2013 TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program

Executive Summary
The TOMODACHI Initiative sincerely thanks Mitsui & Co., Ltd. for the opportunity to develop an
innovative U.S.-Japan leadership program that inspires, motivates, and engages a diverse set ofyoung professional leaders in the U.S.-Japan relationship. This program set out to recruit participants
for whom this could potentially be a transformative experience. We sought out young professionals
from areas across the United States and Japan and fields that did not necessarily have strong U.S.Japan exchange opportunities. We focused on young professionals (under 35, generally), with various
level of experience with U.S.-Japan relations, each selected for their leadership potential and their
passion to learn more about the relationship. We recruited both men and women, and we set an
additional challenge of strong English language skills for the Japanese participants. This may havebeen very ambitious criteria, but we were thrilled by the quality and energy of both delegations. We
have been impressed by the impact we’ve already seen for many of the participants. We look forward
to building on Year One of the program over the next two years to continue to improve the program,and to build a network of young leaders across our two countries.
Program Overview
The TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program is designed to inspire and motivate the next
generation of young American and Japanese leaders to be active in U.S.-Japan relations.
This bicultural experience provides outstanding young professionals with unique access to leaders andcounterparts in the U.S.-Japan arena, along with the opportunity to broaden their perspectives in ways

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that could enhance their work or support initiatives in their professional fields.
Generously funded by Mitsui & Co., Ltd., the TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program is one of
the TOMODACHI Initiative’s first to expand participation outside of the Tohoku region (although
Fukushima Prefecture was included to ensure that the link to Tohoku was not lost). One of the mostdistinct characteristics was our emphasis on geographic diversity through targeted recruiting inlocations outside of the capitals. U.S. participants hailed from Chicago, Detroit, Honolulu, San Jose,and Seattle; Japanese joined from Fukushima, Hiroshima, Okinawa, Saga, and Shizuoka prefectures.
Geographic diversity serves to bring new leaders into the relationship, and also to allow the
professional connections and lessons from the program to be shared in ways that can directly
contribute to local and regional economies, while providing participants opportunities to explore topics
more relevant to their work to support local and regional economies. Additionally, the delegations
visited one participating prefecture (Hiroshima) and city (Seattle) during their visits to ensure their
exposure went beyond the capitals. This geographic diversity was something the U.S. Embassy
leadership strongly felt was missing in the U.S.-Japan relationship, and builds on broader efforts by the
U.S.-Japan Council to strengthen U.S.-Japan connections at these regional levels.
The Year One program was designed around a theme of, “Trade and Economic Adjustment” and given
the timely upturn in the Japanese economy, we further defined this theme adding the title, “The Case
for Japan’s Turnaround in 2013” for the American Delegation’s trip to Japan and developed the lineupof speakers and events supporting this theme. In the United States, we leveraged destination
strengths and focused on speakers from the business sector in Seattle, and government inWashington D.C.
Given the fact that program participants are leaders and professionals active in their respective fields,
to keep them motivated and engaged, conscious efforts were made to develop schedules and meeting
agendas using the following guidelines:
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select and advise participating speakers that our groups thrive on dialogue versus sitting andlistening to speeches;
limit presentations to 90 minutes with at least 30 minutes allocated for Q&A;
find balance of presentations representing government and business sectors;
listen to delegate feedback during orientation about topics they were most interested during
their upcoming trips; and,add complementing cultural activities that encourage networking and bonding amongst
participants and guests in informal settings.

Over the course of the program, American and Japanese delegations met with specialists in their fields
as well as top and up-and coming government and business leaders. This allowed for engaging
discussions on areas including trade, energy, infrastructure, and technology areas of U.S.-Japan
cooperation. Both delegations also enjoyed a number of cultural activities to increase theirappreciation for the other country, and to ensure a truly memorable visit. Perhaps most importantly,
the program’s design allowed participants developed a close connection with fellow delegates,
establishing new relationships, broadening professional networks, and connecting with peers withshared values and interests—especially within their own delegation.
We have already seen direct outcomes in terms of new professional opportunities for someparticipants; at the U.S.-Japan Council’s October 4, 2013 Annual Conference, one participant spoke ona leadership panel and explained to the audience that she attributes a recent job promotion to theexperience she had on the delegation; when she visited Japan later on a work-related trip, anotherparticipant reconnected with professional contacts in Japan forged during the program; and one of theJapanese participants has begun networking for a new job more closely related to U.S.-Japan
relations. Our three Seattle delegates were also very helpful in setting up the schedule and hosting theJapanese delegation when they visited Seattle. Two of the American participants also joined theJapanese delegation for their meetings in Washington, DC. Three delegates from Saga conducted a
program to share their lessons with their government colleagues. This event was held on October 18,

