Attending Japan Festival Houston and Presenting Consul-General’s Commendation to Ms. Patsy Brown
2026/9/14
From left Consul-General Koyama, Ms. Brown, and Mr. Ishikawa
Japan Festival Houston was held at Hermann Park in Houston over the weekend of September 12 and 13. Organized by the Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) with the cooperation of the Japan Business Association of Houston, the Japanese Association of Greater Houston, and many other Japan-related organizations, the festival is the largest Japanese cultural event in the southern United States, featuring musical and martial arts performances, Japanese food vendors, and a wide variety of cultural activities.
On September 12, Consul-General Koyama and Harris County Judge Hidalgo attended a tea ceremony hosted by Chado Urasenke Tankokai Houston Association and then toured the festival grounds. That evening, a concert by Yano et Agatsuma, a musical duo consisting of Akiko Yano and Hiromitsu Agatsuma, was held at Miller Outdoor Theatre, where they performed songs inspired by traditional Japanese folk music.
On September 13, a conferment ceremony for the Consul-General’s Commendation was held at Miller Outdoor Theater to honor Ms. Patsy Brown, President and CEO of JASH. During the ceremony, the Consul-General Koyama expressed his appreciation for the significant contributions made by Ms. Brown and for the efforts made under her outstanding leadership to promote mutual understanding and friendly relations between Japan and Houston, as well as the State of Texas. In her remarks, Ms. Brown stated that this honor was made possible only through the support of many individuals and expressed her gratitude to Mr. Takajiro Ishikawa, Chairman of JASH as well as to the society’s board members, staff, and volunteers.
The Consulate-General of Japan in Houston will continue to work closely with Japan-America Societies and other cultural organizations throughout Texas and Oklahoma to promote Japanese culture, deepen mutual understanding between Japan and the United States, and further strengthen the Japan-U.S. friendship.
On September 12, Consul-General Koyama and Harris County Judge Hidalgo attended a tea ceremony hosted by Chado Urasenke Tankokai Houston Association and then toured the festival grounds. That evening, a concert by Yano et Agatsuma, a musical duo consisting of Akiko Yano and Hiromitsu Agatsuma, was held at Miller Outdoor Theatre, where they performed songs inspired by traditional Japanese folk music.
On September 13, a conferment ceremony for the Consul-General’s Commendation was held at Miller Outdoor Theater to honor Ms. Patsy Brown, President and CEO of JASH. During the ceremony, the Consul-General Koyama expressed his appreciation for the significant contributions made by Ms. Brown and for the efforts made under her outstanding leadership to promote mutual understanding and friendly relations between Japan and Houston, as well as the State of Texas. In her remarks, Ms. Brown stated that this honor was made possible only through the support of many individuals and expressed her gratitude to Mr. Takajiro Ishikawa, Chairman of JASH as well as to the society’s board members, staff, and volunteers.
The Consulate-General of Japan in Houston will continue to work closely with Japan-America Societies and other cultural organizations throughout Texas and Oklahoma to promote Japanese culture, deepen mutual understanding between Japan and the United States, and further strengthen the Japan-U.S. friendship.
Judge Hidalgo (L), Consul-General Koyama (R)
Sumo Demonstration
Japanese Food Vendor
Uchiwa (Fan) Decoration @Japanese Consulate Booth