June 30 - Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy visited Tokyo June 24-26 for discussions with representatives from the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other parts of the government, Diet members from across the political spectrum, and defense analysts. She paid a courtesy call on Minister of Defense Yasukazu Hamada (pictured). In a roundtable with Japanese media, she described her consultations as "a testament to the importance that the United States ascribes to our alliance with Japan and our commitment to consult broadly and deeply on a broad range of issues."

June 29 - Earlier this month, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, in her statement in recognition of Gay and Lesbian Pride Month 2009, urged advancement of "a comprehensive human rights agenda that includes the elimination of violence and discrimination against people based on sexual orientation or gender identity." On June 18 in Washington, Secretary Clinton announced that the Department of State "is extending the full range of legally available benefits and allowances to same-sex domestic partners of members of the Foreign Service sent to serve abroad." On July 20, the Tokyo American Center will participate in a seminar on same-sex marriage hosted by the Embassy of Sweden in Tokyo.

June 25 - The White House Office of the Press Secretary issued a press release on June 24 stating that the nomination of John Victor Roos of California to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Japan was sent to the Senate.

June 24 - Embassy officer Deanna Ayala demonstrated baking American-style homemade cookies with her daughter in an interview taped for the "Asahi Pop 'n' Press" show aimed at introducing Japanese young people to English-speaking cultures. The episode will be aired on June 27 on Hokuriku Asahi Hoso and on Asahi Newstar on July 4. Find out more about American food and food culture, in Japanese, at www.myfood.jp.

June 23 - In a statement released on June 20, World Refugee Day 2009, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton pointed out the fortitude and spirit of refugees, saying, "On this World Refugee Day, I urge all of us to seek ways large and small to support the millions of people around the world who hold the same dreams we do - whose strength and courage are unsurpassed - but who have been dislocated by crises beyond their control and are now hoping that the world will remember them and continue to fight on their behalf for a better future."

June 22 - Charge d'Affaires James P. Zumwalt recognized Chef Nobu Matsuhisa as an "Honorary U.S. Food Ambassador" to Japan on June 19 at a ceremony at the Ambassador's residence. Chef Matsuhisa was honored for being "one of the top creative minds in the American food scene for many years, with a unique ability to create a special connection between American and Japanese cuisine." Following the presentation, Chef Matsuhisa unveiled a special American Independence Day menu inspired by the Obama White House where First Lady Michelle Obama has made healthy eating and food education an integral part of her public outreach efforts. More about American food culture

June 19 - In cooperation with the Japan Association for Refugees, the Embassy hosted a Refugee Workshop on June 12 for Asian and Japanese NGOs, international organizations, and guests from the government of Japan. With approximately one half of all refugees worldwide from Asian countries, the goal of the workshop was to help lay the groundwork for closer cooperation between Asian governments and Asian civil society for a proactive regional solution. Adam Zerbinopoulos, Deputy Refugee Coordinator from U.S. Embassy Bangkok, and Christine Petrie, Deputy Director of the International Rescue Committee, detailed U.S efforts at refugee resettlement. The State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration provides aid and sustainable solutions for refugees.

June 18 - The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution (H.Res.479) on June 15 honoring the contributions of Takamiyama Daigoro to sumo and to U.S.-Japan relations. A press release from Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), who introduced the bill, notes Hawaiian-born Takamiyama's "trailblazing career in the one of the world's most tradition-rich sports as he begins his retirement."

• H.Res.479 text on non-governmental "Govtrack" site

June 18 - The Democracy Video Challenge announced six winners on June 16. Online voters selected a winner from each region of the world (the Western Hemisphere, Europe, Middle East, Africa, South and Central Asia and East Asia) from over 900 submissions representing 95 countries. The winners are: Chansa Tembo (Zambia), Aissa Peñafiel (Philippines), Lukasz Szozda (Poland), Tsering Choden (Nepal), Rodin Hamidi (UAE) and Anna Israel (Brazil).

View the winning videos on YouTube

June 17 - In her remarks at the June 16 release of the State Department's 2009 Trafficking in Persons Report, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke about the broad global impact of trafficking: "It weakens legitimate economies, fuels violence, threatens public health and safety, shatters families, and shreds the social fabric that is necessary for progress. And it is an affront to our basic values and our fundamental belief that all people everywhere deserve to live and work in safety and dignity."