2and 30 staff members, including the Governor, joined. After listening to the session, the Governor
expressed his appreciation to the three delegates for participating and he emphasized the importanceof U.S.-Japan relations.

Presentation by Saga Prefecture delegates

Governor Yasushi Furukawa addresses the group

We are confident that the more we empower these young leaders, the more they will build on thisexperience in ways such as above. Here are some of their comments:“I am very impressed by the level of organization and planning that went into the TOMODACHI-Mitsui& Co. Leadership Program. Passionate about U.S.-Japan relations, we all want to continue
contributing to the TOMODACHI Initiative and through this program, creating real change.” Kay
Fukunaga“The TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program has a lot of potential and I commend
TOMODACHI, the U.S.-Japan Council, and Mitsui & Company on having the foresight to invest in thistype of program.” Neepaporn ‘A’ Boungiakatha“My life has changed forever thanks to the people I’ve met as a result of the TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co.
Leadership Program!” Asuka Jenkins“A lot of people I’ve spoken to about the TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program are very
interested in applying next year!” Mariko Saigo“I hope we are able to continue the dialogue with our Japanese counterparts and future delegations
and propose organizing a summit after three years with the first three groups of American andJapanese delegations. In this way, the network expands dramatically and offers a new forum forreviewing and discussing current and future challenges.” John Holman

3Meet the American Delegation
Following their two-day orientation program in Los Angeles, the American delegation traveled toHiroshima and Tokyo on July 27 - August 3.

Orientation at the Japanese Ameircan National Museum

Dinner recpetion hosted by Consul General Jun Niimi

Meet the Japanese Delegation
Following their orientation program in Tokyo on August 2-3, the Japanese delegation traveled to
Seattle, Washington and Washington D.C. on September 8-16.

Orientation in Tokyo on August 2-3

Dinner reception at DCM Kurt Tong’s residence

The Exchange Visits
Los Angeles (June 6-7)
USJC President Irene Hirano Inouye led the orientation, which was held in Los Angeles, California at
the Japanese American National Museum. The venue offered an opportunity to touch on the history ofJapanese-Americans in the United States and their many contributions to U.S.-Japan relations as an
example of the value of diversity in the relationship. Held over two days (Attachment C), the program
served to provide updates and views by specialists on current economic and trade issues in Japan aswell as a general introduction to culture awareness as a number of delegates would be traveling toJapan for the first time.

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Hiroshima (July 27 – 30)
Wet weather during the first full day dedicated to cultural activities in Hiroshima could not dampen thespirits of the visiting American delegation. Monday, the first official day of activities launched bymeeting with Hiroshima Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki, followed by business presentations and tours at
Mazda, Mitsubishi Electric Smart Meter Factory, and Chugoku Electric Mega Solar (Attachment D lists
the full schedule). A tour and business strategy presentation the next day by the owners of the
Kamoizumi Sake Brewery was an example of a Japanese company successfully expanding businessin the United States.

Miyajima Island

Itsukushikma Shrine

Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki

Mazda Factory

Mitsubishi Electric Smart Meter Factory5Tokyo (July 30 – August 3)
Speakers and activities in Tokyo began with an interactive general briefing on bilateral relations incollaboration with four sections in the U.S.-Embassy – Tokyo and ended three days later on Friday,ndAugust 2 with a dinner reception hosted by Kurt Tong, Deputy Chief of Mission – Embassy of theUnited States – Tokyo, at his residence attended by nearly 100 participants and guests.

