Japanese Consular Staff to Speak on California-Japan Relations Sept. 27

There’s much more to Japan’s influence on California than the Toyotas and Hondas in our driveways, the sushi on our lunch plates and the quality principles that drive our jobs. Learn about the long and complex history between California and Japan in a fascinating presentation by members of the San Francisco-based Japanese consulate at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Museum of San Carlos History, 533 Laurel Street in San Carlos.

Sponsored by the San Carlos Sister City Association, the program will focus especially on the relationship between Japan and Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Speakers will include Akira Ichioka, director of the consulate’s Japan Information and Culture Center, and Steven Goldman, the consulate’s senior coordinator for educational affairs.

Apart from World War II, California and Japan have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship dating back to the mid-19th century. The presentation will explore close ties in trade and business, government, culture, education and people-to-people exchanges. (Locally, the Bay Area and Japan are linked via numerous sister-city relationships, including one between San Carlos and Omura, a suburb of Nagasaki.)

Admission is free, and refreshments will be available at nominal cost. The program is part of a continuing series presented by the San Carlos Sister City Association to engage local residents with international trends, issues, cultures and geography.

Don’t pass up this exciting opportunity to learn more about the relationship between California and one of the United States’ most important allies and trading partners.

Information and RSVPs: 650-595-3933 or email johnjhoffmann@comcast.net.