Consulate-General of Japan in New York
在ニューヨーク日本国総領事館

Japanese and US Leaders Agree to Further Strengthen Alliance

In their first summit, held at the White House the morning of November 16, Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and U.S. President George W. Bush met for almost two hours and agreed to further strengthen the Japan-US alliance.

Prime Minister Fukuda called their partnership “the cornerstone of Japan’s security and the foundation of peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.” President Bush indicated that he shared this view, and the two leaders agreed to continue to work to solidify the alliance. During their talks, Prime Minister Fukuda offered his belief that the prosperity and development of Asia is in the common interest of Japan and the United States. “The strengthening of the Japan-US alliance and Asian diplomacy will resonate and bring about a synergistic effect,” he said.

The two leaders stressed that Japan and the United States will cooperate closely through the six-party talks to press for North Korea’s complete abandonment of its nuclear weapons and nuclear programs. President Bush said he was aware of Japanese concern that the United States was neglecting the abduction issue in its dealings with North Korea. But he reiterated that he would never forget the victims and their families and he promised unwavering support. However, the content of specific talks between the two leaders on the question of lifting North Korea’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism was not made public.

Turning to the Maritime Self Defense Force refueling activities in the Indian Ocean, which were halted following the expiration of Japan’s Antiterrorism Special Measures Law in November, Prime Minister Fukuda declared that he would make his “utmost efforts” to enact a new bill. President Bush also expressed his hope that a bill would be passed quickly and he gave high marks to the MSDF’s record of supplying fuel to ships of “coalition of the willing” countries over the last six years.

The Prime Minister and President also discussed the ongoing talks aimed at the conclusion of a new special agreement on Japan’s host-nation support for stationing costs of the U.S. military in Japan. Prime Minister Fukuda said he will ask the ministers in charge to negotiate and compile an agreement as quickly as possible. He also confirmed his policy of “implementing measures steadily in accordance with the roadmap drawn up by Japan and the United States in May 2006 in order to move forward with the reorganization of the US military in Japan, including the relocation of Futenma Air Station.” Finally, in response to President Bush’s call for Japan’s withdrawal of the age limit for imports of US beef, Prime Minister Fukuda repeated the Japanese government’s standing position that it will respond on the basis of scientific findings in order to ensure food safety for the Japanese people.

This article is extracted from Japan Brief November 20, Foreign Press Center, Japan.

Ambassador Sakurai Visits Delaware

On November 29th Ambassador Sakurai visited Delaware, one of six states in the jurisdiction of the Consulate. It was his first visit to the “First State”.

He met with Governor Ruth Ann Minner in Wilmington, Delaware’s largest city, to exchange views on various issues, including foreign investment in the state and the management of Delaware state government.

Governor Minner extended a warm welcome to Ambassador Sakurai and she explained that many large foreign companies choose to incorporate in Delaware thanks to the state’s advantageous corporate law system. In fact, Delaware courts have ample rulings in business practices for more than 200 years.

Ambassador Sakurai told the Governor of his wish to further promote economic cooperation between the state government and Japanese companies by arranging a meeting with top Japanese executives in New York when she next visits the city. Both agreed to keep in touch so as to make the proposal a reality.

Governor Minner also shared her experience improving management of state government, which she has tackled for two years now. More specifically, she has tried to reorganize inefficient state organizations and agencies, such as state administrative services, by reallocating staff and workers. She attached great importance to developing a training system which leads to smooth and efficient transitions in the work force. She also stressed that the introduction of integrated computer systems in law enforcement agencies at every level, including state, county, and city police forces, will help greatly improve efficiency and flexibility.

Lastly, Ambassador Sakurai expressed his hope that the Governor would visit New York soon and he asked about her future plans, as well. Governor Minner said she would retire after her term-limited two terms in office in 2008 and that she looks forward to enjoying life with her family after having served over 34 years as an elected official.

Following his meeting with the Governor, Ambassador Sakurai traveled to Dover, the state capital, to meet Mr. Jack Markell who is currently the State Treasurer and a candidate for Governor in 2008. Mr. Markell stressed that he would do his best to strengthen relations with Japan. He touched on several ideas that he hoped will attract more Japanese investment in Delaware, and he recommended that Ambassador Sakurai visit the University of Delaware, which has been attracting out-of-state and international students with its highly reputed chemistry, agricultural, and marine studies.

