors from Japan, presenting a key opportunity to further deepen Japan-New England relations.
Just as the American Revolution began here 250 years ago, let us begin our new “golden age” of Japan-U.S. relations from Boston and New England. The potential for collaboration spans all fields—politics, economics, culture, science and technology, academic exchanges, the arts, sports, and tourism. As the Consulate-General, we are committed to serving as a convening power that connects Japan and this region, and as a catalyst for new developments. With the cooperation of the 18,000 Japanese nationals, Japanese-Americans, affiliated organizations, and communities gathered here today, we will do our utmost to unlock the full potential for collaboration and exchanges between Japan and New England. I sincerely ask for your continued support.
I hope you make the most of this annual National Day Reception, where key figures in Japan-U.S. relations have gathered and thoroughly enjoy the Japan night.
1. Introduction
On February 23rd, His Majesty the Emperor of Japan celebrated his 65th birthday. It brings me great joy to be able to hold this reception here in Boston, a city with a special bond to the Imperial Family through Her Majesty the Empress Masako.
As you just watched on the screen during the national anthem, this year, for the first time ever, with the kind support of the Honorable Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston and her excellent team at Boston City Hall the Japanese flag was raised at Boston City Hall Plaza. And on this occasion, Mayor Michelle Wu issued a proclamation designating February 23, 2025, as “Japan National Day,” which is an event of tremendous significance. For Japan, Boston is a city of deep historical bonds, vibrant cultural and academic exchanges, technological cooperation, and expanding business opportunities. Thus, seeing our flag of the Rising Sun flying high alongside the U.S. and Boston City flags in this special city together with a hundred friends who gathered there was truly a moving sight.
On this occasion, as we celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan together, I would like to reaffirm my unwavering commitment, as Consul General of Japan in Boston, to further strengthen the relationship between Japan and the six states of New England.
2. Japan-U.S. Relations
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a significant milestone that highlights the ever-growing importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance in today’s increasingly complex and challenging global landscape.
On February 7th, Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and President Donald J. Trump held their first summit meeting, affirming their determination to pursue a new “Golden Age” for Japan-U.S. relations.
We look forward to staying in lockstep with the U.S., serving as the cornerstone of Indo-Pacific peace, security, and prosperity, while continuing to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific and to deepen our global partnership.
3. Japan-New England Relations
(1) Historical Ties and People-to-People Exchange
New England holds a special place in the history of Japan-U.S. relations. It was here, in New Bedford, that Manjiro Nakahama became the first Japanese citizen to set foot on U.S. soil 182 years ago and reside in the United States for an extended period. It was also here in New England, 171 years ago, that Commodore Matthew Perry of Newport concluded the first treaty between Japan and the United States.
Moreover, baseball—now one of the most cherished parts of Japan-U.S. relations—was first introduced to Japan 153 years ago by Mr. Horace Wilson, a native of Maine. Earlier this month, in collaboration with the President of the Japan-America Society of Washington DC, a Maine native, Mr. Ryan Sheffer, present here with us today, together with local political and cultural leaders of Maine, and Red Sox superstar Masataka Yoshida, we held a major cultural event in Maine to honor Mr. Wilson’s contributions.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the sister-state relationship between Massachusetts and Hokkaido, as well as the 120th anniversary of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty that ended the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905. Several important events are planned to commemorate these milestones. Through these opportunities, I hope to see further deepening of people-to-people exchanges and the elevation of Japan-New England relations to new heights.
(2) Political Engagement
On the political front, last year’s elections brought new leadership to both Japan and the United States. Here in New England, I am pleased to note the election of four Japanese-American legislators: Representative Erika Uyterhoeven of Massachusetts, Senator Linda Ujifusa of Rhode Island, and newly elected Representative Amy Mah Sangiolo of Massachusetts, and Representative Ellie Sato of Maine, the first Japanese-American legislator in Maine’s history.
This is truly a moment of great significance for Japan, as we have gained exceptionally strong supporters in the political sphere, which serves as a cornerstone of our bilateral relations. We are eager to work together to further strengthen Japan-U.S. relations and build upon this momentum. Furthermore, in close collaboration with the Massachusetts House Asian Caucus, we at the Consulate-General are committed to further strengthening ties with the region’s political leaders.
(3) Economic Cooperation
Economic cooperation between Japan and the United States is an area I place the utmost importance on. The economic relationship between our two nations is one of the clearest indicators of our new “golden age”—over the past five years, Japan has remained the largest source of direct investment in the U.S. and created nearly one million job opportunities across the country.
New England is no exception. Approximately 300 Japanese companies operate in this region, particularly in the life sciences and biotech sectors, where Japan’s most prominent corporations have established manufacturing and R&D centers. These investments are fueling economic growth in New England and driving global innovation.
