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. [...]
Crystal Dunn After a year delay, the Summer Olympics are being held in Tokyo over the next two weeks. There are of course many COVID-related concerns about such a large-scale event being held, and we hope that the precautions being taken will keep cases to an absolute minimum. Attending and competing in the Olympics will be a number [...]
As our friends, families, and colleagues all know, Portland and areas all across Oregon are experiencing a record-breaking heat wave. Previously unimaginable temperatures of 110 degrees and higher are being felt throughout the region, forcing many businesses and public services to close early or shut down completely. At Hokusei North America, we'll still be working, but will be smart about [...]