By KENKO SONE

To the residents of Southern California and Arizona, on Aug. 11, I will be completing my term of nearly three years — or two years, 11 months, and 10 days to be exact — and will be leaving my post to return to Japan.

Over the past three years, I have visited many places — not only in Los Angeles but also in other cities — in an effort to gain a first-hand understanding of the relationship between Japan and the United States. Throughout this time, I have focused my efforts on further expanding and deepening these bilateral bonds.

I am deeply grateful for the warm welcome I received at every location from Japanese nationals and the Japanese American community, as well as from many Americans who value their connections with Japan.

As consul general, I have engaged in a varie

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