今年は、マサチュセッツ州と北海道が姉妹州提携調印してから35周年の記念の年にあたります。2025年6月11日札幌プリンスホテル国際館パミール「大雪」においてマサチューセッツ・北海道協会及びコンコード町訪問団15名を迎えランチ・タイムに「歓迎会」が開催されました。

Welcome Luncheon for 15 delegates from Hokkaido’s Sister State of Massachusetts.

On June 11^th, the American-Japan Society of Hokkaido, in collaboration with Hokkaido Prefectural Government, held a memorial welcome luncheon for 15 delegates from our sister state of Massachusetts. Most were from the home of American literature, Concord, which is the sister city of Nanae-cho near Hakodate.

記念歓迎会には総計71名が参加されました。道の関係者、北海道日米協会の会員はじめボストンの日本協会からも姉妹数35周年記念事業に参加下さいました。

Three were members of Boston Japan Society, too.  Altogether 71 people, including many members of the America-Japan Society, celebrated the 35th anniversary of the sister states’ affiliation. This milestone is testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and collaboration between Massachusetts and Hokkaido.

 

歓迎会では、出張中の岩田圭剛会長に代わり、御手洗昭治副会長・専務がマサチューセッツ訪問団に対し歓迎の挨拶をされ、その後、カーマイル・ジェンタイル下院議員から来賓の挨拶があり、道からは山田グローバル戦略推進監が歓迎の言葉を述べられました。さらに、マリー・ハートマン評議会議長が、米国独立戦争250周年記念行事の動画を放映下さり、アメリカの建国から現代までの歴史を学ぶことができました。

On behalf of President Keigou Iwata, Vice President Shoji Mitarai extended a heartfelt congratulatory speech.  Carmine Gentile, the Massachusetts representative, made a few remarks about the shared mission and values that unite the people of Massachusetts and Hokkaido. After Tetushi Mamada’s words of welcome representing Hokkaido, Mary Hartman, Chairperson of select board of Concord, gave a 12 minute presentation of history of Concord entitled “CONORD 250 Massachusetts” reflecting America’s independence through the screen.

最後に北海道とマサチューセッツ州の姉妹州提携を祈念し、マ州北海道協会の森田会長から、これまでの両地域の交流やボストンで開催された「2025Hokkaido Fair」についてのお話があり、その後、日米の参加者たちが食事と歓談を楽しみながら交流を深めました。

During the lunch, Prof. Kiyoko Morita, Chair of Massachusetts-Hokkaido Association, gave a talk of Hokkaido in Massachusetts. Jeff Freeman, Consul of American Consulate General, Sapporo gave a closing speech to what was a very friendly and productive memorial event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On behalf of President Keigou Iwata, Vice President Shoji Mitarai extended a heartfelt congratulatory speech.  Carmine Gentile, the Massachusetts representative, made a few remarks about the shared mission and values that unite the people of Massachusetts and Hokkaido. After Tetushi Mamada’s words of welcome representing Hokkaido, Mary Hartman, Chairperson of select board of Concord, gave a 12 minute presentation of history of Concord entitled “CONORD 250 Massachusetts” reflecting America’s independence through the screen.

 

 During the lunch, Prof. Kiyoko Morita, Chair of Massachusetts-Hokkaido Association, gave a talk of Hokkaido in Massachusetts. Jeff Freeman, Consul of American Consulate General, Sapporo gave a closing speech to what was a very friendly and productive memorial event.