2020 Shinnenkai New Year’s Party (January 24, 2020)

On Friday January 24^th, The Consulate-General of Japan in Houston hosted a 2020 Shinnenkai New Year’s Party at the Consul-General’s official residence. About 120 guests attended, including members from the Japan Business Association of Houston (JBAH), the Japanese Association of Greater Houston (JAGH), and the Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH), among others.
 
Consul-General Fukushima made opening remarks that noted the growing number of Japanese residents in Texas, which currently just under 12,000 people, and expressed his hopes that exchange between the United States and Japan would continue to flourish in the second year of the Reiwa era. Next, JBAH Chiarman Takako Niwa spoke to the crowd about his organization, which now has 116 full members, and about his optimism that 2020, as the occasion of the Tokyo Olympic Games, will be a good year. Former JASH President Bill Weiland then announced the Japan Currents Conference which is scheduled to be held in Houston on February 28^th. Consul-General Fukushima, JBAH Chairman Niwa, and Former JASH President Weiland, were then joined by JAGH President Shinji Takechi for the ceremonial Kagamiwari sake barrel smashing, after which Chairman Takechi made a toast for everyone in attendance who were then all invited to dine.
 
Houston was not the only city represented, as guests came from as far away as Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio. Texas Sake from Austin was served to the delight of guests who took the opportunity to joyfully ring in the New Year together.