Consul Patrick Smeller flexes muscles with Tottori Prefecture Assemblywoman Kaoru Ozaki and Tottori native-Osaka wrestling star “Black Buffalo” at the Tottori Prefecture Gathering held in Osaka.

U.S. Consul Patrick Smeller and his wife Gavhar represented the U.S. Consulate General Osaka-Kobe as guests of Osaka Governor Toru Hashimoto at the 2008 Tenjin Matsuri Festival.

Children from Nanko Sakura Kindergarten visited the Consulate General, and sang a song to celebrate the Tanabata festival. Consul Heckenbach with traditional bamboo ornament in hand.

Photo with Mr. Kagoike (principal of the kindergarten) and Consulate staff.

Mr. Nariaki Hata, Speaker of the Osaka Prefectural Assembly, visited the Consulate for a courtesy call as new Speaker. Consul General Russel (right) shaking hands with Speaker Hata.

Vice Consul Gary Schaefer spoke to the members of Akashi Sister City Association. His lecture, "US-Japan Diplomacy," discussing the importance of maintaining US-Japan relations, was delivered at the 40th anniversary Akashi-Vallejo Sister City celebration.

Consul General Russel joined with Kobe Japan-America Society President mr. Kiran Sethi and the members of the US Army Band from Camp Zama to participate in the annual Kobe Matsuri.

Consul General Russel speaks to students at Kyoto Institute of Technology at a program sponsored by Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

USS CHAFEE (DDG 90) visited the Port of Osaka for the first time, aiming at promoting friendship and goodwill. Chafee approaching the berth.

Welcome ceremony was held on the berth. Mr. Yasuhide Nakayama, Member of the House of Representatives and Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, shaking hands with the ship's officers. Consul General Russel standing alongside.

Commander Heedong Choi and staff paying courtesy call on Mayor Kunio Hiramatsu of Osaka City.

Consul General Daniel Russel spoke to students at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto. His lecture on "Diplomacy and US-Japan Relations" discussed the importance of US-Japan relations.

Consul General Russel walking with G-8 Representatives and MOFA Summit Director Ambassador Fukada at Heian Jingu Shrine in Kyoto.

Governor Toru Hashimoto of Osaka Prefecture hosted a discussion session with the Consular Corps in Osaka. Consul General Russel shaking hands with the Governor (center) before the session begins at the Official Residence of the Governor.

Consul General Russel (right) delivering his presentation on "Waterfront development and tourism," using the City of San Antonio as an example. Governor Hashimoto (far left) listening attentively.

The occasion attracted intense media coverage.

U.S. Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer delivered remarks on "The United States and Japan in a Globalized Economy" at the Yomiuri International Economic Society in Osaka. He noted, "For much of Japanese history, Osaka and the greater Kansai region have been at the center of the Japanese economy."

Ambassador and Mrs. Schieffer and Consul General Russel tour the Kyoto State Guest House with visiting US Ambassador to China and Mrs Randt (right) and US Ambassador to Korea and Mrs Vershbow (left).

Senator Bingaman visited GS Yuasa Corporation in Kyoto

Senator Jeff Bingaman visited Solar System Group, Sharp Corporation in Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture.

With Mr. Mikio Katayama, President & COO, Sharp Corporation and Consul General Daniel Russel.

                     Visited Rokkakudo in Kyoto.

Governor of Osaka Prefecture, Mr. Toru Hashimoto, visited the Consulate General, along with Director General Mr. Hiroshi Masaki and Senior Executive Director Mr. Toyoei Shigeeda. Consul General Russel presented the Governor with the Consulate's ID card with Mr. Hashimoto's photo on it. Each section head of the Consulate explained to the Governor his/her responsibilities and services at each section.

At the U.S. Consulate General, Osaka-Kobe

Consul General Russel presenting California wine to Governor Hashimoto during his courtesy call on Governor Toru Hashimoto. The Consul General and Governor exchanged views on urban renovation and international tourism in Osaka.

U.S. Consul General Daniel Russel awards The Japan-America Society of Osaka (JASO) Arlington Cup at Hanshin Race Course in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture.

Consul General Russel visited the Japanese Trade Union Confederation ("Rengo Osaka") to pay a courtesy visit to President Seiichi Kawaguchi. Mr. Kawaguchi and the Consul General exchanged views on labor and other economic issues.

Consul General Russel was interviewed by Y. Nakayama and M. Ushikubo for "Principles of Politics" - America and Japan: Two Countries and One World on Asahi NewStar (Broadcast 2/2/08, 48 min.)

Consul General Russel visited the City Hall of Osaka for a courtesy call on Mayor Kunio Hiramatsu.

Mayor Hiramatsu and Director General Iwaki talking with Consul General Russel and Vice Consul Vanessa Schulz.

Consul General Russel spoke to a study group of young business leaders in the Kansai region, Cyber Tekijuku on "Prospects for the U.S.- Japan relationship in 2008."

Consul General Russel visited Liberal Democratic Party Headquarters in Tokyo, and discussed recent developments in the U.S.- Japan relationship.

(From left) Mayor of Kinokawa City Shinji Nakamura, Upper House Member Yosuke Tsuruho, Consul General Daniel Russel, LDP General Council Chair Toshihiro Nikai, Embassy Political Minister Michael Meserve, and Senior Vice Minister for Education, Culture & Sports Kenshiro Matsunami.

Consul General Russel met in Tokyo with Senior Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology Kenshiro Matsunami along with Parliamentary Secretary for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Kouichi Tani and local officials from Kansai region to discuss US-Japan issues.

Consul General Russel gave a speech at the "2008 New Year's Reception," co-hosted by the Japan America Society of Osaka, Osaka-San Francisco Sister City Association, and Osaka-Chicago Association.

Consul General Daniel Russel and four Consulate entry-level officers (Todd Katschke, Kathryn Kiser, Sara Revell, and Vanessa Schulz) visited the Mihama Nuclear Power Plant in Fukui prefecture. The plant is run by the Kansai Electric Power Company.

Consul General Daniel Russel spoke to students at Doshisha University in Kyoto. His lecture, "From Hanga to Manga" discussed Japanese influence in US society and the importance of mutual understanding between the US and Japan.