By Ken Moritsugu Associated Press TOKYO (AP) — In a year that marks the 70th anniversary of World War II’s end, a question weighs on the minds of policymakers in Asia and as far away as Washington, D.C.: What will Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe say about his country’s role in the war?
PICTORIAL: Obama bounces around Asia
President Obama launched his trip to Asia from Oso, Wash., where he visited the March 22 landslide victims’ families, friends, and rescue workers. From there, he began a week-long trip to four Asian countries.
Japanese emperor’s birthday celebrated in Seattle
The Japanese government hosted a birthday celebration for the emperor of Japan in Seattle on Dec. 5 at the residence of the Consul General of Japan in Seattle, Consul General Kiyokazu Ota. Emperor Akihito, who was born on Dec. 23, 1933, will be turning 79 this year.
Japan recalls devastation of tsunami and earthquake one year later
By Miki Toda and Malcolm Foster The Associated Press RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan (AP) — For 70-year-old Toshiko Murakami, memories of the terrifying earthquake and tsunami that destroyed much of her seaside town and swept away her sister brought fresh tears exactly a year after the disaster.
BLOG: The vital role of consulates and embassies
By Assunta Ng Ordinary folks think only of visas when they think of consul generals. Actually, consul generals play an important role in serving the local community. For instance, the recent haze in Beijing, which shut down airports and highway transportation, caused local people to turn to the U.S. Embassy for an accurate measure of […]
Dec. 2: Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle celebrates Emperor Akihito’s birthday
This year, Japan’s Emperor Akhito turned 77. The Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle celebrated this event by hosting a birthday reception at its headquarters in Queen Anne.
Japan’s new prime minister faces test to win back voters
TOKYO (AP) — Naoto Kan, the straight-talking populist named Japan’s new prime minister, faces a host of daunting tasks, from reviving the nation’s
Dec. 11: Consulate General of Japan in Seattle celebrates with holiday party
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the ascension to the throne of the emperor of Japan. It follows on the heels of the 50th wedding anniversary of Japan’s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. Dec. 23 is also Akihito’s birthday. In honor of these occasions, the Consulate General of Japan in Seattle celebrated during its annual holiday party. About 250 people attended the event held at the Consulate General of Japan in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood.
Editorial: Why all the fuss over Obama’s bow?
Last weekend, during a trip to Asia that was designed to build U.S. influence in the area, President Obama bowed to Japan’s Emperor Akihito. This single action caused a storm of controversy. Responses have been polarized, divided down party lines. Obama’s Republican critics say it was a sign of subservience, and the president was showing weakness. The State Department, however, has stressed that “the president was simply showing respect.”