Consular Office of Japan in Portland

09/30/2026

On Tuesday, September 29, we welcomed 26 middle school students from Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, to our office. During their time in Oregon, the students took part in a full program that included homestays with local families, educational exchanges at the International School of Portland and Metropolitan Learning Center, and a visit to the Portland Japanese Garden, with which Hachinohe shares a special bond.
This exchange began after the upper crossbeam (kasagi) of a Shinto shrine gate (torii) from Hachinohe washed ashore on the Oregon Coast following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Many Oregonians—from state government employees to members of the Portland Japanese Garden—worked together to return the kasagi to Hachinohe, forging a special bond between our communities. We look forward to strengthening this relationship for many years to come.

09/30/2026

On Sunday, September 27, Idaho Japan Day 2026 was held at the Gene Harris Bandshell in Julia Davis Park in Boise.

Following welcoming remarks by Sonia West, President of the Idaho Japanese Association, Consul General Todoriki and Honorary Consul in Boise Nicolas Kawaguchi also delivered remarks to celebrate this special occasion.

Guests enjoyed a wonderful variety of Japanese cultural activities, delicious Japanese food, and lively performances on stage. Our office was also pleased to offer a calligraphy workshop, where many participants had fun trying their hand at Japanese brush writing.

We are truly grateful to the Idaho Japanese Association and all the amazing volunteers whose hard work and dedication made this joyful event possible. Thank you for bringing the community together and sharing the beauty and richness of Japanese culture with everyone!

09/29/2026

On Tuesday, September 22, Consul General Todoriki, at the invitation of USJC President Audrey Yamamoto, met in Portland with Mr. Verne Naito, head of the USJC Portland Chapter, and other members. Everyone had a pleasant time together.

09/25/2026

On September 24, Consul General Todoriki of the Consular Office of Japan in Portland attended an event at the Consul General’s Official Residence of the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle, where he engaged with Director Hanako Wakatsuki-Chong and other representatives of the Japanese American Museum of Oregon who had come from Portland. Exchanges such as these between the Nikkei communities of both regions are highly meaningful.

09/24/2026

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has announced the recipients of the Foreign Minister’s Commendations for 2026. Within the jurisdiction of the Consular Office of Japan in Portland, Dr. Suwako Watanabe of Portland State University and Mr. Graham Morris of the Japan-America Society of Oregon have been selected as recipients. Congratulations to Dr. Watanabe and Mr. Morris on this distinguished recognition!
For more information, please visit our website:
https://www.portland.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_00601.html

09/10/2026

𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐄𝐓 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦? 𝐎𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐘𝐎𝐔?

USJETAA is hosting a free virtual JET Info Session on September 24, 2026 which will include:
• Application Tips: A JET Program Coordinator will discuss the application process and what makes a strong application.
• Firsthand Experiences: Hear from a panel of JET alumni who will share their personal experiences living and working in Japan on JET.
• Q&A Session: Ask your questions and get real-time answers.
Register here: https://www.usjetaa.org/news/jet-info-session-sept-2026

09/08/2026

On September 3rd, Consul General Todoriki attended the Portland-Sapporo Sister City Association's board meeting to hear about Grant High School students' exchange trip to Sapporo this summer, where they visited high schools, participated in international exchange activities with local residents, and stayed with host families. Students presented on various aspects of Japanese culture that they encountered during their visit, such as school life, food, values, and even exploring the experiences of non-Japanese people living in Sapporo. The students' presentations were thoughtfully prepared, showing a deep reflection on cultural differences between the sister cities, and the US and Japan as a whole. We hope this special experience will inspire them to continue to pursue their Japanese studies and be a bridge between our two countries!

09/01/2026

Discover the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship! 🇯🇵✨
Come experience the artistry and tradition of Japan.

This event brings together five makers from Tsubamesanjo, one of Japan’s most respected regions for metalworking and craftsmanship, along with thoughtful local vendors, Japanese food, coffee, workshops, and more.

Whether you already love Japanese craftsmanship or are simply curious to discover it, this weekend will be a place to slow down, explore, and meet the people behind these beautiful objects.

For full event details, visit https://okappahouseware.com/pages/tsubame-sanjo-meets-portland-japan-fair-2026

Place: Coava Coffee Roasters HQ, 1015 SE Main St, Portland
Dates: Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13
Time: 11AM-4PM

08/26/2026

On August 25, Consul General Todoriki attended an exchange event in Keizer between a junior high school delegation from Iyo City in Ehime Prefecture and the City of Keizer, Oregon. With remarks from representatives, a koto performance, a rousing sing-along of “Ue o Muite Arukō 上を向いて歩こう” (“Sukiyaki”), and performances by the students, everyone enjoyed a delightful time of cultural exchange.