Smooth as Melting Snow: The Akita Sake & Products Fair

On November 9th, the Consulate co-hosted the Akita Sake & Products Fair with the Akita Sake Club at the Ambassador’s official residence. The Akita Sake Club was established in New York by Mr. Masatoshi Yamamoto and other natives of Akita in June 2006 to introduce Akita’s sakes, delicacies, and crafts to people in the New York metropolitan area. This event was intended to attract a broad range of attendees and take advantage of the official residence as a unique venue. The Consulate itself holds approximately two hundred events at the residence each year, but there has been a recent move to collaborate with private organizations or local governments to hold Japan-related cultural or promotional events like the Akita Sake & Products Fair. The evening was an ideal opportunity for budding connoisseurs of Japanese cuisine to dig deeper and to discover the great regional diversity of tastes and flavors that Japan has to offer.

Akita Prefecture is situated in the northwestern part of mainland Japan and it is the sixth largest among the 47 prefectures of Japan. Akita is known for the great rice it grows, and it is third in total rice production. With more than 50 sake breweries, this prefecture ranks fourth in total sake production. Just as impressively, it ranks second in sake consumption per capita. With all these remarkable features, the prefecture claims to be the ‘kingdom of fine sake’. Akita Prefecture’s Governor, Mr. Sukeshiro Terata, said in his written message to the event, ‘the prefectural government and I are committed to actively supporting them [sake brewers] as producers of what I believe to be one of our prefecture’s premier products.’

More than 150 attendees, including the organizers, could taste 23 different varieties of Akita’s sake as well as famous delicacies, such as kiritanpo, mashed rice shaped like a tube, and iburigakko, smoked and pickled daikon radish. Accompanying them were unique wooden crafts, magewappa and kabazaiku, made from Akita cedar and the bark of cherry trees respectively. Cedar is said to enhance the flavor of sake and therefore is used to make cups for serving sake, and is also used in various stages of sake production. In addition, guests enjoyed live performances of koto (a thirteen-stringed horizontal Japanese harp), violin and cello. Akita Prefecture provided a DVD and leaflets to introduce Akita’s festivals and other tourist attractions.

Sake exports to the U.S., which have more than doubled in the last decade, now account for about one third of all sake exports from Japan and are still on the rise. Most brands served at this event are available in the U.S., and the organizers hope that the positive comments from attendees will result in more consumption of such fine sakes in the New York area. Furthermore, the event not only promoted an appreciation of sake and Akita, it also promoted better mutual understanding between the peoples of Japan and the United States. The Consulate hopes to continue such efforts like this that utilize the official residence.

Japanese and U.S. Universities Forge New Ties

In a major academic exchange, the University of Tokyo, known as Todai, and Yale University recently launched their “Todai-Yale Initiative”. This groundbreaking agreement aims at strengthening collaboration in the humanities and social sciences between the two prestigious universities, as well as promoting a broader understanding of Japan in the international community. President Komiyama of Todai and President Levin of Yale University officially signed the accord at the Yale Club in New York City on November 2. Ambassador Kato and Ambassador Sakurai also attended the ceremony. The initiative’s first concrete step was the establishment of a Todai office in New Haven. With the goal of developing young scholars, Tokyo University plans on bringing researchers for training at its new Yale office, and in March 2008 it will run a program that will introduce Todai historians from a variety of subject areas to Yale’s considerable resources. It will also be an opportunity to shed new light on Japanese history among members of the Yale community.

In other academic news, on November 5th Tohoku University opened a New York liaison office in Manhattan. Tohoku previously established a laboratory in Palo Alto, CA in 2006 to concentrate on collaborative research. Through its new New York office, Tohoku will focus on cultivating its relationship with the business sector, especially as regards the use of Tohoku’s intellectual property. Tohoku plans on holding a major conference on environmental issues in New York early next year.

