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Consul General's Remarks at JASH General Meeting 

Good Eveing, Governor Lingle, General North, Friends. Aloha!

First, I wish to thank Dr. Sheila Smith for her most insightful lecture on Japan ’s new government and its implications we have just had. Her argument was both convincing and penetrating. In fact, there is not much left for me to add but I would say that I would agree with her on almost all accounts she made so beautifully. It has been an excellent lecture in reminding us of what is happening in Japan now and I am grateful for this timely education.

Well you are having a festive party and perhaps need a mood changer, though. Here I am to perform that role, I suppose. Having heard her sober lecture and the subsequent heated Q&A session, I have to confess, I forgot all the lines I am supposed to deliver this evening, which my secretary, Suzan Yamashita gave me this afternoon. Sorry for that Suzan. All the blames should be put on them.

It is a great honor and privilege for me and my wife Etsuko to join you here this evening in celebrating the 33^rd anniversary of the Japan-America Society of Hawaii.

JASH was born in 1976. In the same year I graduated from Tokyo University . Since then, I have been losing my hair, while JASH gaining flair for success.

It is not easy to describe what JASH has achieved over these years fully in a short Kanpai toast. But I can safely say that it defies a novice consul’s best imagination. Among their numerous successful programs of cultural exchange and grass-roots interaction, those affiliated with the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Foundation and the Ehime-Maru Memorial Association are most impressive and expressive.

I wish to offer my heartfelt appreciation for the continuing JASH contribution to their lofty goals, and my commendation for dedication and commitment by their leadership in the past and present.

With this said, and with my great honor and privilege, I whish to propose a toast to the continued success of the Japan-America Society of Hawaii, and flourishing of Japan US relations in the decades to come. Kampai!