Author Archives: Kansai Consular Corps Admin

The KCC Members Directory Has Been Updated

Greetings from the Kansai Consular Corps office in Sannomiya, Kobe!

I hope this post finds you well.

Please note that the Members Directory of the Kansai Consular Corps has been updated to reflect three new additions to our KCC this past summer.

The Kansai Consular Corps would also like to avail itself of the opportunity to formally welcome our newest members who arrived in August:

Ms. Karen Kelley, Consul-General, US Consulate General in Osaka-Kobe

Mr. Munin Paniswasd, Consul-General, Royal Thai Consulate in Osaka

Mr. Gerard Michels, Consul-General, Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Osaka-Kobe

We hope you will enjoy your service in the Kansai region and all that the area has to offer.

 

 

 

Invitation from the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Osaka – 7th Kazakhstan Photography Exhibition in Osaka

Please find below an invitation for members and friends of the Kansai Consular Corps, including the Kansai community at large. This opportunity comes from our colleagues in the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Osaka.

I’m really excited about this exhibit, and hope to see you there!

日本語は下にあります。

==============================================================================

We would like to express our thanks for your patronage.

Since the establishment of the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Osaka in December 2009, it has been committed to the promotion, in the Kansai Region, of friendship and interchange as well as the sharing of support activities between Japan and the Republic of Kazakhstan.

As part of our efforts, we will hold a photography exhibition to highlight and promote the splendor of the Republic of Kazakhstan. On August 29 during the exhibition period is the United Nations International Day against Nuclear Tests. The Republic of Kazakhstan initiated the U.N. resolution to commemorate the closure of its nuclear test site constructed by the former Soviet Union. The exhibition will display photographs that illustrate Kazakhstan’s initiatives for world peace in commemoration of the International Day against Nuclear Tests, as well as its magnificent nature, abundant natural resources, and modernization.

Expo 2017, an international exposition, is also taking place from June to September 2017 in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. The expo’s theme is “Future Energy.” The Japan Pavilion is showcasing Japan’s cutting-edge energy technologies and initiatives. It is also conducting a campaign for Osaka’s bidding for Expo 2025 and showing photos of its campaign.

We look forward to your visit at the exhibition.

 

  1. Event: 7th Republic of Kazakhstan Photography Exhibition in Osaka

Hosted by: Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Osaka

Supported by: Toshiba Corporation

 

  1. Period: August 28 (Mon.) ̶̶̶̶ September 1 (Fri.), 2017

9:00 am to 5:00 pm

 

  1. Place: Meeting lounge

Kansai Branch Office of Toshiba Corporation,

27th floor of the Umeda Hankyu Building

Address: 8-1 Kakuda-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi

(27th floor of the Umeda Hankyu Building Office Tower)

 

  1. Showpieces:

(1) Panels and photos showing outline of Kazakhstan, purposes and background of the International Day against Nuclear Tests, magnificent nature, abundant natural resources and attractive townscapes

(2) Photos showing Expo 2017 in Astana and its Japan Pavilion

(3) Fork art of Kazakhstan

 

  1. Note: You do not need to sign up in advance to enter an exhibition. When you come,

please hand over your business card at the reception or put it into a box at the lounge.

 

Sincerely yours,

 

Eiji Kanefuji

Secretariat of the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Osaka

 

在大阪カザフスタン共和国名誉領事館は2009年12月の開設以来、関西地域における日本とカザフスタン共和国の親善、交流促進、支援活動を行っております。

その活動の一環として、カザフスタン共和国の魅力を紹介する写真展を以下にて実施致します。期間中の8月29日は国連が制定した「核実験に反対する国際デー」にあたり、これはカザフスタン共和国が旧ソ連時代に作られた核実験施設を閉鎖した日を記念日として提唱したものであります。この国際デーに合わせて同国の平和への取り組みを皆様に広くお伝えするとともに、雄大な自然や豊かな資源、近代化が進んでいる街並み等を写真パネルでご紹介致します。

また、今年6月から9月まで同国首都のアスタナで「未来のエネルギー」というテーマで国際博覧会(万博)を開催しており、日本館ではエネルギーに対する日本の高い技術力や取り組み、2025年の大阪万博誘致に向けたPRも行っており、この写真もご紹介致します。

是非とも多くの皆様にお越し頂きますようご案内申し上げます。

 

 

  • 催し名  :「カザフスタン共和国 第7回紹介写真展」

主催:在大阪カザフスタン共和国名誉領事館

後援:(株)東芝

 