While big universities in Japan are busy establishing a presence in the U.S., smaller schools are building ties too. For example, Ube National Technology College (Ube Kosen) is making an effort to establish partners in the U.S. academic community. The school, which awards a high school diploma and an associate’s degree in a special five year program, recently signed a collaborative agreement with New Jersey Technology College. By making ties with four-year universities and collaborating with technical colleges abroad, Ube Kosen is developing a new curriculum that allows selected students to obtain a full college degree.

A Japanese Food Critic’s Perspective on New York’s Japanese Cuisine

By Jun Yokokawa

The 2008 Tokyo Michelin Guide was recently published and it has been the talk of the town. The famous guide awarded coveted stars to 150 restaurants in the city - making the Japanese capital the world leader in Michelin stars.

New York City also boasts a large number of Japanese restaurants that received Michelin’s prestigious award. For example, the high end Japanese restaurant Masa -- its prix fixe dinner is $400 per person! -- was given two stars. Masa’s prices reflect an uncompromising dedication to superior ingredients and cooking methods that allow it to offer the highest quality Japanese food found outside the islands of Japan. Masa’s main competitor is a new restaurant in Tribeca, Rosanjin. It is owned by a young Korean, Jungjin Park, who studied at Keio University. Park imported masters of Japanese cuisine directly from Kyoto to his New York establishment to offer the very best quality “kaiseki” style cuisine. Rosanjin's dishes will have you wondering if you are in Gion, the historic area of Kyoto famed for its traditional restaurants.

When it comes to sushi, the first name that springs to mind is Michelin star winner Sushi of Gari. Fusion style sushi using carpaccio, ceviche, and sushi topped with foie gras is served at this small restaurant on the Upper East Side. But Sushi of Gari does more than simply seek attention with its unusual ingredients and new tastes. Its fresh and surprising combinations and layers of flavor seem perfectly natural, and one taste will leave you fully convinced. Another favorite, Sushi Seki serves similar fusion style sushi. Both Sushi Seki and Sushi of Gari received close to the highest possible scores by the Zagat Survey, and I would say these restaurants are the origin of “New York sushi”, a style which may well represent the direction of sushi for the 21st Century.

The diversity of Japanese restaurants in New York includes many casual restaurants that Japanese people enjoy visiting. One is Izakaya Riki, an izakaya (a Japanese bar or brasserie) where the food is as good as that to be found in Tokyo. After a long day at work, Tokyo salarymen visit the bustling Shinbashi district for its famous chuhai (shouchu alcohol with soda water and flavoring) with atarime (dried squid), and katsuni (a deep-fried pork cutlet, egg, and condiments). Patrons at Izakaya Riki can experience the same unmistakable Shinbashi atmosphere right here in New York.

In Japan, there are many cafes that serve light meals. In this vein, a restaurant worth mentioning is Hiroko’s Place. Its dishes include spaghetti Napolitan (spaghetti ham and vegetables seasoned with ketchup) and omu-raisu (an omelet made with fried rice, chicken, vegetables and ketchup). These dishes are true Japanese “soul food” and a Japanese national who eats them at Hiroko’s is sure to experience nostalgic memories of childhood meals.

As you can see, New York boasts a wide variety of Japanese restaurants, from top Michelin star establishments to purveyors of everyday Japanese comfort food. The Big Apple’s Japanese restaurant scene continues to grow by leaps and bounds and it is sure to offer New Yorkers exciting culinary possibilities well into the future.

Jun Yokokawa is a food critic and an Associate Professor of Bunkyo University in Tokyo.

MASA

10 Columbus Circle, 4th Fl, New York, Phone: 212-823-9800

http://www.masanyc.com

Rosanjin

141 Duane Streets (between Church St. & West Broadway), New York, Phone : 212-346-0664

http://www.rosanjintribeca.com/aboutus.html

Sushi of Gari

402 East 78th Street, New York, Phone: 212-517-5340

Sushi Seki

1143 1st Avenue, New York, (between 62nd & 63rd St) , Phone: 212-371-0238

Izakaya Riki

141 East 45th Street, New York, Phone: 212-986-5604

Hiroko's Place

75 Thompson Street, New York, Phone:212-625-1303

On November 26th, I visited the Japanese Clinic at the Hamilton Madison House, a non-profit organization supporting immigrants. Its clinic offers mental health counseling services to Japanese people in New York.

