Governor Nitta Japanese Garden Meeting and Reception Remarks

I am so pleased to welcome my friend Governor Nitta and the entire Toyama delegation for this visit to Oregon. This year we celebrate 35 years of friendship, cultural and educational exchanges, and economic partnership between the State of Oregon and Toyama Prefecture. Thank you for traveling here and strengthening our relationship with your visit. 

I also want to acknowledge former Governor Barbara Roberts who is with us today. Governor Roberts traveled to Toyama and signed the original Oregon–Toyama sister-state agreement 35 years ago. Thank you for paving the way for the partnership and friendship between our states. 

It is very fitting that we celebrate here at the Portland Japanese Garden. Thank you to the team here at the Garden for hosting us. This is one my favorite places in Portland. The First Lady and I recently visited and reflected on our great memories of our visit to Japan last fall. 

Oregon and Japan share a deep and enduring friendship — built on mutual respect and decades of partnership in trade, culture, and innovation. The Japanese community in Oregon has made our state stronger, more vibrant, and more connected to the world. We are grateful for that contribution that has lasted decades. 

Oregon is home to more Japanese businesses than any other state in the country. That is not something we take for granted. It reflects the trust Japanese businesses and investors place in Oregon — a trust we take seriously and work hard to earn and maintain. 

Last year, the First Lady and I led my first trade mission to Japan. It was a meaningful trip, and we look forward to our next visit. The partnerships we strengthened will benefit both Oregon and Japan for years to come. 

To our friends from Toyama, your home is known for its extraordinary natural beauty — the Tateyama mountain range, pure waters, and the deep connection between people and place. In that way, Oregon and Toyama understand each other well. We share a love of nature, community, and the land that sustains us. 

We also share a deep connection over food. Toyama is a food capital of Japan, with excellent cuisine and fresh seafood and vegetables. With the long Oregon coastline and Portland being the home of renowned chef James Beard and the future James Beard Market, we have earned a name for ourselves in the culinary space. We are very proud of our “kito kito” food, and I am glad we get to share it with you. 

In these challenging times across the globe, it is more important than ever to treasure international friendships. Toyama, and all of Japan, will always be welcome here as partners and friends. We will continue to work hard to make sure you feel supported and valued in our state. 

It is an honor that you have come. Welcome to Oregon!