City of Kobe, Japan - KTIO

06/15/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Life Science Gateway 2026: Seattle and Japan, hosted by SNBL Global Gateway (SGG), Seattle Children’s Research Institute, and Kobe City. The event was supported by Plug and Play Seattle, SBI Group, Remiges Ventures, NEDO, and JPMorgan Chase. An additional special thanks to our sponsors Deloitte, Cooley, and Wilson Sonsini.

Last month, on May 14th and 15th, we brought together startups, investors, researchers, industry leaders, and innovators from Japan and the U.S. We explored the future of healthcare, biotech, and AI, with a focus on commercialization and cross-border collaboration.

Day 1 focused on IP strategy, venture capital discussions, and startup pitches. Day 2 featured panels exploring research, manufacturing, AI, business development, and the future of the life sciences ecosystem.

We are incredibly grateful to all of our speakers, panelists, sponsors, startups, and attendees for helping create such meaningful conversations and connections.

Seattle continues to grow as a global hub at the intersection of technology and life sciences. We are excited to continue strengthening collaboration between Seattle and Japan while supporting and expanding our local life sciences ecosystem. The Kobe Trade Information Office (KTIO) remains open and committed to supporting ongoing collaboration and life science innovation between the two regions.

05/05/2026

🎏🌸 Tacoma-Kitakyushu Sister Cities' Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi) is back! Join us on Saturday, May 9, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at the Point Defiance Pagoda and Japanese Garden in Tacoma. FREE admission for all ages! Enjoy koinobori crafts, origami, taiko drumming, Yosakoi dance, and more. Cosplay and Matsuri attire encouraged! 🥁🎐

🎏🌸 タコマ・北九州姉妹都市こどもの日のお祭りが今年も開催されます！5月9日（土）午前10時から午後3時まで、タコマのポイント・デファイアンス日本庭園にて。入場無料、どなたでもご参加いただけます！こいのぼり工作、折り紙、太鼓演奏、よさこいダンスなど盛りだくさん。コスプレや祭り衣装での参加も大歓迎です！🥁🎐

https://tacomasistercities.org/events/tacoma-kitakyushu-childrens-day-2026

Graphic credit: Tacoma Sister Cities Council

#こどもの日 #姉妹都市

04/27/2026

Kobe's Architecture Festival is coming soon!

04/20/2026

Infiorata Kobe 2026!

04/13/2026

This year's JASSW Spring Gala will feature food from two amazing local businesses: I Love Sushi and Sakura Sweets.

I Love Sushi provides fresh, delicious, and authentic Japanese dishes.

Sakura Sweets is a Shoreline-based bakery which specializes in "edible art," creating gorgeous floral cupcakes.

Join us at this event to not only enjoy the delicious catering, but to take part in this great networking opportunity with the JASSW community! The evening will also feature raffle sales, a Passport Rally, and JASSW/community booths.

Register here: https://jassw.info/event-6592284

📅 Friday, April 24, 2026 | 4:30 – 9:00pm (Gala 6:15-9:00pm)
📍 Bellevue City Hall (450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004)

03/30/2026

Looking for enthusiastic volunteers at the Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival!

🌸 Celebrate Spring & Japanese Culture🌸

Do you know the art of the Yukata, or are you eager to learn?

is looking for enthusiastic volunteers at the Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival! 👘✨

Come be a part of the magic at our Yukata Dress-Up Booth and help others experience this beautiful tradition.

Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, they will make sure you’re ready to go!

🗓️ Important Dates
Training Sessions:
Sunday, March 29th
Saturday, April 4th

Volunteer Shifts:
Friday, April 10th – Sunday, April 12th

✍️ How to Join
Ready to lend a hand and wear some beautiful patterns?

🔗 Click the link in to sign up!

Let’s make this festival unforgettable together. See you there! 🌸

03/23/2026

Come to Sakura-Con 2026!

The wait is over, anime fans!🌸Sakura-Con 2026 is finally here! HBCC's booth is 🌟 #118🌟 in the Summit building. If you have questions about Hyogo Prefecture's sightseeing🏯♨ and you're looking to chat in Japanese,🗣️ come visit us! See you there from April 3rd to 5th💗✨😄

Made by: Kaito Hosotani (University of Hyogo)

03/09/2026

A beautiful symbol of enduring friendship between Japan and the U.S.!

We’re honored to spotlight a beautiful symbol of enduring friendship between Japan and the United States. Japan has gifted 250 cherry blossom trees to help commemorate America’s 250th birthday! 🌸

This symbolic gesture continues a long tradition of friendship between Japan and the U.S., using the cherry blossom as a living reminder of our shared history and cultural exchange.

The program will feature remarks from the Embassy of Japan and explore the meaning behind this commemorative gift.

🗓 March 2
📍 George Washington University (in person) and Zoom

We hope you’ll join us, and in celebrating this Monday!

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/march-fmf-japans-gift-of-250-cherry-trees-to-celebrate-us-250th-birthday-tickets-1982082746852