More than sixty thousand Japanese live in and around New York City. However, unlike, for example, the Chinese and Korean populations that have central neighborhoods, the Japanese population is more scattered, making it sometimes difficult for community members to find support. Clients at the Japanese Clinic include a variety of individuals -- from company employees to international students to artists -- who come seeking treatment for mental health issues ranging from adjustment disorder to depression.

The Clinic has provided mental health support to Japanese people in New York since 1983. Its two Japanese speaking counselors handle as many as 2,000 cases annually.

Non-profit organizations sometimes receive government funds and they rely on private donations, so I greatly appreciate the kind support shown by the people of the United States to the immigrant community, including Japanese arrivals. I sincerely hope that organizations like Hamilton Madison House will continue to provide much-needed services for many more years to come.

Asia Society Events in 2008

Now that the holidays are over and the New Year is in full swing, you have plenty of time to fulfill some of your New Year’s resolutions, which hopefully includes going to new and exciting Asian events in the city. If that’s the case, then look no further than Asia Society, which is kicking off 2008 with several noteworthy events.

For lovers of art with an interest in Chinese and Japanese history, you will gain an appreciation of these two cultures at the exhibition The Shape of Things: Chinese and Japanese Art from the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection (January 29- July 20), which features objects from everyday life and religious and ritual purposes that includes ceramics, sculptures, paintings, and some rarely seen works.

Another fantastic exhibition worth checking out is Designed for Pleasure: The World of Edo Japan in Prints and Paintings, 1680 - 1860 (February 27-May 4), which highlights the fine Japanese art of Ukiyo-e, or “pictures of the floating world,” which were paintings made on woodblocks, popular between the 17th-20th centuries in Edo Japan, currently Tokyo. Featuring over 150 prints, paintings, illustrated books, and the many styles that came out of this genre, this show explores the art, the artists, and how they were both marketed to the masses.

In between all these great sights you may want to catch some great sounds, and you can at the January 12 performance of Hogaku: New Sounds of Japan, where traditional Japanese music will be reinterpreted by the quartet called Wariki and the duo of Yukihiro Goto and Akihito Obama, who will breathe new and exciting life into songs that have lasted centuries. With so many thrilling events taking place at Asia Society in 2008, you can fulfill all of your New Years resolutions under one roof.

The Shape of Things: Chinese and Japanese Art from the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection

January 29 - July 20, 2008

Asia Society and Museum

Designed for Pleasure: The World of Edo Japan in Prints and Paintings, 1680 - 1860

February 27-May 4, 2008

Asia Society and Museum, 2nd Floor, Starr & Ross Galleries

Hogaku: New Sounds of Japan

January 12, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Asia Society and Museum, Auditorium

Info:

Asia Society

725 Park Avenue, NYC

Tel: 212-517-2742

www.asiasociety.org

The Salon Series Turns Ten

Japan’s performing arts are as deep as its history, steeped in tradition and completely fascinating to watch, with every movement telling a story. Sachiyo Ito and Company is a prime example of this dedication to performance, as this dance company heads into its 10th anniversary year of offering the Salon Series. For those with an interest in the performing arts of Japan, the Salon Series has been offering people a workshop of sorts that includes a lecture, demonstration, and performance by choreographer and arts educator Sachiyo Ito and various guests, who present a selection of Japanese traditional dances such as Noh, Kabuki, and Okinawan dance.

On January 27, the Salon Series will present Poetry and Dance: Court Poetry and Dance, which will highlight Waka, a style of poetry popular between the 11th-13th centuries in Japan that is better known today as Haiku poetry, and the vehicle for many Noh plays. One Noh play “Eguchi,” that is based on the legendary waka poet Saigyo, and his work will be talked about while a kabuki performance of “Shigure Saigyo” (Saigyo in the Autumn Rain) will be performed. With the theme of poetry and dance being the focus of this years performance series, come celebrate Sachiyo Ito and Company’s 10th Anniversary at the Tenri Cultural Institute in New York City while learning about the dance traditions of the Far East.

Info:

Sachiyo Ito & Company

Tel: 212-627-0265

www.dancejapan.com

Date and Time:

Sunday, January 27th, 2008 at 3pm

Venue:

Tenri Cultural Institute
43A W 13th St