U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL
2020 Annual Report

U. S.-J A PA N R EL AT IONS I N T HE CORON AV IRUS ER A :L E A DER SHIP FOR R ECOV ER Y, R ESIL IENCE A ND COM MUNIT Y

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U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILTABLE OF CONTENTSWELCOME...........................................................................................................3
IN MEMORY OF IRENE HIRANO INOUYE.........................................4
ABOUT THE U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL.........................................................6
HIGHLIGHTS & FEATURED SPEAKERS................................................7
SIGNATURE SERIES........................................................................................8
Bilateral Boardroom........................................................................................8
Signature Series ...............................................................................................9
Public Symposium..........................................................................................9
Next Generation Summit...............................................................................9
VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING...................................................................... 10
Business & Politics.........................................................................................10
Diversity & Identity......................................................................................12
Education & Cross-Cultural Exchange......................................................13
Community Connect.....................................................................................14
NEXT GENERATION LEADERSHIP....................................................... 15
Emerging Leaders Program.........................................................................15
The Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship Program.................15
TOMODACHI INITIATIVE....................................................................... 16
SILICON VALLEY JAPAN PLATFORM................................................... 16
USJC LEADERSHIP........................................................................................ 17
MANAGEMENT & STAFF........................................................................... 17
MEMBERSHIP................................................................................................. 18
SPONSORS....................................................................................................... 19

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Dear Friends,
None of us could have known at the start of 2020 that the world would be devastated by the worst
pandemic in a century, with sweeping societal and economic consequences. For the Board of Directors of
the U.S.-Japan Council (USJC), it also would be our final months partnering with USJC’s incomparable
founding president, Irene Hirano Inouye, who had decided to step down after leading the organization
through its first decade. Though we were all shocked and saddened by Irene’s passing, we resolved
to honor her considerable legacy by making USJC even stronger. This 2020 Annual Report includes atribute to this remarkable, visionary woman, and the title, “U.S.-Japan Relations in the Coronavirus Era:
Leadership for Recovery, Resilience and Community,” reflects her indomitable spirit.
Our new president and CEO, Suzanne Basalla, brought invaluable experience from her time working closely with Irene
as USJC’s first chief operating officer, and a steady hand in crisis management forged at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo in theaftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Since returning to USJC last May, Suzanne has kept the Council on course,
tirelessly meeting with donors and members, while repositioning support for key programs despite significant budget
shortfalls. Indeed, our commitment to these programs and platforms to deepen ties between our two countries remains
undiminished.
Although I completed my term as chair at the end of 2020, I will serve on the Board through 2021 and am highly optimistic
about USJC’s future, fueled by the generosity of our donors and the engagement of Board members, Council Leaders,
Associates and Friends. Under Suzanne’s leadership and Paul Yonamine’s chairmanship, I believe USJC will emerge fromthese turbulent times in a position of strength to take on the enormous challenges and possibilities of this new decade.
Sincerely,
Phyllis Campbell, Chair of the Board..........................................................................................................^]...................................................................................................
As president and CEO of USJC, I am extremely grateful to the USJC Board of Directors, donors, members,and USJC staff for standing together in the darkest days of 2020. I believe Irene would have been proud ofwhat we’ve accomplished to protect and sustain USJC, successfully reimagining our work and adapting
to new ways of operating and connecting.
One of the best examples is our reinvention of the in-person 2020 Annual Conference into a “Signature
Series” of virtual events, which we launched with our well-received “Bilateral Boardroom” of top
government, business and nonprofit leaders. Throughout 2020, we tapped our exceptional, high-level networks from
Tokyo to Washington, DC, for exclusive donor briefings and webinars on topics ranging from health and medicine toJapanese-inspired comfort foods during the pandemic. In addition, through our TOMODACHI Initiative, next-generation
leaders hosted discussions on the impact of Black Lives Matter, the Japanese American experience and allyship, and criticalconversations with peers in both the United States and Japan.
Important dialogues like these are continuing in 2021 across our programs, including the Japanese Perspectives Webinar
series, the Emerging Leaders Program and our next Bilateral Boardroom. Whether it’s the evolving response to thepandemic or the shaping of policies on other major issues such as climate change by the new administrations in the U.S. andJapan, USJC is providing opportunities for a meaningful sharing of perspectives and potential partnerships.
When I look back at my time at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo ten years ago, I could not have imagined that this extraordinary
collaboration and development of leaders would be possible or that I would have the privilege of leading the U.S.-Japan
Council. Working together, we have shown the true measure of our commitment and people-to-people connections, and I
look forward to brighter days of continued innovation and resilience.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Basalla, President & CEO
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IN MEMORY OF IRENE HIRANO INOUYEOCTOBER 7, 1948 – APRIL 7, 2020

