Mio Maeda, Japan’s Consul General in Atlanta, is set to leave his post at the end of September after three notable years that witnessed significant commemorations of the Georgia-Japan relationship.
Maeda assumed office in October 2022, just as pandemic-related restrictions were easing and local communities began to embrace live events once again.
This transition coincided with multiple 50th anniversary celebrations in 2023, an era during which Maeda often found himself as the honored guest.
In October 2023, a year into his diplomatic tenure, Maeda returned to Japan to attend the Southeast U.S. Japan alliance conference in Tokyo.
This event was closely followed by a reception marking the 50th anniversary of the Georgia office in Japan.
In 2024, the consulate in Atlanta will celebrate its golden jubilee with a series of events, including a dinner hosted at Maeda’s residence showcasing Japanese products.
During this event, the consul general awarded former Governor Nathan Deal with the Order of the Rising Sun in recognition of his contributions to fostering Japan-U.S. relations.
Current Governor Brian Kemp also acknowledged Maeda’s efforts during Japan Day at the Capitol, an annual celebration organized by the state’s Georgia-Japan Legislative Caucus.
The consulate’s opening 50 years ago marked the beginning of strong Japanese investments in Georgia, notably from companies such as Murata and the zipper manufacturer YKK, with both still operating today.
Aflac Inc., a Georgia-based company, has also been active in Japan for half a century, demonstrating the reciprocal nature of the partnership.
Maeda recently unveiled a commemorative sign at the Atlanta Botanical Garden which marks the 50th anniversary of the consulate’s gift of cherry trees along Piedmont Avenue.
This tree planting initiative took place during the administration of then-Governor Jimmy Carter, who maintained a close relationship with Japan throughout his presidency and post-presidential endeavors.
Carter’s bond with Japan is further exemplified by the Peace Bell project at The Carter Center.
Although Maeda arrived soon after the bell’s installation, he strengthened this relationship through multiple engagements, including a bell-ringing ceremony that coincided with a special edition of Global Atlanta’s Consular Conversations series held on-site.
Additionally, Maeda traveled with a Georgia delegation to Konu, a district of Miyoshi city in Hiroshima prefecture, where the bell originated.
In a farewell letter to the consulate’s contacts and supporters, Maeda expressed his gratitude for the backing he received during his time in the position.
Despite initial nerves about leading a mission in the U.S., he reflected on his three years in the Southeast as one of the most rewarding periods of his diplomatic career.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for the strong support, fruitful collaboration, warm kindness, and heartfelt friendship you extended,” he wrote.
After his departure, Maeda will be seconded to other agencies within the Japanese government for approximately a year before potentially taking up a new posting abroad.
A successor is expected to assume the Atlanta position in mid-October, right before the upcoming SEUS-Japan conference in Tokyo.
In celebration of the community ties, Maeda participated in the Atlanta Braves’ Japan Community Night, where he made the ceremonial “Play Ball” call.
image source from：globalatlanta