2.開催日時  :2017年8月28日(月)~9月1日(金) 5日間

9時~17時

 

3.開催場所  :株式会社東芝 関西支社内 梅田阪急ビル27階 商談スペース内

住所:大阪市北区角田町8-1(梅田阪急ビルオフィスタワー27階)

 

4.展示内容  :①「国家概要」「核実験に反対する国際デーの主旨・背景等」

「雄大な自然、豊かな資源、魅力ある街並み等」のパネル・写真

②アスタナ万博や日本館の紹介写真

③カザフスタン共和国民芸品の展示

 

5.ご連絡事項 :事前のご登録は必要ありませんが、お手数ですが、ご来場、ご見学頂いた方々におかれましては、お名刺を受付でお渡し頂くか、会場内のお名刺入れケースに入れて頂くようお願い致します。

 

敬具

 

在大阪カザフスタン共和国名誉領事館 事務局 兼藤、稲垣

(Event Summary) 25th Kansai Tour of the Kansai Consular Forum

On 5 July 2017 the Kansai Consular Forum hosted the 25th Kansai Tour. More than 30 Consuls and trade officials, including members of the Kansai Consular Corps, participated in the tour.

The overarching purpose of the Kansai Tour is to showcase tourism destinations, businesses and economic development partnerships in selected areas of the Kansai region. The tours are coordinated several times per year by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and other organizations that constitute the Consular Forum. This time, the theme was “Excellent technologies of Kansai-based companies that can support society in lesser-known fields.” KCC members were provided with an opportunity to gain insight into noteworthy Kansai industries they might not be otherwise acquainted with. The following facilities were highlighted:

  1. The Energy Tecnology Center, Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. (5-11-61 Torishima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City)
  2. The Lightning Technology Center, Otowa Electric Co., Ltd. (5-6-20 Shioe, Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture)

Guests commented on the impressive state-of-the-art technology, social contribution, and waste management efficiency of both companies.

The 25th Kansai Tour included representatives of the following countries: Netherlands, Panama, Vietnam, Indonesia, Mongolia, Philippines, Korea, China, Australia, Thailand, America, India, Canada, Israel and others.

スクリーンショット 2017-07-12 16.40.40スクリーンショット 2017-07-12 16.40.55

(Guest Post 日本語) “Osaka City Central Public Hall: Past and Present” by Author and Local Historian, Mr. Jun-ya Nakano

The image is iconic – a gorgeous, red brick building constructed in the Neo-Renaissance architectural style, picturesquely sitting along the river near Osaka City Hall. In English, it is called “Osaka City Central Public Hall.” Yet, few know the history of this 100+ year old building, or about the many world-famous personalities that have performed and lectured here (including Einstein and Helen Keller). An excerpt from the facility’s website tells us:

“The public hall was made with a large grant from an Osaka citizen, Mr. Einosuke Iwamoto who was a broker in Kitahama, Osaka. His donation was 1 million yen equivalent to billions yen in current monetary value. Einosuke had an opportunity to visit the United States as a member of businessman group and there he was impressed by the fact that American businessmen pay their own money to contribute to make great public halls like Carnegie Hall. Then he decided to construct one in Osaka which should be as beautiful as any hall in the world. The hall construction started in 1913 and was completed in 1918. Although it was rare at that time, they had a competition between nominated architects. Through its long history, the hall has been always deeply involved in cultural and art activity of Osaka people. Many international stars had various concerts like opera and also many famous people had lectures there. The role of the hall was changing with the times, however it always contributed to Osaka citizens’ cultural activity.” http://osaka-chuokokaido.jp/english/

Below is an original article about the history of this culturally significant building, written specifically for the members of the Kansai Consular Corps and our readers, by author and local historian Mr. Jun-ya Nakano. The article features an interview with the current Director of the facility, Mr. Nakai.

*Website contributions and guest postings by Kansai Consular Corps members and related organizations are welcome. Articles may be written in English, Japanese, or in bilingual format. Subject matter must be relevant to the KCC and its mission and will be subject to approval by the Executive Committee. Please contact the Executive Secretariat at ryojidan0818@yahoo.co.jp for further information.

==============================================================================

中央公会堂――1911年に株式仲買人の岩本栄之助が大阪市に100万円の寄付を申し出て建設が開始された建物です。かつてクライスラーのコンサートが開催された会場でもありますが、開館100周年を前に先人の思いと建物の意味といった「過去」と、現在をどのように結びつけるのか…そういった思いについて、現館長の中井雅博氏(サントリーパブリシティーサービス株式会社)にインタビューをしました。

■ 公会堂としてはどのように岩本栄之助のことを伝えようとされておられるのでしょうか?

