Hiroshi Yamaguchi travels Florida to make his vision of strengthened Asian commercial links a reality
Now on his second tour at Miami's Consulate General of Japan, this time in the top position, Hiroshi Yamaguchi brings an Asian perspective to the city's role as a hub of global trade. His undertaking: While everyone knows Miami is a hub between North and Latin America, what fewer people realize is that it can easily be a hub between Asia and Latin America as well.
The prospect of prominent Asian companies starting or expanding existing operations here — and the opportunities it can open for Florida businesses — is a vision he carries with a passion as he crisscrosses the diverse state the consulate serves.
In his travels, the lifelong violin player is popular not only among business groups, but among fans of Japanese animated features (anime), where he has developed a loyal following as a composer of film scores.
Mr. Yamaguchi is as well-traveled internationally as he is within Florida. The career diplomat has served his country in New Zealand, Israel, Greece, Mexico, El Salvador and the Caribbean. He returned to Miami last year as consul general after serving as deputy consul general in Miami from 1999 to 2001.
From his 32nd floor office in the Brickell Bayview Centre, Mr. Yamaguchi notes the changes in Miami's skyline and observes that while such development is exciting, his own country offers cautionary lessons of what can happen when a banking and building boom goes bust.
He discussed the Japan-Florida economic relationship with Miami Today staff writer Wayne Tompkins.
This is an excerpt from the weekly profile article published in Miami Today. To read the entire article in full, order this issue or subscribe to the print edition of Miami Today. |
Top 
Front
Page