THE COUNCIL MOURNS USJC FOUNDING PRESIDENT IRENE HIRANO INOUYE , who passed away

in April. Prior to her passing, Irene expressed that serving as president of the U.S.-Japan Council “has been an honor of alifetime” and hoped her leadership of USJC will have made a lasting contribution to the U.S.-Japan relationship.
USJC Board Chair Phyllis Campbell wrote to members, “I know we are all devastated by this news. Irene was a singularfigure in U.S.-Japan relations, respected by leaders on both sides of the Pacific as she carried out the mission of USJC. Since
the founding of the Council, she infused the organization with her wisdom and entrepreneurial spirit, kept her pulse
on every aspect of USJC while keeping her eye on the strategic vision, and managed to approach every challenge withfearlessness and determination.”
During her tenure at USJC, Irene raised the profile of the organization, growing it to almost 700 members, and creating
programs to support next-generation leaders, including the TOMODACHI Initiative, which was launched to support
Japan’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake and invests in educational and cultural exchanges as well as
leadership programs for young people.
In addition to her leadership of USJC, Irene served as the President and founding CEO of the Japanese American National
Museum for twenty years. Her professional and community activities also included serving as Chair and Trustee, Ford
Foundation; Chair and Trustee, Kresge Foundation; Chair, Smithsonian Institution Asian Pacific American Center; Chairof the Advisory Board, Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies, University of California at Los Angeles; Trustee, Washington
Center; Trustee, Independent Sector, and member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences; member of the Advisory
Board, Center on Philanthropy & Public Policy, Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California; Chair,
Board of Directors of the American Association of Museums; Board Member, National Trust for Historic Preservation;
Member, National Board Smithsonian Institution; member, Toyota Corporation’s Diversity Advisory Board; member,Business Advisory Board of Sodexo Corporation; President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities by Presidential
appointment; and Chair, California Commission on the Status of Women.

“We owe so much to Irene, but none more than this: sheempowered us, believed in us, and trusted us with the future of
our community. We will carry on Irene’s legacy in the manner
she would have - with passion, resolve, and grace.”— EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM ALUMNI

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Many in the USJC community paid tribute to Irene, including a virtual gathering of members and remarks from Taro Kono
(Defense Minister, Government of Japan) and Darren Walker (President, Ford Foundation).

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U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILABOUT THE U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL

OUR MISSIONTHE U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL develops and connects diverse leaders to create astronger U.S.-Japan relationship. Founded by Japanese Americans, the Council brings
together leaders of the United States and Japan from across backgrounds, sectors, andgenerations to partner for a better future for the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

OUR PURPOSE• We are a unique community that brings together Japanese American and otherleaders of the United States and Japan, strengthening ties between the two countries.
• We bring together a network of diverse leaders across sectors for meaningful
collaboration, creating deep and lasting relationships.
• We develop the next generation of leaders by offering life-changing experiences thatinspire participants to contribute to a stronger U.S.-Japan relationship.
• We believe in service and are committed to action in areas where our multicultural
perspectives and experiences can make a difference.
The U.S.-Japan relationship continues to demonstrate its relevance and fundamentalrole in the Asia-Pacific region. The partnership between the U.S. and Japan is a driving
force behind economic growth, while the security alliance maintains peace andstability in the region. Built on shared values such as innovation and resilience, thecontemporary U.S.-Japan relationship continues to evolve and develop new frontiers
for collaboration.

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U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILHIGHLIGHTS & FEATURED SPEAKERS
54,045

NEW YOUTUBE VIEWS
VIEWERS SPENT

559,024 MINUTESWATCHING USJC’S VIRTUAL PROGRAMS IN 2020
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SHINZO ABE, Former Prime Minister

JAMIE DIMON, Chairman and CEO,of Japan

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

NOBUYUKI HIRANO, Chairman,

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.