U.S. Embassy – Tokyo

Yusei Higaki, Project Manager – Green Technology
TOYOTA Motors Corporation

Rakugo Artist Shinoharu Tatekawa

ACCJ – Women in Business Committee

Jesper Koll, Japan Director of Research – J.P. Morgan

Tatsuo Nishimoto, Deputy GM Mitsubishi Real Estate
Urban Renewal Project: Otemachi-Marunouchi-Yurakucho

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nd

Friday, August 2 was also the first day of the Japanese delegation’s orientation program and firstopportunity for both delegations to meet followed by joint activities all afternoon and evening. Theirorientation program (Attachment E) ended the next day with presentations on current economic andpolitical issues in the United States presented by two Japanese experts on U.S.-Japan relations.

Kenichi Hori, GM of Corporate Planning & Strategy
Mitsui & Company

Mio Yamaguchi, Manager of Strategic Planning,
Energy Business Unit - Mitsui & Company

Group shot at Mitsui & Company HDQ

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Dinner reception at Kurt Tong’s residence
Sake sommelier Carlin Kumada marketing sake from eachof the 5 prefectures

Big thank you to DCM Kurt Tong andJohn Nylin, Senior Advisor to former Ambassador John Roos

Naoyuki Agawa, Faculty of Policy Management
Keio University

Nobuo Yoneyama, President
Nissin Global Corporation

Seattle (September 8 – 11)
The Japanese delegation arrived in Seattle and began a full two-days’ of engagement withspeakers/organizations focused on the business sectors (Attachment F). They were joined by threemembers of the American delegation at an informal reception attended by special guests including
Senior Consul Tomoko Dodo – Consulate General of Japan.

U.S. Commercial Services and Trade Development Alliance

Washington Interactive Network

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Dreamlining at the Boeing factory

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Thank you to the Seattle Mariners’ baseball organization for the complimentary stadium suites

Washington D.C. (September 11 – 15)
Activities in Washington D.C. began with a breakfast meeting facilitated by Irene Hirano Inouye,
President – U.S.-Japan Council, attended by USJC leadership and two counterpart American
delegates. After two full days of meetings with a range of high-level specialists with extensive
knowledge and experience in U.S.-Japan relations that included amongst others, Richard Armitage
former U.S. Ambassador – Japan and Richard Danzig, Vice Chair, Board of Trustees – Rand
Corporation, the Japanese delegates ended their week with a dinner reception graciously hosted by
Minister Hideaki Mizukoshi.

9Meeting the U.S.-Japan leadership and staff

Former U.S. Ambassador Richard Armitage

Japanese delegation’s last day in Washington D.C.

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Joining hands in commitment to U.S.- Japan bicultural exchange

Finally, there are many individuals and organizations that should be recognized for their support of thisprogram. First and foremost, we appreciate the support, commitment, and involvement of Mr. Sachio
Kobayashi, as well as the wonderful introductions and suggestions from Ms. Yumi Yamaguchi, both of Mitsui& Co., Ltd. We also particularly recognize the staff at the U.S. Embassies and Consulates in Japan and eachof the five prefectural government offices for their help with recruitment in Japan; the Hiroshima Prefectural
Government Foreign Business Division and International Affairs Division for helping us develop the scheduleand agenda in Hiroshima; Mitsui USA in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Washington D.C., and the Trade
Development Office of Greater Seattle for their support of our schedule in Seattle. Finally, we are grateful tothe energetic and engaged delegates from Japan and the United States, whose enthusiasm and passion
inspire us as we continue to build on this excellent program.

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TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program
American Delegation

ROBERT CORDER (Chicago, IL)
Business Development Project Coordinator
Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
Robert Corder holds a BA in International Relations focusing on Japan from
American University in Washington, DC. From 2003-2006, Robertparticipated in the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, where hetaught high school English in Fukuoka prefecture. In 2007, he joined theJapan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Japanese government’s
economic development agency. JETRO’s mission is to promote trade &investment between Japan and the rest of the world. At JETRO, Robert
works with American companies as they expand and grow their business inJapan as well as Japanese companies seeking to do business in the US.
Robert assists companies in a wide range of industries, including automotive & advanced
manufacturing, medical devices & biotechnology, clean/green technology, retail and business services.
In addition, Robert is the president of Chicago’s JET Program Alumni Association (JETAA Chicago)
and an active member in the Japan America Society of Chicago (JASC).

