At Milwaukee’s long-running Holiday Folk Fair International, a three-day festival built on celebrating the cultural traditions of communities from around the world, Japan’s presence this year carried a deeper diplomatic message.

Consul-General Masashi Mizobuchi, who began his post in Chicago in May, spoke at the event on November 22 to highlight how grassroots, community-level relationships were shaping Japan’s engagement with Wisconsin and the broader Midwest.

His visit came as Japan accelerates efforts to strengthen regional ties through cultural programming, economic partnerships, and exchanges that connect residents to the country in more direct and personal ways.

The Holiday Folk Fair International, now in its 82nd year, remains one of Wisconsin’s major multicultural traditions, dr

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