YURIKO KOIKE, Governor of Tokyo

MASAHARU KOHNO, Special

Representative of the Governmentof Japan

KATHY MATSUI, Vice Chair and Chief

Strategist, Goldman Sachs (Japan)

JULIA NESHEIWAT, PH.D., Deputy

Professional Golfer

Assistant to the President for Homeland
Security & Resilience, National Security
Council, White House

YUH-LINE NIOU, Assemblymember,

DARREN WALKER, President,

New York State Assembly

Ford Foundation

COLLIN MORIKAWA,

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SIGNATURE SERIESIN LIEU OF THE 2020 ANNUAL CONFERENCE, the Council hosted a series of virtual events to provide insights

and exclusive content to stakeholders and supporters. This Signature Series explored the theme “U.S.-Japan Relations in
the Coronavirus Era: Leadership for Recovery, Resilience and Community.”

BILATERAL BOARDROOMIN SEPTEMBER, THE BILATERAL BOARDROOM convened key decision-makers from business, government andthe civil sector in the United States and Japan for critical conversations around the theme of Leadership Through Crisis,
Lessons Learned. The dialogues examined leadership and critical lessons from prior crises, analyzed the impact of thecurrent coronavirus pandemic from a social and economic perspective, and set the agenda for the future of the U.S.Japan relationship. In addition to the pandemic, the Boardroom also discussed systemic racism in the United States andconcerns over diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the world.
LEARN MORE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oXNrb6PNgIMEMBERS FORUM

IN OCTOBER, USJC MEMBERS came together for the Members Forum, which highlighted a range of voices within

the USJC community. Attendees heard from USJC leadership and shared their own visions for the Council’s future. A
featured discussion explored the topic of bicultural Japanese American identity, bringing together a group of panelists
who identify as multiethnic to share their unique perspectives and experiences. Jennifer Hirano, daughter of USJC’s latefounding president Irene Hirano Inouye, also offered remarks. Programming was followed by a series of virtual breakout
sessions that allowed attendees to network with one another.
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SIGNATURE SERIES
PUBLIC SYMPOSIUM

IN NOVEMBER, THE COUNCIL hosted the Public Symposium, titled“Two Nations, Countless Connections - Community, Partnership, andthe Road Ahead.” The Symposium’s seven virtual discussions exploredthe enduring bilateral relationship and the ways in which the two nations
have fostered increased support and cooperation. USJC partnered witha multitude of organizations to bring informative and engaging sessions
on cultural resilience, diversity and inclusion, and the importance ofcommunity, while contemplating the broader goals of the U.S.-Japan allianceon a personal, cultural and systemic basis. This three-day event offered amulti-lens look at these topics: Day 1 focused on race and diversity, Day 2 on
NPOs and philanthropy, and Day 3 on cultural and educational exchange.
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NEXT GENERATION SUMMIT
IN DECEMBER, THE COUNCIL held the Next Generation Summit

to give light to the younger voices of the USJC community, including U40(under 40) members, TOMODACHI alumni and Watanabe Scholars, on
the power of resilience and lessons learned from this year of change. Titled“The Three Rs of 2020: Reflective, Resilient and Revolutionary,” topics
included the ripple effect of social justice movements, mentorship throughvirtual connectedness, the value of cultural exchange in times of crisisand perspectives of resilience from the next generation. The Summit also
convened Part 3 of the TOMODACHI Critical Conversations series, which
was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and provided a safe spacefor peer-to-peer dialogue.
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U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILVIRTUAL PROGRAMMING
BUSINESS & POLITICS
CORONAVIRUS: SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SHIFTSIN THE U.S. AND JAPANIn April, “Coronavirus: Social and Economic Shifts in the U.S. and Japan” brought
together nearly 400 individuals for a virtual panel discussion analyzing the
evolving social and economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The panelfeatured Japan-based Kathy Matsui, Vice-Chair and Chief Strategist of Goldman
Sachs Japan and Chair of the USJC (Japan) Board of Councilors, and U.S.-based
Member of the USJC Board of Councilors Dr. Daniel Okimoto, Co-Chair of
the Silicon Valley Japan Platform (SVJP) and Professor Emeritus at Stanford
University. Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist Lori Matsukawa, Council
Leader and former news anchor at KING5 TV, moderated the discussion.
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A USJC CORPORATE MEMBER CONVERSATION WITH FORMERSENATOR CHRIS DODD ON THE U.S. ELECTIONS“I think the work that the USJC is doingis vital person-to-person relationships,
mobilization of young people through the
TOMODACHI program — that is reallylaying the foundation for a closer alignment
for the United States and Japan in the postcorona period.”—MEMBER OF THE USJC BOARD OF
COUNCILORS DR. DANIEL OKIMOTO