June 16 - Special Envoy for Climate Change Todd Stern held a briefing on June 12 in Washington, DC about the U.S. delegation's June 7-10 trip to China to discuss climate and energy issues, noting that the "world cannot contain climate change and cannot avoid dangerous levels of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere without very significant action by China." [Video]

June 15 " The United States welcomes the unanimous adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1874, which provides a strong and united international response to North Korea's test of a nuclear device. UN Ambassador Susan Rice said in a June 12 White House press briefing with Press Secretary Robert Gibbs that the resolution "will cause the sanctions regime on North Korea to be strengthened in five critical areas."

• Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Rosemary DiCarlo, U.S. Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs
• North Korea Sanctions: Resolution 1718 Versus Resolution 1874 fact sheet, State Department Office of the Spokesman

June 12 - In his testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington, DC on June 11, Special Representative for North Korea Policy Ambassador Stephen W. Bosworth reviewed the United States' four-pronged strategy to meet the challenge of North Korea’s recent actions: "close regional consultation and cooperation, UN and national sanctions, appropriate defensive measures and, if North Korea shows serious willingness, diplomatic engagement to negotiate a path to denuclearization."

June 11 - President Obama's nominee to be Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Dr. Kurt M. Campbell, made a statement before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on June 10 in Washington, DC. Dr. Campbell, noting that his "first interactions in Asia were as a naval officer serving in Yokosuka, Japan," went on to say: "Japan is a cornerstone of our security policy in Asia. The May 2006 agreement on defense transformation and realignment will enhance deterrence while creating a more sustainable military presence in the region. The Guam International Agreement, signed by Secretary Clinton during her February trip, carries this transformation to the next stage."

June 11 - Highlighting the "close cooperation of the United States, the Republic of Korea, Japan, China, and Russia as we work together towards the common goal of a denuclearized Korean Peninsula," Special Representative for North Korea Policy Ambassador Stephen W. Bosworth laid out "a vision for a Northeast Asia that is at once peaceful, prosperous, cooperative, and secure" in his remarks at the Korea Society Annual Dinner in Washington, DC on June 9.

June 10 - Embassy officer Bart Cobbs discussed NASA and space travel in an interview taped for the "Asahi Pop 'n' Press" show aimed at introducing Japanese young people to English-speaking cultures. The episode will be aired on Hokuriku Asahi Hoso on June 13 and on Asahi Newstar on June 20.

June 10 - Embassy officer Michael Quinlan discussed Hawaiian culture, including music, food, and dance, in an interview taped for the "Asahi Pop 'n' Press" show aimed at introducing Japanese young people to English-speaking cultures. The episode will be aired on June 13 on Asahi Newstar.

June 5 - Embassy officer Jamie Roane talked about President Obama and the American flag in an interview taped for the "Asahi Pop 'n' Press" show aimed at introducing Japanese young people to English-speaking cultures. The episode will be aired on June 6 on Asahi Newstar.

June 5 - Watch or read the President's speech in Cairo on America's relationship with Muslim communities around the world:

• White House Blog and Video
• Transcript

June 4 - In a speech today in Cairo, Egypt (7:10 p.m. Tokyo time), President Barack Obama will outline his personal commitment to engagement with the Muslim world, based upon mutual interests and mutual respect. The speech will be held at Cairo University and jointly hosted by Al Azhar University in Cairo, one of the oldest universities in the region, underscoring the storied history and learnedness of Islam. According to White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs' May 29 preview, President Obama "will discuss how the United States and Muslim communities around the world can bridge some of the differences that have divided them. He will review particular issues of concern, such as violent extremism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. And he will discuss new areas for partnership going forward that serve the mutual interests of our people."

• Whitehouse.gov live streaming
• White House blog, "The President in the Middle East"
• America.gov webcast via America.gov (sign in to participate)
• America.gov article: "Obama Seeks Enhanced Engagement with the Middle East, Europe"
• Voice of America article and interviews with Muslims around the world in advance of the President’s speech
• America.gov book: "Being Muslim in America"

June 3 - President Barack Obama made remarks on the restructuring of General Motors on June 1 in Washington. He said, "So I'm confident that the steps I'm announcing today will mark the end of an old GM, and the beginning of a new GM; a new GM that can produce the high-quality, safe, and fuel-efficient cars of tomorrow; that can lead America towards an energy independent future; and that is once more a symbol of America's success."

• White House blog with link to video
• White House Fact Sheet

June 3 - After leading the Department of State delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Deputy Secretary of State James B. Steinberg traveled to Tokyo (May 31-June 2) for consultations with senior Japanese officials, including Vice Foreign Minister Mitoji Yabunaka (pictured), on a range of bilateral, regional, and international issues.

• June 1 Joint Press Availability with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Mitoji Yabunaka
• June 2 Remarks to the Media Following Meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso