Children from Nanko Sakura Kindergarten visited the Consulate General, and sang a song to celebrate the Tanabata festival. Consul Heckenbach with traditional bamboo ornament in hand.

Photo with Mr. Kagoike (principal of the kindergarten) and Consulate staff.

Mr. Nariaki Hata, Speaker of the Osaka Prefectural Assembly, visited the Consulate for a courtesy call as new Speaker. Consul General Russel (right) shaking hands with Speaker Hata.

Vice Consul Gary Schaefer spoke to the members of Akashi Sister City Association. His lecture, "US-Japan Diplomacy," discussing the importance of maintaining US-Japan relations, was delivered at the 40th anniversary Akashi-Vallejo Sister City celebration.

Consul General Russel joined with Kobe Japan-America Society President mr. Kiran Sethi and the members of the US Army Band from Camp Zama to participate in the annual Kobe Matsuri.

Consul General Russel speaks to students at Kyoto Institute of Technology at a program sponsored by Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

USS CHAFEE (DDG 90) visited the Port of Osaka for the first time, aiming at promoting friendship and goodwill. Chafee approaching the berth.

Welcome ceremony was held on the berth. Mr. Yasuhide Nakayama, Member of the House of Representatives and Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, shaking hands with the ship's officers. Consul General Russel standing alongside.

Commander Heedong Choi and staff paying courtesy call on Mayor Kunio Hiramatsu of Osaka City.

Consul General Daniel Russel spoke to students at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto. His lecture on "Diplomacy and US-Japan Relations" discussed the importance of US-Japan relations.

Consul General Russel walking with G-8 Representatives and MOFA Summit Director Ambassador Fukada at Heian Jingu Shrine in Kyoto.

Governor Toru Hashimoto of Osaka Prefecture hosted a discussion session with the Consular Corps in Osaka. Consul General Russel shaking hands with the Governor (center) before the session begins at the Official Residence of the Governor.

Consul General Russel (right) delivering his presentation on "Waterfront development and tourism," using the City of San Antonio as an example. Governor Hashimoto (far left) listening attentively.

The occasion attracted intense media coverage.

U.S. Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer delivered remarks on "The United States and Japan in a Globalized Economy" at the Yomiuri International Economic Society in Osaka. He noted, "For much of Japanese history, Osaka and the greater Kansai region have been at the center of the Japanese economy."