A special event forcorporate supportersof the Council, thisvirtual meeting offered
access to the insights
of Former U.S. Senatorand Former Memberof the U.S. Houseof Representatives
Christopher J. Dodd. With his decades of experience in Washington, DC as a
U.S. Senator and Congressman and as Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture
Association of America, as well as his leading role on President Joe Biden’s Vice
Presidential Selection Committee, Senator Dodd shared an insider’s perspectiveon the 2020 election and his thoughts on how the political climate might affect the
U.S.-Japan relationship.

CORONAVIRUS: OPPORTUNITY FOR
A NEW HEALTH PARADIGM
In August, the Council hosted a webinar on the global health crisis and the futureof healthcare titled “Coronavirus: Opportunity for a New Health Paradigm,”
featuring medical experts Dr. William Hait, Global Head at Johnson & Johnson
External Innovation, and Dr. Hardy Kagimoto, Chairman & CEO of Healios K.K.
Moderated by Jeanette Takamura, Ph.D. (Professor and Dean Emerita, School ofSocial Work, Columbia University), this webinar addressed initiatives undertaken
to develop vaccines for COVID-19, as well as advanced therapeutic measuresmeant to reduce mortality rates once infected.
LEARN MORE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3K5DijCZy-0

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U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILVIRTUAL PROGRAMMING
BUSINESS & POLITICS

In February, Patrick Newell (Future Vision Navigator and Founder of 21
Foundation) discussed the ways in which Japan may change by 2030.

BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARD
In October, the U.S.-Japan Council Business Advisory Board (BAB) Meeting was held virtually for the very first time.
Masaaki Tanaka, BAB Chairman and Vice-Chair of the USJC Board of Councilors, delivered remarks as the featured
speaker. Over 50 industry leaders from diverse fields gathered to listen to his talk, titled “Unwavering Commitment to
Global Business.” Joined by Jenifer Rogers, General Counsel Asia, Asurion Japan Holdings G.K. and USJC (Japan) Board
Member, as a moderator in this fireside chat, Mr. Tanaka shared his professional journey and global accomplishments as
Chairman, President and CEO of Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd., as well as his relationship with the late Senator Daniel
K. Inouye and Irene Hirano Inouye. Mr. Tanaka (pictured above) showcased the national flag of the United States given tohim by the Senator in honor of the successful completion of his assignment in New York and described it as his “lifetime
treasure.”

TOWARD A THRIVING POST-PANDEMIC
FUTURE: COVID-19 AND INCREASEDFOCUS ON ESG
In August, the Council hosted a conversation on
the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on
board governance norms and ESG (Environmental,
Social, and Corporate Governance), demonstratingsome of the ways in which the pandemic has
exposed inequities within our societies and how
corporate initiatives must address these issues
going forward. Featured speakers included Bonnie
Hill (Co-founder of Icon Blue; Board Member,
Banc of California and the RAND Corporation), Marcus Otsuji (Japan Country Manager, Geodesic Capital) and Council
Leader Genevieve Shiroma (Commissioner, California Public Utilities Commission; JALD ’11), with Council Leader Ako S.
Williams, who serves as Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Ushio America, Inc., moderating.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eADZ31jb96o

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U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILVIRTUAL PROGRAMMING
DIVERSITY & IDENTITY“Within USJC, I am proud of the focus on women’s
leadership through a variety of programs, like the Japanese
Women’s Leadership Initiative and the Regional Womenin Leadership events. Creating opportunities to celebrate
the accomplishments, perseverance, and strength ofwomen benefits all of us.”
—ASSOCIATE ELLEN KAMEI (ELP ‘15)

TOMODACHI CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS
Organized by members of USJC’s Outreach and Allyship Committee, the virtual 3-part
TOMODACHI Critical Conversations Series was held to explore the Black Lives Mattermovement and what lessons can be learned and applied in the U.S. and Japan. Part 1of this series took place in July and addressed the question “What is BLM?,” focusing
on the response to the Black Lives Matter movement and how individuals could
become more active participants. Part 2 examined the Japanese American experience,
addressed concepts like allyship and the model minority myth, and looked at the impactthat race has on our daily lives and how it can help us play a role in advancing U.S.Japan relations. Part 3 explored how the Black Lives Matter movement is reshaping
conversations about discrimination. Programming was curated by U40 (under 40)
members and TOMODACHI alumni, and featured alumni of the Emerging Leaders
Program.