中井:岩本栄之助はアメリカ視察の際にカーネギーホールを見て、その寄付文化に心打たれ、日本にもこういうホールが必要だという思いを抱いたといわれています。その結果私財をなげうって建設をした…という独特の「経緯」をもった建造物であることは事実です。一方で大阪は「旦那のまち」でもありますから、私財をなげうって公共のために役立つことをするという精神は、古くから根付いている場所でもありました。ですから岩本栄之助の偉大さでもありつつ、彼を育んだ大阪の精神の在り方、その両方が生み出したのがこの建物なのだと感じています。

大阪の昔からの商人がもつ公共というのは、簡単に言えば「社員」と「社会」の両方のためにという発想で、多くは創業の段階からそれを謳っているようですね。近江商人の「三方よし」とも通じているのだと思いますが。人間は一人で生きていけませんし、事業をするにもどこかで人の世話になっている…大成された方はこのことを誰よりも強く感じておられるのではないでしょうか。そしてその恩に報いたいという思いが、寄贈へと繋がっていったのではないかと思います。

■ この建物の中で岩本栄之助の精神をもっとも強く感じる場所はどこになるのでしょうか。

中井:個人的な見解ではありますが1Fの大集会室ではないかと。ここは市民が集う・憩うということを目的とした場所であり、文化を発信したり、受け止めたり…交流の中でお互いを高める「場」そのものなので。名前もそのコンセプトを顕著に語っていると思っています。公会堂は「公に会する」。ホールはすべて大集会室、中集会室、小集会室と、「集い、会う」ですからね。

集うことがお互いを高めることになるという考えが、現代的であるかどうかはそれこそ管理をしてゆく我々の課題でもあるのですが、そうあってこその建物だと考えておりますので、是非とも開館当初の思いを継承してゆきたいですね。またそういった集いを提供し、サポートしてゆくことがシビックプライドの醸成につながる…これは私の信念でもあります。

この建物の設置者である大阪市としては、ここの活動を通してにぎわいを創出し、他府県、あるいは世界に広く大阪の都市魅力を発信してほしいという意図を持っておられるようですが、都市魅力もにぎわいも、結局は都市のブランド力を上げることなんだと思います。「大阪に住みたい」「大阪に憧れる」「大阪に誇りを感じる」…そんなシビックプライドが醸成されれば、大阪ワースト記録の数も減るでしょうし。ある時、この建物を訪れた人が「大阪に来るのは初めてでしたが、こんな建物があったのですね。私、大阪が好きになりました」と言って下さったことがあるんです。この建物には人をそんな思いにさせる何かがあるのだと思います。シビックプライドを築くうえでも、大変重要な「要素」の一つだといえるのではないでしょうか。

■ その理想へと向かう上で、越えなければいけない「壁」というのはあるのでしょうか。

中井:大阪人にはどういう訳か戯謔的(ぎぎゃくてき)なところがあるように思います。心の奥底では高いプライドを持ちながらも、照れ隠しのようにちょっとおどけた感じで大阪のことを説明しますよね。それで大阪のイメージというのは全国的にもステレオタイプのものになってしまいがちですが…それが大阪人の中に徐々に「真実」として浸透しつつあるところが怖いなと思います。

そこでこの建物が出来ることは何か…見学に来る学童や若者は、皆一歩建物の中に入るだけで「わぁ!」と声をあげます。美しさに感動してくれている…この経験が一番効果的で、「これも大阪なのだ」ということを持って帰ってくれる。こういったことの積み重ねが徐々に変革を与えてゆくのでしょう。「壁」というなら、徐々に乗り越えることの作業と忍耐というところでしょうか。

ジェネレーションによって大阪のとらえ方は全て違うと思います。戦争経験者、団塊の世代、そのジュニア、更にその後…それぞれの背景となるライフスタイルも考え方も、モノ、人、街との接し方も全部異なると思うんです。ただ、古くから残る建物の使命というのは、そういった背景がどれほど変化しても、全てのジェネレーションの心の中にその建物が存在しているということなんだと思います。多様性の中の「個」であり、「個」ゆえの多様性…そういったものがこのような建築物の存在意義なんだといえるでしょう。

