Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco

On June 5, Consul Ando visited Las Vegas to support Japanese businesses and strengthen Japan-Nevada economic ties.

The visit included meetings with the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce and UNLV’s Office of International Partnerships, in addition to a kick-off event for the newly established Japanese Business Circle of Nevada, hosted at Konami’s Las Vegas offices. The kick-off event featured remarks from Honorary Consul Kathleen Blakely, and a presentation by JETRO LA on resources for Japanese businesses expanding in Nevada.

This is an exciting milestone and we look forward to supporting their success.

Konami Gaming, Inc. JETRO USA

🎓On Tuesday, June 3, Consul Hagiwara attended Clarendon Alternative Elementary School’s Graduation Ceremony for their Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program (JBBP).

She congratulated the students and extended her heartfelt gratitude to the teachers and families who have supported the students' learning throughout the years. Each graduate delivered a speech reflecting on their time in the program before receiving a certificate from their class teacher.

Since 1973, the Clarendon JBBP has been a cornerstone of Japanese language and cultural education in San Francisco, growing to serve a diverse and vibrant student body. Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎉

San Francisco Unified School District

#日本語 #日本町

On June 4, the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco partnered with the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development - GOED and the University of Nevada, Reno to bring a delegation of Japanese semiconductor industry representatives to Nevada.

From presentations on UNR’s nanofabrication labs and workforce development programs, to visits at Asia Union Electronic Chemical Corporation (AUECC), and the 株式会社堀場製作所 - HORIBA,Ltd. Reno Technology Center, the day was full of meaningful exchanges and new connections. We look forward to seeing what Japan-Nevada partnerships accomplish next.

Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN)

Our office will be closed on Friday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth and will reopen on Monday, June 22.

For a full list of our holiday closures, please visit: https://www.sf.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/e_m01_02_holidays.html

2026年6月19日（月）は、Juneteenthのため、休館とさせて頂きます。

その他の休館日は、当館ウェブサイトからご確認ください。
https://www.sf.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/m01_02_holidays.html

Photo credit: Duffy D. | Hiroshima Hydrangea | 2025

Congratulations and おめでとう to the San Mateo Nippon Gakuyen サンマテオ日本学園 Class of 2026! 🎓

On Saturday, May 30, Deputy Consul General Ishihara attended the 72nd San Mateo Nippon Gakuyen Completion and Graduation ceremony.

Deputy Consul General Ishihara commended the graduating students for their achievements and dedication to Japanese language study and thanked the teachers and families whose support made it possible.

During the ceremony, graduating students reflected on their time in the classroom and shared their hopes and dreams.

#日本語

🎊Congratulations, Suzuki-sensei!🌼

Friends & family gathered at a special ceremony and reception hosted by Consul General Otsuki at his residence on June 3 to confer Ms. Joan Tomoko Suzuki with the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays. Ms. Suzuki is the former director and co-founder of the Sogetsu San Francisco Bay Area Branch and was recognized for her contributions to promoting Ikebana in the United States and friendship between Japan & the USA.

Ikebana International San Francisco Bay Area Chapter #31

🎊 Congratulations and Omedeto to the graduating class at Rosa Parks Elementary - San Francisco’s JBBP!

On Thursday, May 28, Consul General Otsuki attended Rosa Parks Elementary School’s Farewell Ceremony for their Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program (JBBP).

CG Otsuki gave congratulatory remarks, commending the graduates on their achievements and recognizing their effort in studying Japanese language and culture both in classroom and events such as Undokai. He also expressed his gratitude for the JBBP teachers, families and community for their devoted efforts to support in students’ learning and long-lasting program.

San Francisco’s JBBP began in 1973 with an original goal of preserving Japanese language and cultural education for the city’s Japanese American community and has since evolved to serve a diverse student body reflective of the current community.

San Francisco Unified School District

#日本語 #日本町

Wrapping up this year’s AAPI Heritage Month, Consul General Otsuki held a reception at his residence on May 28, bringing together members of San Francisco’s Asia-Pacific diplomatic community and local organizations to foster deeper connections within the broader AAPI community.

This reception also celebrated the success of the first-ever “Consulates & Communities: AAPI Cultural Fair,” held on May 6 at San Francisco State University. This event united local AAPI organizations and the Consulate representatives in collaboration with SFSU.

In his remarks, Consul General Otsuki emphasized the importance of continuing the current spirit of cooperation among the AAPI community.

Here’s to the celebration of AAPI Heritage Month!

Rafael Mandelman
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month - San Francisco