During the current coronavirus pandemic, it can often be difficult to stay in touch with our friends and business connections that are located locally, let alone with those found far away. This can especially be true in the case of maintaining multi-cultural/national networks, where language, cultural, and time zone differences can sometime be a challenge, even during "normal" times. Luckily, [...]
Hokusei North America works with a number of suppliers and partners in the Portland area, all of which have no doubt been adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. This has forced our partners to adapt in many ways, including limiting operations and making staff changes. That said, one of our trading partners, Allport Editions, is doing an excellent job of [...]
Earlier this month, we learned with great sadness that Portland Japanese Garden announced that it will be closed indefinitely, due to the corona virus outbreak. As Portlanders, we at Hokusei North America hold a special place in our hearts for the Japanese Garden -- it is a source of beauty, tranquility, and cultural learning that will be missed sorely. Just [...]
During the current health crisis, it's important to take time out to take notice the wonderful things around us. One of those such things is the beauty of cherry blossoms that return each Spring to Portland. One of the best places to view cherry blossoms is Tom McCall Park, on the west bank of the Willamette River that flows through [...]
Recently, the outbreak of the corona virus has raised concerns for the health & safety of populations on both side of the Pacific. Here at Hokusei North America, we are continuing our normal operations, while monitoring any potential guidance issued by governmental bodies in the U.S., Japan, and Oregon. Should there be any changes to our operations, we will [...]
We are following up last month's news post with another one about beer (a favorite topic of ours). Zwickwemania is an Oregon craft beer event that will take place in Portland this year on Saturday, Feb 15. Now in its 12th year, Zwickwemania is essentially a "brewery open house" event, when hundreds of breweries around the state of Oregon open [...]
For years, Japanese consumers have enjoyed Oregon beers exported to Japan, and have often come to Oregon to drink craft beer "at the source". At the same time, various Japanese and Oregon brewers have made a number of friendships, resulting in working together on various beer-related projects. To strengthen the beer bond between Japan and Oregon, the "Fuji to [...]
2019 was a busy year for us at Hokusei North America. During the last 12 months, we have had the pleasure of starting new business relationships and the honor of continuing to serve existing partners. We've seen our business extend its growth and have worked with increased the number of partners with whom we've worked. It has been a pleasure [...]
During the month of December, there are a number of events held in Portland to celebrate the Holiday Season. Some of the best know Portland Christmas activities include the lighting of the massive Christmas Tree in Pioneer Square, the Christmas Ship Parade, Zoo Lights, The Festival of Lights at the Portland Grotto, and visiting Peacock Lane. However, perhaps one of [...]
During the Holiday Season, the Portland Japanese Garden will host koto harp concerts for garden visitors. For those unfamiliar with a koto, it is a thirteen-string plucked zither, introduced to Japan from China through the Korean Peninsula in the 7th century. The koto creates a beautiful sound unlike any other. These concerts offer a rare opportunity to listen to the [...]