JAPANESE AMERICAN
STORYTELLING PROGRAM
In October, Council Leader Yuhka
Mera (pictured above) delivered theinaugural presentation of USJC’s
newly-established Japanese American
Storytelling Program (JASP), a
program designed for USJC leaders toconvey positive educational messages
to Japanese youths. Overarchingthemes include tolerance andempathy for immigrants, overcoming
discrimination and prejudice, strengthof diversity in society, and building
bridges between the U.S. and Japan.
These themes are communicatedthrough personal family history
narratives, and the program is uniquely
designed for Japanese audiences.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LGVaDIXEIE&list=PLa0Zi3TBvqdoENArP8AF
3cWuRfEZ27aG6

REGIONAL WOMEN IN LEADERSHIPUSJC members continued to organizeand participate in the Regional Women in
Leadership (RWL) series, funded by the
Embassy of Japan. Over 200 people attended
the first virtual edition of the RWL series,“Stories of Women in the South.” This twopart session was organized and moderated
by Council Leader Masami Izumida Tyson,
who serves as the Global Director of Foreign
Direct Investment and Trade for the State of Tennessee, Department of Economic
and Community Development. The lively discussion covered a wide range of topics,
including balancing life as a working mother while far away from family, genderstereotypes, differences in job opportunities based on gender, variances in women’s
empowerment initiatives between the U.S. and Japan, and future initiatives that can beundertaken to further women’s empowerment and promote gender equality.
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U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILVIRTUAL PROGRAMMINGEDUCATION & CROSS-CULTURAL EXCHANGE

CULINARY EXCHANGE & SERVING COMMUNITIESDURING A CRISISIn June, the “Culinary Exchange & Serving Communities During a Crisis”
webinar offered a look into how culinary diplomacy brings people, communities
and cultures together. The speakers, both chefs representing an intersection
between Japan and the United States, included Mark “Gooch” Noguchi (CoFounder & Executive Chef of Pili), a Japanese American chef based in Hawaii,
and Ivan Orkin (owner of the Ivan Ramen restaurants), a New Yorker who
moved to Japan and lived there for years operating a ramen restaurant in Tokyo.
Moderated by USJC Associate Nicole Velasco (ELP ‘15), the speakers discussed
the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic on restaurants, and how they
have been able to continue serving their communities during this crisis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDbmsrJnf08

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TOMODACHI INDUSTRYINSIGHTS: COVID ERATALKS ON THE EDUCATION
INDUSTRYIn August, the Council’s
TOMODACHI Initiative held an
Industry Insights panel on the impactof the coronavirus pandemic on the
education industry in Japan. The
panel explored how the disruption
caused by COVID-19 may offer
an opportunity for the educationindustry to break away from
antiquated systems and venture into
new ways of engaging students.
Grace Choi (Education and Exchanges
Officer, U.S. Embassy Tokyo) gave
opening remarks and Sarah Arao,
TOMODACHI Okinawa Regional
Mentor, moderated the discussion.
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BASEBALL DIPLOMACY
As part of the 2020 USJC Public Symposium, a session titled “Baseball Diplomacy,” co-hosted by JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles,brought together a panel consisting of baseball insiders and former professional players. They described the influence ofAmerica’s favorite pastime in bridging the cultural gap between the U.S. and Japan and shared their rich experiences ofbaseball in both nations. Featured speakers included: Duane Kurisu (Minority Owner of the San Francisco Giants; Chairman
and CEO, aio Group), Matt Murton, (Formerly Hanshin Tigers and Major League Baseball Player), Don Nomura (Sports
Agent), and Jim Small (Senior Vice President, International, Major League Baseball), as well as Rob Fitts (Author & Baseball
Historian) and Yuriko Gamo Romer (Director of Diamond Diplomacy, Flying Carp Productions) as moderator.
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U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILVIRTUAL PROGRAMMINGCOMMUNITY CONNECT

This year, the Council launched Community Connect, a virtual platform that brings together USJC’s diverse networkof experts, members, supporters and alumni and engages our community throughout the world with content delivered
directly to your computer. Through panel discussions, webinars, networking opportunities and other virtual events,
Community Connect features leading analyses, fresh perspectives and inspirational voices that forge new connections
and continue the critical dialogue needed to strengthen the U.S.-Japan relationship.