NAOMI HATTORI (Chicago, IL)
Tourism Sales Manager
Choose Chicago
Naomi Hattori is a tourism sales manager at Choose Chicago, where sheoverseas Chicago’s tourism sales and marketing efforts in Japan and
China. Prior to joining Chicago’s convention and tourism bureau, Ms.
Hattori served as a communications and international program manager at
Chicago Sister Cities International (CSCI). In this role, she managed
cultural programming and professional exchanges between Chicago and
its Sister Cities of Osaka, Japan, Shanghai and Shenyang, China andBusan, Korea. Ms. Hattori has lived and worked abroad in both China andThailand. She is proficient in Mandarin Chinese and Thai and is currently
learning Japanese. Ms. Hattori holds a B.A. in psychology from Carleton
College.

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ANDREA NICHOLS (Clarkston, MI)
Global Sales Manager
Android Industries, LLC
Andrea Nichols works for Android Industries, an automotive assembly
integrator and global supply chain manager headquartered in Auburn Hills,
Michigan - USA. She is Android’s Global Sales Manager for tire and wheel
technology and assembly. Andrea is focused on diversifying Android’s
customer base, seeking growth opportunities in global markets. She iscurrently working with Japanese automakers in North America, including
Toyota, Subaru, and Nissan, to introduce Android’s tire and wheel
technology and innovation as a new business solution for these potential customers. She has
specifically focused on new business development in North America and Europe, and is beginning of
the process for growth in Asia Pacific. Andrea graduated from Miami University with degrees inInternational Relations and Spanish. She also studied at La Universidad Complutense de Madrid andat Parsons Paris.

ANTHONY L. RAY (Novi, MI)
Attorney
Ray Law International, P.C.
Anthony L. Ray was born in Detroit, Michigan. He attended the Universityof Michigan where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Japanese. Aftercompleting his degree, he had the opportunity to live and work in Japan for
two years. Thereafter, he attained his Juris Doctor’s degree from theWayne State University Law School in Detroit, Michigan. During his legal
studies, he participated in an internship with a Japanese company in Tokyo,
Japan.
Mr. Ray has extensive experience in the area of Immigration Law. He has
well over a decade of experience working with corporations, professionals, and families to meet theirimmigration needs and goals both here in the United States and abroad.

JOHN HOLMAN (Honolulu, HI)
Director, Pacific
U.S. Commercial Service, U. S. Department of Commerce
John Holman currently serves as the Director of the Pacific for the U.S.
Commercial Service, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce. In
this capacity, John manages the Hawaii Export Assistance Center in
downtown Honolulu. The mission of the Commercial Service is to assist
companies in selling their products or services in international markets.
Prior to his current position in Honolulu, John served as a Senior
International Trade Specialist at Commerce headquarters in Washington
D.C. John has also served overseas as a Foreign Service Officer on
temporary assignments in Beijing, China and Singapore.
John joined the Department after completing his Masters of Business
Administration (MBA) at San Diego State University. While at SDSU, John established a study abroad
program in Melbourne, Australia. He graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University with a
Bachelor's degree in Business and Psychology.

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KAY FUKUNAGA (Honolulu, HI)
Director of Hawaiʻi State Affairs
NextEra Energy Hawaiʻi
Kay Fukunaga is the Director of Hawai‘i State Affairs for NextEra Energy, aleading provider of clean energy. In this capacity, Kay is focused on
developing renewable energy resources and transmission solutions. Kay
previously evaluated venture capital and private equity investments in energy,
and prior to that, worked as a valuation specialist in high profile antitrust andintellectual property disputes. Kay’s pro bono projects have included
assisting with a United Nations exhibit, the Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation Summit, and U.S. bilateral trade relations. She serves on the
Board of Governors of the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council, the Investment
Board of Punawai ‘O Pu‘uhonua, a collaborative new markets tax credits program aimed at
encouraging investment in underprivileged communities especially in the areas of renewable energy
and agriculture, the Steering Committee for the U.S.-Japan Council’s Clean Tech Strategic Working
Group, and the Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of Hawai‘i where she will be focused on
environmental sustainability initiatives. In 2011, Kay was selected as a member of the 13th class ofPacific Century Fellows, Hawai‘i’s version of the White House Fellows Program. In 2012, Pacific
Business News named Kay one of 40 outstanding business leaders under the age of 40. Kay holds an
MBA from the Harvard Business School, and an undergraduate degree in Economics and English withhonors from Dartmouth College.

