Japan-Mississippi Event at Millsaps College

On Tuesday, September 29, the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville, in collaboration with Millsaps College and the Japan-America Society of Mississippi (JASMIS), co-hosted the " Japan-Mississippi Event" at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. During the early afternoon portion of the event, JASMIS and Dr. Kae Reed, a Japanese language instructor at the University of Central Arkansas, presented a calligraphy demonstration and introduced traditional Japanese toys to the students. This was followed by a Study Abroad session, which provided information on Japanese language study, study abroad opportunities in Japan, the JET Program, and the MEXT Scholarships.

     Later in the afternoon, a public symposium, “Partners in Progress”, was held. Following the opening remarks by Dr. Frank Neville, President of Millsaps College, Consul-General Watanabe gave a presentation on Japan-Mississippi economic relations, and an overview of JASMIS’s activities and achievements was provided by Ms. Mieko Kikuchi, a board member of the society. In his presentation, Consul-General Watanabe emphasized that "the economic relationship between Japan and Mississippi is robust. Japanese companies, particularly in the automotive industry, have invested in Mississippi for many years, contributing to job creation and industrial development. In addition, they have built a long-term economic partnership that includes deep ties with local communities." This was followed by a panel discussion featuring representatives from the Nissan Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi, among others, who exchanged views on Japanese corporate investment and economic relations in Mississippi.

     To conclude the event, a marimba and Wadaiko (Japanese drum) duo recital was performed by Dr. Kae Reed and Ms. Helen Simmins-McMillin, leader of Central Arkansas Taiko, which captivated and delighted the audience.