https://www.usjapancouncil.org/community-connect/

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NEXT GENERATION LEADERSHIPEMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM
THE U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL’S EMERGING Leaders Program (ELP)

identifies, cultivates and empowers a new generation of Japanese American
leaders. Emerging Leaders participate in leadership education, design andimplement original USJC programming, and develop powerful, lifelong
personal and professional friendships. A new cohort of leaders aged 24-35
is selected annually to become USJC Associates, and join program alumni
in bridging the future of the U.S.-Japan relationship. Each class has become
engaged with and made meaningful contributions to USJC and the ELP
community.
In its eleventh year, the 2020 program brought together 12 Japanese American
young professionals through a series of virtual events. The Emerging Leadersparticipated in a leadership orientation program and networked with highlevel leaders. Throughout the year, ELP alumni organized virtual hangouts
to allow alumni to reconnect, provide support to each other and spend time
together virtually.

“Being a Watanabe scholar has meant I get toexperience Japan and study abroad as a normal
student. Not “the student who always works” or“the student who always worries.” For once, I wasable to just be a curious student. I haven’t felt thisway since kindergarten. The world was my oyster. I
will always appreciate the organization that helpedme realize my dream.”

THE TOSHIZO WATANABESTUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIPPROGRAM—DE’JIA LONG-HILLIE (WATANABE ’19-20)

THE TOSHIZO WATANABE STUDY Abroad Scholarship Programprovides financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students for asemester or year-long study abroad in the United States or Japan. A generous
endowment gift of $10 million from Mr. Toshizo (Tom) Watanabe to the U.S.Japan Council makes it possible to award scholarships to students for thosewith leadership potential and for whom study abroad would not be possible
without financial support.

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This year, 20 Japanese and 20 American students were selected to receive thescholarship, and were given the option to defer until Spring 2022 due to theimpact of COVID on schools and programs. The students met Mr. Watanabe(pictured left) during a virtual orientation, in which he wished them luck andshared his story about why he values studying abroad. The current cohort
also had an opportunity to meet with Watanabe Scholarship alumni throughcasual virtual gatherings.
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U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILTOMODACHI INITIATIVEABOUT TOMODACHIThe TOMODACHI Initiative is a public-private partnership
between the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassyin Tokyo, with support from the Government of Japan.
Born out of support for Japan’s recovery from the Great
East Japan Earthquake, TOMODACHI invests in the next
generation of Japanese and American leaders througheducational and cultural exchanges as well as leadershipprograms.
The initiative seeks to foster a “TOMODACHI Generation”
of young American and Japanese leaders who arecommitted to and engaged in strengthening U.S.-Japan
relations, appreciate each other’s countries and cultures,and possess the global skills and mindsets needed tocontribute to and thrive in a more cooperative, prosperous
and secure world.
In 2012, the U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) was created tosupport the administration of TOMODACHI. The U.S.Japan Council (Japan) is a registered Public Interest
Corporation (koeki zaidan hojin) and maintains offices inTokyo, Japan.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many TOMODACHI
programs and study abroad opportunities were pivoted tovirtual spaces or put on hold in 2020.
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SILICON VALLEY JAPAN PLATFORM
THE SILICON VALLEY JAPAN Platform is an initiative of USJC

and the Asia Pacific Initiative (API). SVJP aims to connect thetechnological dynamism of Silicon Valley with the current andfuture needs of economic revitalization in Japan. SVJP welcomed Jon
Shalowitz as President in 2020, and is co-chaired by Daniel Okimoto,
Professor Emeritus at Stanford University (Member and former
Chair of the USJC Board of Councilors) and James Kondo, Chairman,
International House of Japan (USJC Council Leader).
This year, SVJP organized a variety of virtual monthly benkyokais,
aimed at expanding and deepening ties of collaboration between the
U.S. and Japan. Featured speakers included Sheri Bryant, Presidentof Sansar, Wookey Technologies (JALD ’18); Jesper Koll, Senior
Adviser, WisdomTree Investments; and members of the USJC Boardof Councilors Representative Mark Takano, Congressman of the 41stDistrict of California; and Glen S. Fukushima, Senior Fellow at theCenter for American Progress.
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U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILUSJC LEADERSHIPBOARD OF DIRECTORSTHE U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL’S BOARD of Directors

consists of leaders from across the United States and inJapan who provide their expertise in establishing andguiding the Council’s mission and activities.
Board of Directors(US)