JOSHUA KAGAN (San Francisco, CA)
Global Operation Lead – Energy Efficiency
Carbon War Room
Joshua Kagan is the Carbon War Room's Global Operation Leadfor energy efficiency in the built environment. Joshua manages a teamfocused on developing and implementing large-scale energy efficiency
transactions in global cities like Washington DC, London, Vilnius,
Melbourne and Singapore. Prior to the War Room, Joshua was a Senior
Analyst with the clean tech investment firm Atlas Capital Investments
and a Fellow with the Prometheus Institute for Sustainable
Development. Joshua also co-founded The NOW Project – a social
enterprise that created organic apparel and accessory products andutilized the proceeds to fund yoga classes for at-risk teens in publicschools in southern California. Joshua has consulted for Gerson Lehrman Group and Greentech Mediaand has lectured on alternative energy economics at UC Berkeley. He was lead author on the 300+
page biofuels report “Biofuels 2010: Spotting the Next Wave” and is the sole author of “Third andFourth-Generation Biofuels: Technologies, Markets, and Economics Through 2015.” Joshua holds a
Master's degree from the London School of Economics and Bachelor's degree from Wesleyan
University in Middletown, Connecticut.

NEEPAPORN BOUNGJAKTHA (Seattle, WA)
Vice President
Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle
Neepaporn Boungjaktha (nickname “A”) has experience in facilitating andstrengthening international trade and business relations in the Greater Seattle
region and beyond. She has been in the international trade and businessindustry for over ten years working with the Trade Development Alliance ofGreater Seattle, which is a partnership of business, government, education,

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ports and labor promoting metro Seattle’s international business interests. During her tenure at theTrade Development Alliance, “A” has traveled to more than 10 countries and has worked with over 40
countries promoting Greater Seattle region as a place for doing international business and trade.
“A”s community service includes professionally serving on the board of Port Jobs and personally with
CISC (Chinese Information Service Center). “A” has also been a long time supporter of Camp
Goodtimes, a regional camp for children with cancer and their siblings.
Neepaporn Bougiaktha has a bachelor’s degree from the Henry M. Jackson School of International
Studies at the University of Washington.

SEPTEMBER SECRIST (Seattle, WA)
Senior International Trade Specialist
Global Healthcare Team Leader
U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce
September Secrist is a Senior International Trade Specialist with the U.S.
Commercial Service, the export promotion agency of the U.S. Department ofCommerce. She works with companies in the life sciences, biotechnology, andmedical, laboratory, and scientific equipment industry sectors in Washington tofind international markets for their products and services. September began
working for the Commercial Service in 2002 and is currently the Global
Healthcare Team leader, responsible for coordinating industry outreachactivities for 175 trade and commercial specialists based around the world. September serves as theadvisory board chair for the Center for International Business Education and Research at the
University of Washington, and also serves as a board director for Menorah, a nonprofit dedicated tointernational reconciliation projects. September received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwest
University in Business Administration and completed her Master of Arts degree through the Naval War
College in National Security and Strategic Studies in 2012.

KENDEE YAMAGUCHI (Seattle, WA)
Assistant Director of Local Government and Infrastructure
Washington State Department of Commerce
Kendee Yamaguchi is an Assistant Attorney General. In 2013, she was appointed
by Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson to serve as a member on his
senior leadership team as the Director of Policy, Legislative Affairs and External
Relations. Previously, she served as a Small Agency Cabinet member for theGovernor and a director in the Office of Management and Administration at theWhite House. She has experience working as a television executive for one of theworld’s largest networks, a staff member in the Legislature and an attorney inprivate practice. She is the recipient of awards from the National Asian Pacific American Bar
Association and the Access to Justice Institute. She also serves as a Commissioner on the Seattle
Ethics and Elections Commission and a Board of Trustee for the Intiman Theatre. Yamaguchi earned abachelor’s degree in political science and public communications with a minor in international affairs
from American University. She is also a recipient of the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship (PPIA) andearned a juris doctorate from the Seattle University School of Law.

