Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco

🎊 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

✨Bon Voyage, ITSUKISHIMA! Safe Travels from San Francisco! 🚢
Yesterday, the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Training Vessel ITSUKUSHIMA concluded its fruitful stay here and departed San Francisco for its next stop in Honolulu! 👋

We are certain that the cadets, who are aspiring JCG officers, have grown significantly through their invaluable experiences in this city and hope San Francisco's vibrant atmosphere and its people will remain deeply etched in their memories.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone in San Francisco who offered such a warm welcome and helped support our strong Japan-US friendship.

We wish the ITSUKUSHIMA and its crew a safe voyage ahead and continued success in their future endeavors!

On May 25, Memorial Day, Deputy Consul General Ishihara attended two services held at Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose.

The first ceremony commemorated all Japanese American servicemembers who lost their lives in combat, including members of the US Army 442nd Regimental Combat Team. The second ceremony honored all fallen United States servicemembers since the founding of the nation 250 years ago, with presentations from Congresswoman Representative Zoe Lofgren, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and officials representing communities in the southern Bay Area.

Deputy Consul General gave remarks at both services in remembrance of lives lost in war and highlighted the enduring peace and friendship that Japan and the U.S. have shared since the end of WWII.

🚢 An Evening Onboard the ITSUKUSHIMA 🚢
On the evening of May 27, the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco and the crew of the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Training Vessel ITSUKUSHIMA hosted an onboard reception for members of the international diplomatic community, public officials, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Japanese American representatives from around the Bay Area.

During the program, ITSUKUSHIMA Captain Mizoguchi warmly welcomed guests and Consul General Otsuki emphasized the significance of the Japan-U.S. partnership and the crew’s role in future maritime security. Vice Admiral Buzzella, USCG Pacific Area Commander, also spoke about the role of the Japanese and U.S. Coast Guards in keeping the seas open and safe for all.
Guests were treated to demonstrations of mochi-pounding and judo by the ITSUKUSHIMA cadets. Thank you to all those who joined us and for your continuing support of our Japan-U.S. friendship!

On Memorial Day, Monday May 25, Consul General Otsuki attended the 76th Annual Community Memorial Service at the Colma Japanese Cemetery.
Thank you to the Japanese & Japanese American community members who joined in remembrance of the contributions made by the pioneering generations that worked hard for the Japanese community, promoting good relations between Japan and the US.

#慈恵会 #日系人

Grand Opening of Kawasaki Physical AI Center

On May 21, Consul General Otsuki attended the grand opening of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.’s Physical AI Center in San Jose, a new hub for robotics R&D and collaboration with NVIDIA, Microsoft, Fujitsu and other leading tech innovators. The event kicked off with opening remarks from Kawasaki Heavy Industries CEO Yasuhiko Hashimoto, followed by a presentation on the company’s latest developments in robotics.

There were also presentations industry leaders, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang via video message, Microsoft CVP Dayan Rodriguez, Fujitsu CEO Takahito Tokita, and Professor Jacques Marescaux, founder of robotics surgery institute IRCAD.

We’re excited to see how this partnership between Japanese & US tech giants redefines what’s possible in the world of physical AI. Can’t wait to see what innovations Kawasaki unveils next!

📸: Kawasaki Heavy Industries

On Sunday, May 24, Consul General Otsuki spoke at the 2026 USS San Francisco Memorial Ceremony, an annual tradition that honors the history of the vessel that bears the City’s name. The memorial site is open to the public at Land’s End and contains a plaque oriented towards Guadalcanal, where servicemembers onboard the heavy cruiser saw extensive combat during the second World War.

In his remarks, Consul General Otsuki highlighted that the Japan-U.S. security alliance, established after the war, remains a powerful beacon to all nations dedicated to upholding peace and the rule of law, and noted the enduring friendship and exchange between the people of Japan and northern California.

[✨A Warm Welcome! - Japan Coast Guard Training Vessel ITSUKUSHIMA Visits San Francisco! 🚢]
On Saturday, May 23, under a clear blue sky, the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Training Vessel ITSUKUSHIMA arrived in San Francisco and was warmly welcomed by the local community! 🌊

Onboard are cadets aspiring to become JCG officers, and San Francisco has been chosen as a crucial port of call for their training voyage. We are confident that the experiences they gain in the Bay Area will greatly contribute to their growth and development.

We would like to express our gratitude for this wonderful exchange, and we sincerely hope that all the cadets will have a meaningful stay in San Francisco!

Northern California Cherry Blossom Queen Program
Ito Yosakoi 糸よさこい

Let’s Go Giants! 🟠⚫️
⚾️Consul General Otsuki was honored to throw out the first pitch at last night’s San Francisco Giants’ Japanese Heritage Night at Oracle Park, surrounded by Giants fans and the Bay Area Japanese & Japanese American community.

🎵 Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto played a moving rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner on Koto, and San Jose Taiko wowed the crowd and local Japanese American artist Brandt Fuse AKA Sumofish's designs were featured throughout the night.

🎉Thank you so much to the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC), the Japantown Community Congress of San Jose, and all who came out to celebrate baseball & Japanese heritage with the Giants!