Eighty-one years ago, the world changed forever. Today, Deputy Chief of Mission Aaron Snipe joined the people of Hiroshima in solemn remembrance of those who suffered and perished and paid tribute to the resilience of a city that turned unimaginable loss into an enduring message of peace and hope. That spirit of solidarity forms the foundation of the deep and trusted partnership the United States and Japan share today.

This evening in Hiroshima, Deputy Chief of Mission Aaron Snipe had the privilege of hearing the testimony of Hibakusha Ogura Keiko, who was just eight years old on August 6, 1945. Her vivid and deeply moving account is a testament to extraordinary strength and resilience. Thank you, Ms. Ogura, for sharing your story. By listening to voices like yours, we honor the past and reaffirm our commitment to building a more peaceful future.

Congratulations to the National Association of Japan America Societies (NAJAS) on a successful annual conference in New Orleans! The grassroots ties nurtured by Japan-America Societies across the U.S. bring our people and cultures closer every day.

Real diplomacy is rooted in local communities. Deputy Chief of Mission Aaron Snipe recently visited Ishigaki and Miyako to meet with local residents, hear their perspectives, and experience the rich culture of Okinawa's southern islands. Our commitment to these islands is long-term. U.S. Embassy Tokyo is working to expand community college exchanges, English learning programs, and sister city partnerships to strengthen the enduring ties between our communities and ensure they continue to thrive for generations to come.

Soy sauce meets soft-serve ice cream? At Kikkoman’s museum, Deputy Chief of Mission (and Chief Taste Tester) Aaron Snipe gave the creamy combination of umami-rich saltiness and milky sweetness his thumbs-up! @kikkoman_desu

Four simple ingredients, over 300 aroma notes, and the product of a 🇺🇸🇯🇵 partnership decades in the making. Kikkoman’s soy sauce enhances dishes and tantalizes taste buds the world over, and Deputy Chief of Mission Aaron Snipe toured Kikkoman’s Noda research and development facility in Chiba Prefecture to find out how 🇺🇸 soy and wheat help give Kikkoman soy sauce its much-loved flavor. With Kikkoman set to open its third 🇺🇸 production plant later this year in Wisconsin, Kikkoman is deepening its ties with American communities and American palates. @kikkoman_desu @KikkomanKitchen

Online scams threaten people and businesses in both the United States and Japan. By sharing information, strengthening enforcement, and raising public awareness, our countries can better protect our communities from fraud.

Thank you to the Miyakojima Chamber of Commerce and the people of Miyakojima for the warm welcome and the honor of joining this year's Miyakojima Summer Festival. 🇺🇸🇯🇵 It was a privilege to take part in this cherished community tradition. Deputy Chief of Mission Aaron Snipe spoke about the importance of people-to-people connections as the foundation of the enduring U.S.-Japan relationship. Those same connections are at the heart of #America250#, as U.S. diplomats engage with communities across Japan—and we are especially grateful to have done so in Miyakojima. Tandiga Tandi! 宮古島商工会議所の皆様、そして宮古島の皆様、温かい歓迎と今年の宮古島夏まつりに参加する機会をいただき、心より感謝申し上げます。🇺🇸🇯🇵 地域で大切にされてきたこの伝統行事に加わることができ、大変光栄でした。 アーロン・スナイプ首席公使は、人々のつながりこそが永続的な日米関係の基盤である、とその重要性について語りました。こうしたつながりは、アメリカの外交官が日本全国の地域社会と交流を深める #America250# の根幹でもあり、特にここ宮古島でそれを実現できたことを心から嬉しく思っています。 たんでぃがーたんでぃ！

Bravo to the talented young Marines of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band for an unforgettable first appearance at the Miyako Summer Festival! 🎶🇺🇸🇯🇵 Their outstanding performance showcased the rich traditions of American music and energized enthusiastic festival-goers throughout the day. Beyond the stage, the Marines also connected with visitors at the #America250# booth, sponsored by U.S. Embassy Tokyo and U.S. Consulate General Naha, where they led English-language games and mini conversation sessions. Thank you for serving as outstanding musical ambassadors, representing the United States with exceptional musicianship, professionalism, and community spirit! #MiyakojimaSummerFestival# #IIIMEFBand# 宮古島夏まつりでの初出演を見事に飾った第3海兵遠征軍音楽隊の若き才能あふれる海兵隊員たちに、心からの拍手を送ります！🎶🇺🇸🇯🇵素晴らしい演奏でアメリカ音楽の豊かな伝統を披露し、一日を通して祭りを訪れた多くの来場者を大いに盛り上げてくれました。ステージを離れても、海兵隊員たちは在日米国大使館と在沖米国総領事館が出展した #America250# ブースで英語を使ったゲームやミニ英会話セッションを通じて来場者と交流を深めました。素晴らしい音楽大使として、卓越した演奏技術、プロフェッショナリズム、そして地域貢献への精神をもってアメリカを代表してくれたことに感謝します！ #宮古島夏まつり# #第3海兵遠征軍音楽隊#

.@SecRubio on critical minerals: "We have the Quad that’s talked about this. We also had a meeting between Japan, South Korea, and the United States, and many countries around the world that I think all have an interest in diversifying our supply chains so we can never be held hostage again in the future by anybody." Read more from Secretary Rubio's interview with @NHKWORLD_News:

Did you know that Space Battleship Yamato aired in the United States in 1979, and that the Yamato was known as the Argo? 🚀 For many kids in America, this groundbreaking series was their very first touchpoint with Japan, and our Deputy Chief of Mission Aaron Snipe is no exception! @Yamato50th