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TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program
Japanese Delegation
Hiroyuki Karahashi (Kitakata City, Fukushima Prefecture)
President
Homare Sake Brewery
Hiroyuki Karahashi is President of Homare Sake Brewery, one of the leadingsake breweries located in Fukushima Prefecture. Since joining the company
in 2004, he has served in several leadership positions before being
promoted to its President in 2011 where he directs their growth strategy toincrease sake consumption domestically, in the United States and countriesof the world.
Mr. Karahashi is also active in local community activities and as President ofJunior Chamber International – Aizu Kitakata, passionately supports
community, youth education, and leadership development. He envisions
establishing global networks as a key to bringing young leaders in worldcommunities together to share responsibility to discuss and address common global issues.
Mr. Karahashi graduated from Seijo University – Tokyo with a BA in Economics and earned his MBA in
Finance from the University of San Francisco.

Toshiyuki Saito (Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture)
Senior Staff, Organization Management Division
Fukushima Prefectural Government
Toshiyuki Saito entered the Fukushima Prefectural Government in 2000 in
the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Department and over the past 13
years was assigned to various departments and postings including the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Tokyo and Embassy of Japan - Philippines.
He is currently Senior Staff, Organization Management Division, General
Administration Department.
He was assigned to the Nuclear Damage Countermeasure Task Force
immediately following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 andremains committed to Fukushima Prefecture’s recovery and contributing toa brighter and more promising future.
Mr. Saito graduated from Chuo University with a BA in Economics and resides in Fukushima City.

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Yohei Kubota (Minami City, Hiroshima Prefecture)
Manager, Fuel Planning & Oil Purchasing Section
Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc.
Yohei Kubota is a Manager for Fuel Planning & Oil Purchasing Section –Chugoku Electric Power Co. Inc. His section adheres to the company’s
mandate to provide a stable supply of electric power while continually
improving business efficiency to support the ‘best mix’ for power source
configuration. He joined the company in 2003 in the Sales Division before
moving to Coal Purchasing & Management.
Mr. Kobota graduated from Hiroshima University with a BA in Economics
and spent 5 years living in New York City in his childhood that served toshape his views on American culture and U.S.-Japan relations.

Naoto Ishida (Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture)
Manager, Foreign Business Section, Commerce, Industry, & Labor
BureauHiroshima Prefectural Government
Naoto Ishida joined the Hiroshima Prefectural Government in 2003 and iscurrently Manager, Foreign business section, Commerce, Industry &Labor Bureau where his responsibilities focus on assisting automobile
companies launch and establish business in foreign markets andpromoting overseas investments in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Previously, Mr. Ishida gained valuable experience over 10 years throughassignments in the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Bureau, Regional
Tax Office, and Health & Welfare Bureau. In 2012, he was part of a teamthat developed a bilateral business seminar on clean energy policies
between the Hiroshima Prefecture and the State of Hawaii.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kyoto University.

Asuka Jenkins (Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture)
Brand Manager
Tulip Food Company Japan Ltd.
Asuka Jenkins has always been engaged in international business and iscurrently Brand Manager, responsible for product placement and promotion
in Okinawa for Tulip Food Company Japan Ltd., a company headquarteredin Denmark.
She has a keen interest in local politics and impact of U.S.-Japan relations
and in her spare time is an active alumnus of the American Exchange
Program Alumni of Okinawa (AEPAO). She has served as a volunteer atstudy abroad, presidential election program, and other USA focused
symposiums.
Ms. Jenkins graduated from Osaka University with a degree in Foreign Studies and earned her MBA in
International Relations.

