With a population of roughly 2.3 million people, Nagoya is the fourth-largest city in Japan. Nevertheless, the U.S. government is planning to close its consulate in Nagoya, according to a report from Reuters citing sources who spoke under condition of anonymity. Shutting down the Nagoya consulate would leave the full embassy in Tokyo and and the consulate in Osaka as the nearest alternatives, both of which are roughly and hour and a half away from Nagoya by Shinkansen, and even lengthier trips by more affordable modes of transportation. Closing the Nagoya consulate would not likely have an immediate or significant impact on the lives of most American citizens living in the area, however. As such, the Nagoya consulate’s role is more diplomatic liaison than service provider, facilitating cultural exchange and establishing ties with local educational, scientific, and business organizations.