Consul General Takahashi attends Burlington Matsuri (September 20, 2026)

On September 20, Consul General Takahashi attended the Vermont Japan-America Society’s biennial “Matsuri” festival in Burlington, Vermont, where he delivered opening remarks. In his remarks, the Consul General expressed his hope for the continued growth and strengthening of relations between Japan and Vermont, including the sister-state relationship with Tottori Prefecture, taking this opportunity of Matsuri.

During the event, visitors enjoyed a wide range of Japanese cultural activities and performances, including kamishibai storytelling, taiko drumming, tea ceremony demonstrations, aikido demonstrations, kyudo (Japanese archery), Bon Odori dancing, and a lecture on the history of Japanese ceramics.

In addition, students from Prefectural Tottori Commercial High School, which has a sister-state relationship with Vermont, also participated in the festival as part of a cultural exchange program.

Furthermore, the Consulate also operated a one-day consular outreach service during the event. This service provided consular services to Japanese residents of Vermont and others who are unable to travel to the Consulate General in Boston due to the distance.