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Letters and Messages |
Remarks by Consul-General Jota Yamamoto
at Herman Park
on the occasion of Opening Ceremony
of the Japan Festival on April 13, 2013
April 13, 2013
I congratulate Chairman Matsumura and many people who made this festival possible. Bright sunshine speaks volumes. I am glad to welcome Kolter Elementary Taiko drummers, who add further color to this opening.
I would also like to thank many figures for extending enormous support: Mr. Glen Gondo, Houston Parks & Recreation Department, Japan-America Society of Houston, Japan Business Association of Houston, Japanese American Citizens League, Japanese Association of Greater Houston, Kaminari Taiko Drummers Team, and most certainly, the City & people of Houston as represented by the Honorable Council Member Ed Gonzalez today.
The message of festival “Arigatou-Thank you-Houston” represents the unified voice of the Japanese community in Houston. We will continue to best contribute to the cultural diversities: the value which has so many precious implications for prosperity, safety and happiness in Houston.
Today, we are very honored to have Honorable Ed Gonzales joining us. The Council Member recently led the delegation of Houston to its sister-city Chiba as well as Tokyo, and further promoted the business & human relations between Japan and Houston.
To my envy, he threw the first pitch in a professional baseball game in Chiba City. I have a nice photo of the pitch, and I hope that it will always remind the Council Member & people in Houston that Japan continues to be the reliable ally, Tejas for Houston.