Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little celebrated the success of a recent strategic trade mission to Japan led by the Idaho Department of Commerce.

Representatives from the State of Idaho, in partnership with the Boise Valley Economic Partnership (BVEP) and the City of Boise, were in Japan April 21-25 to strengthen Idaho’s presence in global innovation and supply chains. The mission engaged companies across key sectors, including semiconductors, AI, food technology, aerospace, and logistics.

“Japan is a valued partner and an increasingly important market for Idaho’s growing economy. As Idaho continues to lead in innovation, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and technology, strengthening our relationships in Japan opens new doors for investment, trade, and job creation for Idaho families. These strategic partnerships help position Idaho as a global leader in critical industries while reinforcing the strong economic ties between our two regions,” Governor Little said.

Japan is Idaho’s fourth largest trading partner. Idaho reopened a trade office in Japan in 2024, the same year Governor Little led a trade mission to Japan and Taiwan alongside the Idaho Department of Commerce, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, and 22 Idaho businesses and organizations.

Effective January 1, 2026, the Government of Japan has appointed Mr. Nicolas Hisashi Kawaguchi as Honorary Consul of Japan in Boise, Idaho.

The State of Idaho is home to a Japanese community and Japanese companies, and many Japanese Americans (Nikkei), as well. This makes it a region with strong ties to Japan.
New Honorary Consul is expected to assist the Consular Office of Japan in Portland in the protection of Japanese interests and exchange activities with Japan and thus to deepen the mutual understanding and friendship between the United States and Japan and further strengthen the region’s ties with Japan.

*The Honorary Consul of Japan cannot issue passports and visas, nor can he/she notarize certificates of nationality or residency and so on. For these issues, please contact the Consular Office of Japan in Portland directly.

For further information, please contact:
Consular Office of Japan in Portland
1300 SW 5th Ave. Suite 2700 Portland OR 97201
Tel: (503) 221 1811
Fax: (503) 224 8936
Email: cojportland@se.mofa.go.jp
Website: https://www.portland.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html
Facebook: https://facebook.com/JapaneseConsularOfficePortland/

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Ed Klopfenstein, Honorary Consul of Japan in Boise, Idaho on May 20, 2025. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for his dedicated service as Honorary Consul and offer our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

The JACL announced the return of its in-person Kakehashi project trips! This year’s program will be from December 11 – 18, 2024. A total of 71 participants will travel to Japan to enhance their understanding of the Japanese economy, society, history, diverse culture, politics, and diplomatic policies through people-to-people exchanges. Participants are expected to play an active and important role in the future of U.S.-Japan relations.

We will also be looking for applications for three chaperones! Japanese language experience preferred!

Kakehashi Requirements

Some changes to this year’s program include an increase in the age restrictions; participants can be up to 27 years old when they leave for the trip. All participants who attend will also need proof of at least three vaccinations before applying and the most updated vaccine before leaving for the trip. Due to budget restraints, participants must pay an Attendance Fee for this year’s trip, which will cost NO MORE than $45. Additionally, participants must pay for their own Wireless or Cell service on the trip. Visit the JACL website for additional requirements.

The trip is reserved for people of Japanese descent.

Deadline

Applications will close on Sunday, September 15th at 11:59 pm Hawaiian Standard Time.

Business & Sake – Connecting Idaho and Hiroshima for Future Development

Taste Japan’s finest sake paired with Idaho’s finest foods in an event you won’t forget.
You’ll try a flight of 5 premium sakes flown directly from Japan and paired with unique
foods from Idaho, like Idaho Wagyu beef and Idaho ostrich.

Joining us will be the governor of Hiroshima and, the mayor of Higashi-Hiroshima along with Japanese government representatives in agriculture and technology.

• Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Date: November 11, 2023
• Venue: The JUMP Room at JUMP in Boise (1000 W. Myrtle St.)

Doors open at 5:00 PM for networking.

The official event begins at 5:30 PM.
Attire is business casual.

RSVP valid for recipient only.
Please RSVP by Nov. 3rd to: hcjapanidaho@gmail.com.

This invitation-only event is hosted by the Japanese Consulate in Portland