Emperor's Birthday Celebration Reception

On February 29, the Emperor's Birthday Celebration Reception was held at a hotel in Franklin, Tennessee. The reception was attended by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and representatives from the five states of the Consulate’s jurisdiction: Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The ceremony began with a performance of the national anthems of both countries by Choir SAKURA, remarks by Consul-General Matsumoto, followed by remarks from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee who spoke about the strong ties between Tennessee and Japan. A toast was given to the further development of U.S.-Japan relations by Allen Borden, Deputy Commissioner of Business, Community and Rural Development for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.