Consul General of Japan Yoshio Nomoto's Greeting

Dear friends,

On March 31, 1853, the Treaty of Peace and Amity was signed between the Governments of Japan and the United States to officially end Japan’s policy of more than 200 years of isolation from the rest of the world. We started as strangers and have come a long way to eventually become one of the closest allies and friends as we see today, 150 years after the signing of the Treaty.

Today we can all fell good about the current state of Japan-US relations. It is even more encouraging that people in our both countries, Japanese and Americans, are together celebrating this historical and significant anniversary. US-Japan Samurai Parade and the Anniversary Dinner are one of the major events in Southern California commemorating the occasion, brought together by peoples of all walks of life here.

I wish to express my deepest appreciation to everyone who has made this event possible and most successful. With your support and understanding, our bilateral relationship will be even closer in the years to come.