Opening Remarks Inaugural Reception for Dr. Mirja Hanson Consul General George Hisaeda May 24, 2010

Transcription

1 Opening Remarks Inaugural Reception for Dr. Mirja Hanson Consul General George Hisaeda May 24, 2010 Ladies and Gentlemen, Good evening. It s not often that I get to travel to Minnesota, so I m very delighted to be here with you all today. One month ago, Midori and I did something a little different. We watched the launch of the space shuttle Discovery at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Just before sunrise, the engines started. We first saw an incredibly bright light as the fuel ignited and smoke billowed out. A few seconds later, a deafening sound reached us. Then the shock wave hit us in the chest. The space shuttle went straight up, turned horizontal, and slowly disappeared over the horizon in the clear, night sky. Even though the launch was a few miles away, it seemed like it was right in front of us. It was that spectacular.

2 As you all know, Japan is a major collaborator in America s space shuttle program. Many Japanese technologies are used. The Japanese Government provides substantial funds. And Japanese astronauts have flown on the shuttle. 2 This time, Ms. Naoko Yamazaki was on the shuttle. After she arrived at the International Space Station, she put on a kimono, played the koto, and made hand-rolled sushi for the other astronauts. This evening, I began my remarks with the space program because it shows how closely our two countries and our two peoples collaborate together. The spirit of our Japan-U.S. cooperation in space can also be found here on earth, and certainly here in Minnesota. Tonight we re celebrating the inauguration of Dr. Mirja P. Hanson as the new Honorary Consul General of Japan in Minneapolis. Her background is most impressive. The moment she was recommended, I knew that she should be the one. Since all of you know her well, I ll be brief. Dr. Hanson grew up in Japan, graduated from The American School in Tokyo, and speaks Japanese, Finnish, and English.

3 When she moved from Japan to America, she brought her passion for bringing our two countries closer together. She has held key positions at the Minnesota World Trade Center and the Metropolitan Council. In her private practice, her client list reads like a Who s Who list. 3 Dr. Hanson has also committed herself to the Japan America Society of Minnesota, serving on its Board for many years and then as its President for 4 years. I know that she did a tremendous job. To me, the appointment of a new Honorary Consul General of Japan is so important. Since I cannot be here every day, Dr. Hanson will be our key representative here. And I know that our Japan-Minnesota friendship is in the best of hands. Congratulations! She is filling big shoes. Mr. William Strang achieved so much during his 5-years as Honorary Consul General. For example, he was instrumental in paving the way for Minnesota to rejoin the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association, which sent a strong, positive message to Japan. For all that he has done, I applaud him and thank him deeply. A little later, I will present the Consul General s Commendation to him.

4 Tomorrow morning, when I meet with Governor Pawlenty, I will introduce Dr. Hanson as our new Honorary Consul General as well as Ms. Sheila LeGeros, President of the Japan-America Society. 4 I will, of course, talk about our close Japan-Minnesota partnership, and certainly high-speed rail. I won t go into detail, but you all know that high-speed rail is a major initiative of President Obama. I believe there is a big opportunity for Japan s world-class railway technology from rolling stock to control and communications systems. It can help America build a cutting-edge rail system in the Midwest as well as in California, Florida, New England and elsewhere. If the plan is implemented, and if a significant amount of Japan s railroad technology is used, it would definitely be the biggest collaboration between our two countries this century. The timing couldn t be better because the Governor will visit Japan in September. I will encourage him to take the Shinkansen, which is our bullet train. I hope that he can experience Japan s world-class, high-speed railway in action.

5 I m most enthusiastic about the Governor s visit to Japan. And I know that with Dr. Hanson as our new Honorary Consul General, we will achieve much together for our Japan-Minnesota friendship. 5 Thank you all very much.