On Tuesday, November 12, The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) held a welcome reception for Consul-General Nozomu Takaoka. In addition to JASDFW President Don Casey (Vice President – Revenue Management of American Airlines), the JASDFW Board of Directors, and many society members, Dallas Japanese Association President Makoto Hamada (President of Fujitsu Network Communications), Fort Worth Japanese Society President Harvey Yamagata, members of the Consular Corps and other representatives from Japanese companies based in the region attended the reception.
In his speech, Consul-General Takaoka expressed his appreciation to the Honorable J. Thomas Schieffer (Fort Worth resident), former U.S. Ambassador to Japan; and Honorary Consul-General of Japan, Mr. John M. Stich who served as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the 22nd Japan-America Grassroots Summit, which was held in North Texas last August. He extended this thanks to all who took part in the summit including those associated with the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth and the greater Dallas/Fort Worth community, which received 180 Japanese guests. He also referred to the announcement this month of the conferral of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun by the Emperor of Japan upon Ambassador Schieffer.
Consul-General also reported on his visit to Sendai city which took place before he took his new post in Texas. He passed on Mayor Okuyama’s message of appreciation for the support shown Japan by Operation Tomodachi and in this regard Consul-General praised the commander of the operation; Navy Admiral Patrick M. Walsh, former Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. On behalf of those who will benefit Mayor Okuyama also expressed her gratitude to the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth for their generous contributions, which will be used to improve the Intensive Care Senior Citizens Home. Consul-General also reported to the society the great advancements towards recovery that he observed while in Sendai.
In closing Consul-General Takaoka praised the efforts of the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth and asked for their continued support to further develop the ties between Japan and Texas and to strengthen the friendship between Japan and the U.S. |
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