■ 市民に広くという思いと、建物の品位を守るという思い。時には相反することもあると思うのですが、そういった点についてはどのようにお考えでしょうか。

中井:それは建物の「風格」の問題だと思います。そしてその「風格」を形成するのはここで働くすべての人間の心と立ち居振る舞いだと思っています。平成30年に開館100年を迎えるわけですが「100年ブランド」に相応しい対応――これが生命線だと思っています。

そのサービス品質向上については常に意識的に「考動」しています。サントリーパブリシティーサービスには18か条の憲章があって、その原則をもとに、それにまつわる経験やエピソードと感想などを述べ合うという機会を定期的に設けています。表面的なマニュアルというものであればすぐに消えてしまうものだと思うのですが、理念を実際のケースに照らし合わせ、そこで感じたことを共有していくことで一つの「主体」に育てていく。そういう努力がこの建物に対して我々の出来る敬意の払い方なのではないかと考えています。

とはいえどこまでそれが出来るのかは…。それだけこの建物に込められた意義や思いというのは大きいのだと思います。一言で言えば大大阪時代のブライドですね。偉大な大阪の一時代を背景として、ここでヘレンケラー、ガガーリン、アインシュタインなどが講演をしたわけでしょう。多くのオペラも公演されてもいます。そんな輝き――消えやすいものですが、それを遺産としてではなく、今も息づくものとしていかに継承してゆくのか…日々精進ですね。

==============================================================================

(Invitation – Public) Japan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kishida, to deliver keynote lecture (23 July 2017 Symposium at Kobe University)

<<Notice from the Executive Secretariat>>

I received a visit yesterday from the Director of the Minister’s Secretariat (@Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tokyo) regarding a Symposium that will take place on 23 July (Sunday) 2017 at Kobe University from 13:30. Mr. Kishida, the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, will be the keynote speaker for this event.

The Symposium is free and open to the general public. KCC members, friends, family and other colleagues are warmly invited to attend. Details and an application form can be found at the MOFA link below. Please note that the lecture and discussion will take place in Japanese without English translation (*however, there will be no need to speak publicly, so those who can listen and understand a reasonable amount of Japanese should feel comfortable attending).

Link: http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/p_pd/dpr/page25_000895.html

Hope to see you there.

 

News and Updates, May-June 2017

It has certainly been a busy past few weeks for the Kansai Consular Corps and our colleagues in local government throughout the region. Indeed, the various prefectures of Kansai were a flurry of activity for the entire months of May and June as KCC Consulates and Honorary Consulates hosted several large-scale festivals and celebrations of national holidays, all of which contribute greatly to the vitality and richness of the cultural offerings for the people of Kansai.

How much , you may wonder? One noteworthy example is the annual Thai Culture Festival in Osaka, organized by the Royal Thai Consulate. It is reported that over 180,000 local Japanese residents participated in this recent two-day event. Featuring sports, dance, music performances, as well as booths showcasing Thai regional cuisine, this event has achieved much to promote exchange between Thailand and Kansai. Another example of meaningful person-to-person cultural exchange is the recent International Yoga Day event held in Kyoto with the support of the Consulate General of India Osaka-Kobe, in which a crowd of more than 1,300 people assembled to practice yoga underneath the sunshine and a beautiful torii gate before Heian Shrine.

It isn’t possible to present all of the recent activities, but here are some highlights below. Daily updates from the Kansai Consular Corps appear on the KCC Twitter Account. Our handle is: @kansaiconsuls

Indonesian Jewelry Exhibition (Consulate General of Indonesia)

(Details at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website:https://goo.gl/A9fH7o ) 18556684_10155282625186407_514308236962631171_o

Thai Festival 2017 at Osaka Castle (Royal Thai Consulate General)

(Link to the Consulate with more details: http://www.thaiconsulate.jp/en/topics_detail2/id=370)

18595270_10155284153741407_2445563431782416359_o 18589041_10155284154666407_4698537805920068161_o 18589034_10155284154146407_7015028177588103086_o

International Yoga Day (Consulate General of India)

(For more details, please see https://www.yogadaykansai.com/ and future activities at https://indconosaka.org/event.php?id=77)

19250407_10155410691581407_41381307012421761_o

19143801_1345250028885527_6364845027178160069_o

National Holiday Reception (Consulate General of Russia)

19441863_10155410691086407_8911981118717952350_o 19441680_10155410690791407_3888148747999231104_o

Philippines National Holiday Reception (Consulate General of Philippines)

ブガリン総領事 Consulate General c 19250536_10155410694836407_6451322129276334433_o 19466509_10155410682096407_6806630227078917716_o

150th Anniversary Celebration of Canada (Honorary Consulate General of Canada)

