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 [...]
The Japan America Society of Oregon (JASO) recently announced the date of its annual summer beer garden event. This year, the beer party will take place on Friday, July 16 from 7PM - 9PM. In an abundance of caution related to the COVID pandemic, this year's event will again be held entirely on-line, with a number of speakers, virtual [...]
Recently, Oregon Fruit Products, a Hokusei North America partner company, announced its release of a new dragon fruit aseptic puree for fermentation. Because of its natural mild sweetness and light fruitiness, dragon fruit puree can be used to balance the use of other fruits that have relatively sweet or acidic flavor profiles. And, because the dragon fruit puree offers up [...]
On June 9, the Hokusei North America team will take part in an online event hosted by Prosper Portland, the City of Portland's economic and urban development agency. Entitled, "Food & Beverage B2B Pitch & Networking", the event aims to help food & beverage businesses promote their businesses and products, expand their network of buyers and peers, and increase domestic [...]
As a special beer for Valentine’s Day this year, Hitachino Nest, one of the best-known craft beer brands in Japan, released its “Chocolate Beer Ale”. What makes this beer so special to us at Hokusei North America is that this beer use not only one, but three 100% fruit purees from Oregon Fruit Products (OFP), that we export to Japan. [...]
Due to a sudden steep upturn in the number of COVID-19 cases and related hospitalizations, Multnomah County (Portland’s county) and 14 other Oregon counties recently moved into the COVID-19 “Extreme Risk” category. This classification went into effect on April 30, and will last at least until May 6. […]