On March 3 and 4, Consul-General of Japan and Mrs. Nozomu Takaoka visited Oklahoma City for the first time since their arrival at their post.
On Monday, March 3, The Honorable Lloyd T. Hardin, Jr. hosted a welcome luncheon for Consul-General Takaoka where he discussed current economic conditions with State Secretary of Commerce Fred Morgan and International Relations & Chief of Protocol at Office of the Oklahoma Secretary of State Christine Morris. During the evening, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Larry Parman, former U.S. Ambassador Edwin Corr and Mrs. Corr, and Councilperson for Oklahoma City Meg Sayler joined the relaxed dinner party that was hosted by The Honorable Hardin and Mrs. Hardin.
On Tuesday, March 4, Consul-General Takaoka paid a courtesy visit to Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin at the Capitol. Consul-General voiced his respect for Governor Fallin who is striving for strengthened ties between Oklahoma and Japan, as well as making efforts to maintain the business environment. He also conveyed the great appreciation Japanese companies have for Oklahoma. In response to him, Governor Fallin showed her gratitude for the expansion of those Japanese companies, and said she would continue to work towards the successful realization of a friendly business environment. In addition, Governor Fallin quoted an exchange between college students, companies, and the sister state exchange with Kyoto, where she hoped for the continuous promotion of friendly relations between Japan and Oklahoma.
Consul-General Takaoka also met with the Oklahoma Secretary of State Chris Benge and State Senator Randy Buss (former Hanshin Tigers player). Consul-General sat in on the deliberations of the Oklahoma Parliament, and gave a lecture to a governor-of-a-state international team, the Honorary Consul-General of Oklahoma of each country, and local business owners.
Throughout this visit to Oklahoma City, Consul-General showed his gratitude to the people responsible for strengthening ties between Japan and Oklahoma City. At the same time, it was also a good opportunity to learn about the economic conditions of the state of Oklahoma, and the activity status of Japanese companies in the state. |
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