After a much subdued Christmas season in 2020, Christmas-related activities in Portland are mostly back this year. Here are some of the Christmas-related event and sights in our town that we recommend to visitors and local residents alike: The Pioneer Square Christmas Tree (it's huge!) Brewlights: An adult-only event to enjoy the thousands and thousands of lights at the Oregon [...]
Reflecting its growing relationship with Oregon Fruit Products, Hokusei North America recently sent another major shipment of fruit puree to Japan. As was the case in September, this puree is destined for use by Japanese craft beer brewers, to be used to make fruited beers. Over the last few years, fruited beers (beer using some kind of fruit as an [...]
With the goal of strengthening the Oregon-Toyama sister state relationship, Oregon Governor Kate Brown and Toyama Governor Hachiro Nitta held a video conference call on November 4, 2021. During the meeting the governors discussed a number of bilateral points of interest and focus, including the promotion of educational exchange programs between the two regions. During the same video conference, Governor [...]
On October 15, Hokusei North American and its parent company, Hokusei Products hosted an online tour of the Cycle Dog facility in Portland, Ore. The purpose of the event was to introduce Cycle Dog to consumers living in Japan. Given that Hokusei imports Cycle Dog's products into Japan, we wanted to share its unique, sustainable approach of using recycled materials [...]
On Wednesday, Oct 20, Hokusei North America and its parent company Hokusei Products, hosted an online seminar aimed at Japanese craft beer brewers. The objectives of the event, which was attended by nearly 50 people, was to share the latest beer trends in Portland / Oregon, as well as provide details about Oregon Fruit Products' purees. The virtual event was [...]
On November 17, Prosper Portland, Business Oregon, and a number of other organizations are hosting a Metals and Composites Manufacturing B2B Networking Program. The purpose of this online event is to create an opportunity for manufacturers, sellers, and distributors to connect, and ideally lead to business relationships in this industry space. Although Hokusei North America primarily focuses on trade of [...]
Earlier this month, Hokusei North America sent to Japan the biggest shipment of fruit puree to date. The puree was produced by Oregon Fruit Products, one of the leading puree makers in the country, and a long-time Hokusei business partner. Specifically, the puree is aseptic, which means that it will not spoil and can be stored at room temperature. The [...]
2021 marks the 30th year of the sister state relationship between the State of Oregon and Toyama Prefecture in Japan. Over the years, this relationship has been celebrated by high-visibility events, such as trade missions and visits by state/prefectural governors. However, the relationship between Oregon and Toyama has recently been strengthened by the actions of "ordinary" people -- current [...]
Earlier this month, the on-line version of the well-known Japanese magazine "Friday" featured an article about The Obon Society. A non-profit organization located in Astoria, Oregon, The Obon Society has for years been creating an incredibly unique bridge between Oregon and Japan. Specifically, The Obon Society's mission is to collect Japanese flags that were autographed by friends and family and [...]
Over the years, Hokusei has had a long relationship with Cycle Dog, a Portland-based manufacturer of dog supplies (leashes, collars, toys, etc.) made from recycled materials. Cycle Dog was started by Lanette Fidrych, a fitness buff and dog lover who originally got the idea for her company when she realized how many old/used bicycle inner tubes were turned into landfill. [...]