New Year’s Greeting from Consul-General Okajima
Happy New Year!
I am Hiroyuki Okajima, Consul-General of Japan in Denver.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your warm support and cooperation throughout the past year. Together with Japanese nationals, Japanese Americans, and all those involved in Japan-U.S. exchange in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, we were able to deepen connections across various fields. Over the past year, I have once again felt the strength of the bonds between this region and Japan, as well as the great potential for the future.
2025, in particular, saw new developments in the Japan-U.S. friendship, especially in the areas of economic, cultural, and grassroots exchange. Through local community events introducing Japanese culture, the expansion of Japanese companies, and economic collaboration with state governments, the relationship between our two countries has grown even stronger. As the Consulate-General, we are committed to actively supporting these exchanges and initiatives, and to further strengthening our cooperation with all stakeholders.
At the summit level between Japan and the United States, President Trump visited Japan soon after Prime Minister Takaichi took office last year. Prime Minister Takaichi emphasized that the Japan-U.S. alliance is the greatest alliance in the world, expressing her determination to promote robust diplomacy based on this partnership and to advance the development of both countries. Here in our region, the Consulate engaged with members of the U.S. military who had been previously stationed in Japan to discuss opportunities to strengthen the bilateral security alliance at the local level. There is great anticipation for both countries to work together in building a new chapter in history.
This year, 2026, marks a historic milestone for both the United States and the State of Colorado, as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary and Colorado commemorates its 150th. It is also a significant year for several local exchanges between Japan and the Rocky Mountain region, including the 60th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Albuquerque and Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture and the 40th anniversary of the sister-state/prefecture partnership between Colorado and Yamagata Prefecture. These and other anniversaries are a testament to the enduring efforts and friendships of our communities, and the Consulate-General looks forward to taking part in their celebration so that the Japan-US relationship might deepen this year and in years to come.
As global partners, Japan and the United States continue to strive to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. The Consulate-General of Japan in Denver remains engaged in the promotion of people-to-people, economic, and cultural exchange, and will work to further develop our region’s relationship with Japan.
May the new year be filled with hope, good health, and happiness for you all. I look forward to your continued support and cooperation in 2026.
OKAJIMA Hiroyuki
Consul-General of Japan in Denver
January 1, 2026