Consulate Activities

　　　On May 3, Mr. Toshihiro Nikai, Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan delivered a keynote speech at a special discussion titled "New Outlook for Japan-Hawaii Relations-Toward Peace and Stability in the World-" co-hosted by the Consulate General of Japan and University of Hawaii and supported by the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR). In his speech, Mr. Nikai emphasized the importance of island nations in the Pacific to further collaborate in areas such as climate change mitigation and deployment of renewable energy in order to strengthen resilience to natural disasters. Around 130 people attended the event, which included dignitaries such as Governor George Ariyoshi, Dr. Fujio Matsuda and Senator Brian Taniguchi. After the address, Mr. Nikai, members of the Japanese House of Representatives, and Governor Masanao Ozaki of Kochi Prefecture visited the State Capitol for a meeting with Governor Ige in which they affirmed their commitment to further strengthen Japan-Hawaii relations and to promote exchanges between Kochi and Hawaii.