19402250_10155410679331407_820340640631439270_o 19238056_10155410680666407_3442774421106458322_o 19441717_10155410679506407_2469039958089698321_o

Independence Day Celebration of USA (Consulate General of the US in Osaka-Kobe)

(Official photos at the Consulate’s facebook page:https://goo.gl/7h7Ugd)

19467722_10155428055141407_7624696300623216735_o 19620239_10155428054931407_8481604941464153518_o 19467552_10155428054921407_5774475741256953225_o

 

Kansai Consular Corps Members Deepen Understanding of Traditional Japanese Products During the Nihonshu Economic Seminar and Tasting

Members of the Kansai Consular Corps and their guests assembled at Nihonzakari, a “shinisei” Sake Brewery in Nihshinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture.

The event was sponsored by the Sake and Shochu Brewers Association and Osaka Regional Tax Bureau. The program was as follows:

Nihonshu Seminar: Economics and Fundamental Knowledge of Nihonshu with 3 Highlights:

  1. Taxation in Japan in general and for liquor in particular
  2. Marketing and promotion of “Nihonshu” globally
  3. Tour of production facility of Nihonsakari Co. Ltd.

During his remarks, KCC Vice-Dean thanked the participating organizations for their efforts and contribution to make this event possible and Morimoto-san, President of Nihonzakari, for hosting the event, stating: “Through this seminar and factory tour, members of the Kansai Consular Corps could learn about the rich history and the significance of Nihonshu not only as a beverage but as an important part of the Japanese culture and history.”

 

19417366_10155410680531407_8460206994734193966_o 19402154_10155410680351407_7305777716367661297_o 19401917_10155410680201407_4917889660078543948_o 19402237_10155410680181407_3652659805127474220_o 19242968_10155410679961407_5867828366840522851_o 19453006_10155410690781407_2438612372194287528_o

The 24th Tour of the Kansai Consular Forum (25 May 2016)

The 24th Tour of the Kansai Consular Forum was held on 25 May 2017. Members of the Kansai Consular Corps and other leaders from industry and local Chambers of Commerce gathered at Hyogo Works, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. for a tour of the facilities and to see first-hand an example of Japan’s cutting-edge train technology.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Kansai states that the “Kansai Consular Forum holds tours to introduce world-class research institutes, corporations, cultural facilities, urban infrastructure, etc. in the Kansai area to the consulate generals and overseas economic organizations based in the Kansai area.”

 

Hyogo Works Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group Photo

IMG_3885

IMG_3884

 

Commemorative Ceremony to Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Port of Kobe (19 May 2017)

On 19 May 2017 Members of the Kansai Consular Corps and other distinguished guests gathered at the Kobe Portopia Hotel for the Commemorative Ceremony of the 150th Anniversary of the Port of Kobe.

This ceremony was one part celebration of the past and one part vision for the future. Individuals who in the past made significant contributions to the development of the Port were recognized, and a presentation of the future vision for the Port.

(Photos from the event are kindly provided by the International Department of the Office of the Mayor of Kobe City)

_D6C0088

 

_D6C0424

 

_D6C0426

 

_D6C0427

 

_D6C0428

 

_D6C0431   _D6C0446

 

_D6C0525

 

IMG_0213

Translated Comments From the 2017 Kansai Consular Corps Youth Symposium

Symposium Photo

Photo 9 Photo 8 Photo 5 Photo 4 Photo 2Photo 11

Photo 12Photo 14 Photo 13

The 2017 Kansai Consular Corps Youth Symposium was held on 26 March in cooperation with Osaka Prefectural Government. Over 135 guests, including 17 members of the Kansai Consular Corps, representatives of Osaka Prefectural and Kobe Municipal government, and members of the Kansai business community gathered to hear the ideas of local high school, university, and graduate students.

The theme was 「機嫌よう働く: Kansai-Style Business and Working from the Heart」. Over a period of several months, the students met assembled in both Osaka and Kobe to receive special lectures and workshops (in both Japanese and English) from experienced professionals. They were then asked to prepare original presentations, addressing questions such as:

  • How can local government and business support the needs of the future generation in Kansai?
  • What can Kansai culture contribute to business innovation?

and others.

Presentations were followed by a lively free discussion in which members of the Kansai Consular Corps chatted candidly with youth participants, offering feedback, advice and other valuable bits of wisdom.

A more comprehensive summary, including photos, will be posted in the coming days.

For now, a brief translation into Japanese of comments made during the free discussion can be found here: 3月26日シンポジウム 質疑と評