May 22, 2025 – Annual General Meeting & Farewell Speech by Consul General Mark Wuebbels

5月22日（木）北海道日米協会の定時総会・イブニングDINNERが
札幌グランドホテル東館3階「GINSEN」で開催されました。

On Thursday, May 22, the Hokkaido America-Japan Society held its Annual General Meeting and Evening Dinner at the “GINSEN” banquet hall on the 3rd floor of the East Wing of the Sapporo Grand Hotel.

総会は、岩田圭剛会長のスムーズな議事進行のもと無事終了しました。

The meeting concluded smoothly under the capable facilitation of Chairman Keigo Iwata.

定時総会後に開かれたイブニングDINNERでは、本協会の理事であり,そして
5月30日（金）から6月15日（日）まで開催の「あさひかわ菓子博2025」では
大会長を務める長沼昭夫理事の乾杯の音頭でスタートしました。

Following the General Meeting, the Evening Dinner began with a toast from Board Member Mr. Akio Naganuma, who also serves as the Chairman of the “Asahikawa Confectionery Expo 2025,” taking place from Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 15.

7月に離任されますマーク・ウェべルス米国総領事のスキー部会での会員の皆様
との楽しい交流話やラピダスを中心とした北海道ビジネスの今後の展望を中心に
心温まる日本語のスピーチに、別れを惜しむ声が多々聞かれました。
岩田会長のお礼の挨拶も友人に送られた言葉として感動を呼びました。

A highlight of the evening was the heartfelt farewell speech in Japanese by U.S. Consul General Mark Wuebbels, who will be leaving his post in July. He warmly shared stories of his memorable interactions with members during ski club activities and offered thoughtful reflections on the future of business in Hokkaido, particularly regarding Rapidus. Many attendees expressed their sincere regret at his departure.
Chairman Iwata also gave a touching closing message, delivered as words to a friend, which deeply moved the audience.

また、伊藤前会長のお孫さんの伊藤香一さんによる、10万人の参加者の
中で優勝した「高円宮杯第76回全国中学校英語弁論弁論大会」の報告は
皆に元気と喜びを与えました。

Additionally, Mr. Koichi Ito, grandson of former Chairman Ito, shared his inspiring experience of winning first place among 100,000 participants in the 76th Prince Takamado Trophy All-Japan Junior High School English Speech Contest. His achievement brought great joy and encouragement to everyone present.

6月11日（水）12：30～14：00　札幌プリンスホテル　国際館パミールにて
北海道・マサチューセッツ州姉妹提携35周年記念事業午餐会を開催いたします。

Looking ahead, we will host a luncheon to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the sister-state partnership between Hokkaido and Massachusetts on Wednesday, June 11, from 12:30 to 14:00 at the Sapporo Prince Hotel, International Pavilion Pamir.