Consulate Activities
2026/6/2
JUMP Reception
On Friday, May 29, 2026, the Japan US Military Program (JUMP) Reception was held at the Official Residence of the Consul-General of Japan in Honolulu. The reception, co-hosted by the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA, aimed to build and strengthen networks with U.S. military service members who have previously served in Japan.
To begin the Reception, Consul-General Chotoku welcomed the wide range of participants, including U.S. military personnel, Japanese American organizations, and members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. He highlighted that these diverse connections form the foundation of the Japan–U.S. Alliance, and expressed his appreciation to those who have served in Japan or are currently working closely with Japanese counterparts, emphasizing that the strength of the Alliance lies in trust and people-to-people ties.
In his keynote speech, Lieutenant General Vowell, Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Pacific, stated that the Japan–U.S. Alliance is at its most significant turning point since its establishment. He emphasized that through strengthened command and control and enhanced combined operational capabilities, the Alliance is evolving from one that “trains together” to one that “acts together,” and underscored that trust remains the foundation of deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.
Rear Admiral Hirata, Director General for Operations and Plans Department, Maritime Staff Office, stressed in his keynote speech that the foundation of the Japan–U.S. Alliance lies in trust between people. He highlighted the importance of accumulated training and personnel exchanges by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and shared his more than 20 years of personal exchanges with a U.S. Navy officer, underscoring that such human connections represent the essence of the Alliance.
The Reception was attended by individuals with experience serving in the U.S. Forces in Japan, personnel from the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command engaged in Japan-related duties, local government representatives, and crew members of the JMSDF Training Squadron currently visiting Honolulu. The event served as an opportunity to reaffirm the strong bonds of the Japan–U.S. Alliance. Musical performances and traditional Japanese taiko drumming by the Training Squadron further deepened people-to-people connections that form the foundation of the Alliance.
To begin the Reception, Consul-General Chotoku welcomed the wide range of participants, including U.S. military personnel, Japanese American organizations, and members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. He highlighted that these diverse connections form the foundation of the Japan–U.S. Alliance, and expressed his appreciation to those who have served in Japan or are currently working closely with Japanese counterparts, emphasizing that the strength of the Alliance lies in trust and people-to-people ties.
In his keynote speech, Lieutenant General Vowell, Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Pacific, stated that the Japan–U.S. Alliance is at its most significant turning point since its establishment. He emphasized that through strengthened command and control and enhanced combined operational capabilities, the Alliance is evolving from one that “trains together” to one that “acts together,” and underscored that trust remains the foundation of deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.
Rear Admiral Hirata, Director General for Operations and Plans Department, Maritime Staff Office, stressed in his keynote speech that the foundation of the Japan–U.S. Alliance lies in trust between people. He highlighted the importance of accumulated training and personnel exchanges by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and shared his more than 20 years of personal exchanges with a U.S. Navy officer, underscoring that such human connections represent the essence of the Alliance.
The Reception was attended by individuals with experience serving in the U.S. Forces in Japan, personnel from the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command engaged in Japan-related duties, local government representatives, and crew members of the JMSDF Training Squadron currently visiting Honolulu. The event served as an opportunity to reaffirm the strong bonds of the Japan–U.S. Alliance. Musical performances and traditional Japanese taiko drumming by the Training Squadron further deepened people-to-people connections that form the foundation of the Alliance.