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Yukiko Soejima (Saga City, Saga Prefecture)
Manager, Education Information Technology Promotion Office,
Board of Education
Saga Prefectural Government
Yukiko Soejima currently holds a position as Manager, Education
Information Technology Promotion Office, Board of Education Saga
Prefecture Government where she is responsible for procurement ofInformation Communication Technologies (ICT) devices for education andeducation related statistical surveys. Joining the Saga Prefectural
Government in 1996, she has held positions in the River and SedimentControl Division, Social Welfare, Public Relations, Tourism, andInternational Affairs.
While in the International Affairs Division she was the Project Manager
overseeing the JET program in Saga Prefecture facilitating discussions
and seminars to support participants to deal with new circumstances.
Ms. Soejima graduated from Kyushu University with a degree in Economics and resides in Honjomachi, Saga City.

Akane Matsumae (Saga City, Saga Prefecture)
Lecturer - Organization for Cooperation - Industry & Regional
Community
Saga University
Akane Matsumae is currently, Lecturer of Organization for Cooperation
with Industry and Regional Community at Saga University in charge ofentrepreneurship education and research-development coordination. She
also helps the public sector to empower local SMEs for overseas
expansion as an associate of a global investor based in Singapore andShanghai.
Ms. Matsumae is active in designing and mentoring innovative clusters ofdiverse people and SMEs in Japan, and is currently a judge for national
subsidies to promote business startups.
She earned a Masters degree in Engineering from the Tokyo Institute of Technology and later attained
her Juris Doctor’s degree from Kyushu University. She also has experience and knowledge of NPO
activities and is on the board of directors for Terra People Association – Saga Prefecture.

Yasuyuki Tsutsumi (Saga City, Saga Prefecture)
Manager, Public Projects Construction Office
Saga Prefectural Government
Yasuyuki Tsutsumi is currently Project Director, Global Strategy Group
responsible to develop government and business relations between Saga
Prefecture and the United States. In 2012, Mr. Tsutsumi was the ProjectManager for the U.S.-Japan Council Governor’s Meeting, designed topromote economic exchange between Saga Prefecture and the State of
Hawaii.

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Previously, Mr. Tsutsumi was assigned to the Information Technology Division responsible to develop
and provide broadband service in rural areas and promoting the arrival of digitalized TV and Cable TV
companies across the region.
He entered Saga Prefectural Government in the Public Project Construction Office – Saga Prefectural
Government where he was responsible for contract negotiations of public works projects including roadand highway construction.
He is a graduate of Hiroshima University with a BA in Literature.

Shigenobu Kimura (Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture)
Manager, Strategic Planning and Public Relations, Administrative
Division
Shizuoka Prefectural Government
Shigenobu Kimura entered the Shizuoka Prefectural Government in 2009
assigned to the Shimizu Port Authority – Transportation Infrastructure
Department, responsible to expand and strengthen the handling functionsof international ocean containers to drive competitiveness in both
domestic and international markets. He was also assigned to the Nursing
Care Insurance Division & Welfare Department before moving to hiscurrent position.
As Assistant Manager, Strategic Planning and Public Relations, his division istasked with addressing administrative issues related to Information, Statistics,
Regional Diplomacy and Policy Planning of the Prefecture.
Mr. Kimura graduated from the University of Shizuoka with a degree in International Languages andCultures and resides in Shizuoka City.

Mariko Saigo (Setagaya, Tokyo Prefecture)
Executive Management Coach
Coach A Co., Ltd.
Mariko Saigo is an Executive Management/business development
Coach for a COACH A. In addition to providing motivational training to
executives for leadership development, she manages a team of 8
people, focused on working with multinational organizations for businessdevelopment.
After majoring in Political Science with a Law degree from Keio
University, she joined J.P.Morgan Chase Bank - Tokyo and worked incollaboration with senior relationship managers to meet the specificneeds of JP Morgan’s key Japanese clients. She also relocated to
manage projects in Hong Kong and in Singapore responsible for
implementing strategic initiatives within country offices.
Mariko Saigo is an active member of the American Chamber of Commerce Japan (ACCJ) and recently
participated as a speaker at a leadership workshop hosted by the Women in Business Committee.

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