In recent years, U.S.-Japan collaboration to support the growth of Japan’s startup ecosystem has been accelerating at an unprecedented pace. Initiatives such as the Japanese government’s Global Startup Campus (GSC), along with various partnerships between local governments, businesses, and universities, are advancing Japan’s science, technology, and innovation landscape.
Japan’s domestic market also continues to expand. In 2023, private-sector capital investment surpassed 100 trillion yen ($670 billion USD), setting a new record. With cutting-edge technology and a world-class business environment, Japan holds immense potential, and I strongly encourage further direct investment in Japan.
In just two months, EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai will open its doors, under the theme "Designing a Future Society for Our Lives." I have high expectations that this event will further deepen Japan-U.S. collaboration across all sectors—government, business, culture, academia, and high-level political engagement.
(4) Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges
Above all, what I value most as Consul General is grassroots, people-to-people exchanges. Political leadership may change every few years, but the bonds between people remain constant. At its core, international relations are ultimately relationships between people, and I firmly believe in the power of people-to-people relations.
Here in New England, we are fortunate to have many active Japan-U.S. exchange organizations, including the Japan Society of Boston, which has been active for over 120 years. Japan studies and Japanese language education also continue to flourish at universities and other educational institutions. In the field of academic exchanges, an international conference commemorating the 120th anniversary of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty is set to take place soon. At a time of major global transformations, collaboration with New England’s world-class academic and research institutions is more important than ever.
New England is also home to 24 Japan-U.S. sister cities, and this year, from September 16 to 19, U.S.-Japan Sister City Summit will be held in Osaka to commemorate the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the U.S. last year. This year is also the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the first sister-city relationship between Japan and the US. and the 80th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries since the end of World War II. Interest in establishing new sister-city relationships continues to grow. As we move forward, we aim to explore various ways of engagement while contributing as much as possible to enhancing the presence and activities of these partnerships.
The 80th anniversary of the end of World War II reminds us of the significance of the history of Japanese-Americans. And I would like to further strengthen our collaboration with the Japanese-American community. Last month, Representative Sato of Maine joined us at the New England Kenjinkai New Year’s Celebration in Lexington, which saw an unprecedented number of attendees and was a resounding success. I firmly believe that strengthening ties between the Japanese community and the Japanese-American community, which has long been rooted in this region and has contributed greatly to Japan-U.S. relations as a bridge between the two countries, will further strengthen and build layers of people-to-people relationships. I encourage all Japanese-Americans to actively participate in Japan-related events, and I look forward to seeing many of you there.
4. Upcoming Events
In just two months, on April 26th-27th, the Boston Japan Festival—which is now the largest Japanese cultural festival in the U.S.—will take place. This year, in addition to Boston Common, part of the festival will also take place at Downtown Crossing, thanks to the support and cooperation of the Boston Downtown Alliance. This expansion presents an exciting opportunity to further strengthen connections between the Japanese community and local Bostonians and New Englanders. I strongly encourage all of you, as well as the various organizations and communities present today, to take part in this extraordinary cultural event.
Our "Cultural and Innovative Fridays at CGJ in Boston" series continues to highlight various aspects of Japanese culture, including tea ceremony, Japanese film, kendo, Japanese food, and competitive karuta games. This series provides a unique opportunity to expand networks and exchange ideas for those involved in Japan-U.S. relations here in Boston and New England. Tomorrow, on February 28th, we will hold an ikebana demonstration by Ms. Tomoko Tanaka, the President of the Ikebana International Boston Chapter present here. Ikebana International has graciously decorated today's venue with exquisite ikebana, a traditional Japanese flower arrangement, as you can see. And on March 7th, it is to be followed by a ramen event showcasing the growing ramen boom in the region. I strongly encourage everyone to attend.
Next year, New England will commemorate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and the 400th anniversary of the city of Salem, while also hosting seven FIFA World Cup soccer matches. With these major events to come, we anticipate a significant increase in visitors from Japan, presenting a key opportunity to further deepen Japan-New England relations.
Just as the American Revolution began here 250 years ago, let us begin our new “golden age” of Japan-U.S. relations from Boston and New England. The potential for collaboration spans all fields—politics, economics, culture, science and technology, academic exchanges, the arts, sports, and tourism. As the Consulate-General, we are committed to serving as a convening power that connects Japan and this region, and as a catalyst for new developments. With the cooperation of the 18,000 Japanese nationals, Japanese-Americans, affiliated organizations, and communities gathered here today, we will do our utmost to unlock the full potential for collaboration and exchanges between Japan and New England. I sincerely ask for your continued support.
I hope you make the most of this annual National Day Reception, where key figures in Japan-U.S. relations have gathered and thoroughly enjoy the Japan night.