Board of Directors(Japan)LEGACY COUNCIL
USJC’s Legacy Council includes members of the Board of
Directors and select members of the Board of Councilors
who completed full terms of service on the Board. It wasestablished to recognize the invaluable contributions ofBoard members, past, present and in the future, and toencourage previous Board members to remain active
leaders at USJC.
Legacy Council

BOARD OF COUNCILORSThe U.S.-Japan Council’s distinguished Board of
Councilors consists of leaders who are recognized for theirlifelong contribution and commitment to strengthening
U.S.-Japan relations. Their expertise and guidance direct
the Council’s mission and activities.
Board of Councilors(US)

Board of Councilors(Japan)WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK former Chairof the Board Phyllis Campbell as well as outgoingmember of the USJC (US) Board of Directors Donna
Fujimoto Cole. We are grateful to Ms. Campbell, who
continues her Board service as Immediate Past Chairthrough 2021, and welcome Paul Yonamine as Chairof the USJC Board of Directors and Ernest Higa as
Chair of the USJC Board of Councilors.

MANAGEMENT & STAFF

THE U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL HAS staff based in Washington, DC, California, Hawaii and Tokyo. USJC staff members

are responsible for administering programs, implementing the decisions of the Board of Directors and promoting theCouncil’s mission and organizational goals.
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U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL

MEMBERSHIPTHE U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL COMPRISES members and supporters who are committed to the mission of theorganization. Included in these ranks are top leaders from major corporations, academia and research, politics and law, as
well as entrepreneurs and thought leaders.
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COUNCIL LEADERS

418

MEMBERSHIP BREAKDOWN BY COUNTRY

THERE ARE 3 OTHER MEMBERS BASED OUTSIDEOF THE U.S. AND JAPAN.

ASSOCIATES

177
USA

FRIENDS OF THE
COUNCIL

551

JAPAN

76

35
TOTAL: 630

Membership Breakdown By Sector[ Business ]

397

18

[ government ]154[ nonprofit ]79

U.S.-JAPAN RELATIONS IN THE CORONAVIRUS ERA: LEADERSHIP FOR RECOVERY, RESILIENCE AND COMMUNITY

2020

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILSPONSORS
THE U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL (U.S.) and U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) are supported by the generous contributionsof our corporate, individual and foundation donors who share the goal of strengthening U.S.-Japan relations throughpeople-to-people connections. We gratefully acknowledge the following who generously supported the Council’s manyeducational and networking programs including the Bilateral Boardroom, Public Symposium, Next Generation Summit,
the Emerging Leaders Program and the Silicon Valley Japan Platform.

PLATINUM SPONSOR

TITLE SPONSORS

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U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL

SIGNATURE SPONSORSPHYLLIS CAMPBELL

ANDREW & MARCUS
OGAWA

JOHN & SUSAN ROOSPAUL & LYNDA
YONAMINE

THE TOSHIZOWATANABE FOUNDATIONPREMIER SPONSORSSUZANNE & JOHN
BASALLADAVID KENJI CHANG& JAIME SUGINODONNA COLEROYANNE K. DOI

EMERGING LEADERSPROGRAM ALUMNIF

r D g Pr d c r

RICK & SUSANEICHORATSUKO TOKO FISHYASUKO & TODDGUILDERNEST M. HIGA

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U.S.-JAPAN RELATIONS IN THE CORONAVIRUS ERA: LEADERSHIP FOR RECOVERY, RESILIENCE AND COMMUNITY

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U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL

PREMIER SPONSORS (CONTINUED)KAPLINSKY FAMILYFUND

SACHIKO KUNOHIROKONISHIKAWADAVID NISHIDARUSSELL & YUKO
KAWAHARAYUMI & EIICHIROKUWANACHRIS NORTON

KATHY M. MATSUICOLBERT & GAIL
MATSUMOTO

THE OKADA FAMILY
FOUNDATIONYOKO OTANIJENIFER ROGERSSCOTT SATODENNIS R. SUGINO& LINDSEY K. SUGINO®

HENRY SEIICHITAKATA

MASA TANAKAMIYUKI TANIGOLD SPONSORS
Advantage Partners

Tom Iino

Gary S. Moriwaki

Takenaka Partners LLC

Asahi Kasei America, Inc.

