Lt. Governor Pat Quinn celebrates birthday of his Majesty the Emperor of Japan

CHICAGO—Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn commended Japanese Americans across the state for their contributions at a reception hosted by Consul General of Japan Mitsuo Sakaba and Mrs. Mitsuo Sakaba to celebrate the birthday of His Imperial Majesty Akihito, the Emperor of Japan.

            "It is an honor pay tribute to the 125th emperor of Japan on his 70th birthday on behalf of the 12.5 million people of the State of Illinois," said Quinn during the celebration, noting that nearly 28,000 of his constituents are of Japanese descent.  

            In his congratulatory remarks, Quinn mentioned how Japanese Americans have made a significant impact on Illinois dating back 100 years, and will explain how he has reached out to the Japanese American community for energy and ideas through his Asian American Advisory Council.

            Joining Quinn will be Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and the Honorable Adlai Stevenson, former U.S. Senator and Chairman of the Japan American Society of Chicago.

His Imperial Majesty Akihito was born at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on December 23, 1933.

The Japan Information Center (JIC) is the educational and cultural branch of the Consulate General of Japan at Chicago.  Established in 1978, the JIC is dedicated to promoting knowledge of Japan in the four-state area of Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Quinn conducted the first Asian American Advisory Council last July in Chicago and was joined by many prominent figures from the Japanese American community, including Jean Fujiu, Executive Director of the Japanese American Service Committee; Lynn Oda, Board member of the Japanese American Service Committee; and Bill Yoshino, Midwest Director of the Japanese American Citizens League-Chicago Chapter.

Just recently, Quinn addressed a conference held by the Japanese External Trade Organization (JETRO) to discuss trade opportunities between Japan and the State of Illinois.