June 12 - Working as a Chargé can be busy, but also fun. During a recent visit to Nagoya I was pleased to have the opportunity for two of my favorite activities: making new friends, and watching a baseball game.

Along with our Consul in Nagoya Max Kwak, I visited the new Mayor of Nagoya, Takashi Kawamura. We met in his office, which was filled with reporters and camera crews. We talked about ways to strengthen ties between Nagoya and its sister city of Los Angeles.

Also, Nagoya American Center Director Jonas Stewart, Max Kwak and I watched the Chunichi Dragons defeat the Nippon Ham Fighters at the Nagoya Dome. During the game, we enjoyed a delicious bento dinner.

Best of all, I appreciated the warm hospitality from our hosts at the Chunichi Shinbun.

Until next time,

Jim