Industrial Growth Platform, Inc.
(IGPI)

Satoru & Hiroko Murase

Tokio Marine America

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.

Northrop Grumman

Tokio Marine Holdings

Palo Alto Networks K.K.

TOKYU HOTELS CO.,LTD.

ROKI GROUP CO.,LTD.

Toyo Suisan Kaisha, Ltd.

Sompo International

ValueAct Capital
THE YOMIURI SHIMBUN

Shizuka Asakawa
Delsole Corporation
Dr. Hiroyuki Fujita,
Quality Electrodynamics

Japan Industrial Partners, Inc.

Fujitsu Limited

KPMG Japan

Gondo Company, Inc.

Lawson, Inc.

SOURCENEXTCORPORATION

Hitachi High-Tech Corporation

Mitsui Chemicals America, Inc.

Lance Stuart

Stan Koyanagi

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U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILCONTRIBUTING BENEFACTORS
Mr. Michael Campbell
Dr. Mary Collins
Ms. Tracey Doi
Mr. Ernie Doizaki
Mr. Stephen Dyer
Ms. Dianne Fukami
Mr. Mark Fukunaga
Mr. Kazuhiro Gomi
Ms. Lynn Y. Hashimoto
Mr. Russell Hata
Mr. Ken Hayashida
Mr. Eric Heenan
Mr. Michael Hirai
Ms. Jennifer Hirano

Ms. Leona Hiraoka
Mr. Yosuke Honjo
Mr. Robert K. Ichikawa
Dr. Fumiaki Ikeno
Mr. Stephen Kagawa
Ms. Yuko Kaifu
Governor Heita Kawakatsu
Mr. Tom Kelley
Ms. Tomoko Kizawa
Mr. Dayne Kono
Ms. Akiko Mikumo
Ms. Susan Morita
Dr. Mark Mugiishi
Mr. Verne Naito

Mr. Norman Nakasone
Ms. Debra Nakatomi
Mr. Patrick Newell
Mr. Andrew Ogawa
Mr. Ronald Ohata
Mr. Rob Ohno
Mr. Michael Okabayashi
Mr. Thierry Porté
Mr. Jason Rabitt-Tomita
Mrs. Akemi Saitoh
Ms. Charlene Shimada
Ms. Sandra Shirai
Dr. Mariko Silver
Mr. Steve Sugino

Mr. Yoshiteru “Terry” Suzuki
Ms. Linda TairaMs. Eriko Talley
Mr. Yasuo Tanabe
Mr. Dennis Teranishi
Mr. Steven Teraoka
Mr. William Tsutsui
Mr. Yasuhiro Uozumi
Ms. Amy Woolf
Mr. Jeff Yabuki
Mr. Gregg Yamanaka
Ms. Jan Yanehiro
Ms. Mariko Yoshihara Yang
Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki

GRANTS & CONTRACTS
Government of Japan
Japan Foundation Center for
Global Partnerships

Sasakawa Peace Foundation

SILICON VALLEY JAPAN PLATFORM
APAMAN Co., Ltd.
East Japan Railway Company
Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.
Japan Post Co., Ltd.
Mitsui Fudosan
Mori Trust Co., Ltd.

NEC Corporation
Sansei Technologies, Inc.
Shinkin Central Bank
Tokyu Land Corporation
Toyota Research Institute

THE COUNCIL EXTENDS SPECIAL
thanks to everyone who contributed to thePeople-to-People crowdfunding campaign
in 2020. We extend special thanks to Joshua
Morey, Kenyon Mayeda and Craig Ishii andthe Emerging Leaders Program alumni for theirleadership of this initiative.

TOMODACHI INITIATIVETHE COUNCIL WOULD LIKE to thank Mr.

Please refer to the 2020 TOMODACHI Annual Report or
http://usjapantomodachi.org/about-us/donors/ for a list of TOMODACHIStrategic Partners, Sponsors and Supporters.

and Mrs. Toshizo Watanabe for their continued
generous contributions that enable The Toshizo
Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship Program.

USJC WOULD LIKE TO thank everyone

who gave so generously to the Irene Hirano
Inouye Memorial Fund in 2020.

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U.S.-JAPAN RELATIONS IN THE CORONAVIRUS ERA: LEADERSHIP FOR RECOVERY, RESILIENCE AND COMMUNITY

www.usjapancouncil.org
contact@usjapancouncil.org
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