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Letters and Messages |
Remarks by Consul-General Nozomu Takaoka
in celebration of the acquisition of Kalon Biotherapeutics, LLC by FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies U.S.A., Inc.,
a FUJIFILM and Mitsubishi Corporation
joint venture company,
at the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station
on December 18, 2014
December 18, 2014
Distinguished guests and ladies and gentlemen, my name is Nozomu Takaoka and I am the Consul-General of Japan in Houston. Today I am honored to attend this Closing Ceremony in celebration of Fujifilm’s acquisition of Kalon Biotherapuetics. I appreciate the attendance of Texas Governor Rick Perry and Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharpe, highlighting the importance of this event.
I would also like to recognize Fujifilm President Shigehiro Nakajima; Mitsubishi U.S.A President & CEO Yasuyuki Sugiura; and acquired U.S Company Kalon’s Chairman of the Board Mr. John White for their work in solidifying today’s endeavor of two great innovative companies of Japan and the US.
Today’s acquisition is notable for me in two ways. Firstly, this is my 12th occasion to attend a groundbreaking ceremony, factory opening, or other similar event in Texas since my arrival in Houston last fall. This trend represents the growing industry ties between Japan and Texas of which Fujifilm is now an integral part.
Secondly, of those groundbreaking ceremonies that I have attended, the majority have been in the field of gas and energy or engineering, such as the manufacturing of cars or air-conditioning. Today I am happy to celebrate Japan-US collaboration in the field of medicine and biotechnology.
In this field Texas is a recognized leader along with Texas A&M University. Japan also contributes to this field of medicine with its advanced research and manufacturing capabilities of companies such as Fujifilm. I believe, based on this technological foundation, Japan, with the world’s fastest aging society, and Texas, with the world’s largest medical center, can cooperate even more. Therefore, I commend Fujifilm, Mitsubishi, Kalon, and Texas A&M for identifying this fertile ground for opportunity.
As we have seen, under the leadership of President Shigehiro Nakajima, Fujifilm is making bold strides to positively and strategically broaden the scope of their activities and to further strengthen their bond with the US. This is surely a company that commands your attention in Texas. So please join me in welcoming the gentleman who is ushering in this new age of collaborative medicine, Fujifilm Holdings Corporation President and COO, Shigehiro Nakajima. Mr. Nakajima . . .