Consul General Kazuyuki Katayama, Ph.D., diplomatic representative to Michigan at the Consulate-General of Japan in Detroit recently paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Virg Bernero on Wednesday, November 13, 2013. While in Lansing, he took time to attend the Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission’s new member orientation luncheon.

The seven newly elected Commissioners gathered with the Mayor, LRSCC officers and the Consul General at the University Club to get acquainted with each other and receive a briefing from LRSCC President, Barbara Roberts Mason and Mayor Virg Bernero.

The Mayor shared his vision for a globally connected future, and Consul General Katayama spoke about the strong ties of friendship between Japan and the United States.

Mr. Andrew Conti, Special Advisor to the Consul General, also gave remarks about active collaboration between the LRSCC and the Consulate, especially in regard to the April, 2013 Arbor Day Japanese blossoming cherry tree planting and business luncheon.