U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL
2018 Annual ReportE M P OW E R I N G T H E N E X T G E N E R A T IO NTABLE OF CONTENTSWELCOME........................................................................................................... 3
ABOUT THE U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL......................................................... 4
SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
2018 Annual Conference................................................................................6
Japanese American Leadership Delegation Program ...............................8
Asian American Leadership Delegation Program.....................................9
Women in Leadership..................................................................................10
EDUCATIONAL & NETWORKING PROGRAMS
Watanabe Scholarship...................................................................................12
Japan-Texas Economic Summit...................................................................13
Regional Programs........................................................................................14
Silicon Valley Japan Platform.......................................................................15
Business Advisory Board..............................................................................15
Japan Flood Friendship Fund......................................................................15
Government and Legislative Networking.................................................16
TOMODACHI INITIATIVE
About TOMODACHI....................................................................................18
TOMODACHI Programs..............................................................................19
TOMODACHI Emerging Leaders Program..............................................22
LEADERSHIP AND SUPPORTBoards..............................................................................................................24
Sponsors..........................................................................................................27
Membership...................................................................................................31

2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL

Dear Friends,
On behalf of the U.S.-Japan Council (USJC), we thank our generous donors, dedicated Board members, andengaged Council Leaders, Associates and Friends for your strong support in 2018. We extend special thanks to
our hard-working staff. We reached new milestones in our mission to strengthen U.S.-Japan relations and foster
people-to-people connections, which we are proud to highlight with this 2018 Annual Report.
In 2018, we continued to strengthen regional collaboration. Working with close to 50 cities and organizations,
we held the Japan-Texas Economic Summit in May, bringing more than 400 leaders to Houston. We continued tohold Regional Women in Leadership events in cities ranging from Oakland, Michigan to Salt Lake City, Utah.
This was a key year for Japanese Americans. In celebration of “Gannenmono,” the first Japanese immigrants toarrive in Hawaii 150 years ago, several of our members organized a symposium in Honolulu, and communicatedtheir significance through events in Tokyo and Yamaguchi City. Alumni of the Japanese American Leadership
Delegation program welcomed Foreign Minister Taro Kono when he visited California, Hawaii and New York.
Together with several Japanese American and Japan-related organizations, USJC also established the Japan Flood
Friendship Fund. The fund supported four Japanese nonprofit organizations that were providing services tothose affected by the floods in Western Japan.
The 2018 Annual Conference, held in November in Tokyo, brought together approximately 750 leaders fromthroughout the United States and Japan. We discussed how to create a more sustainable future—including
investing in next-generation leaders like TOMODACHI and Emerging Leaders Program alumni—and continue
to strengthen the U.S.-Japan relationship regardless of geopolitical trends.
To ensure the future of USJC, we developed a new three-year Strategic Plan. Stakeholders from across theorganization provided feedback through seven listening sessions and many individual consultations, providing
guidance and advice on USJC. A new plan was approved by the Board of Directors in December, and includes an
updated Mission and Purpose Statement, which is on page 4 of this report.
2019 will mark the 10th anniversary of the U.S.-Japan Council. We will hold our Annual Conference in Los
Angeles for the first time. Our work going forward will focus on leadership development, connecting andconvening diverse leaders to address key issues important to U.S.-Japan relations, and ensuring a strong
infrastructure to support our ambitious goals. We have accomplished much in the last 10 years, thanks to thestrong support of so many people, companies and organizations. We thank you again for your partnership, andlook forward to another dynamic year in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations.
Sincerely,

Irene Hirano Inouye
President

Phyllis Campbell
Chair of the Board
U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL 2 0 1 8 ANNUAL RE PORT

3

2018

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 other leadersof 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 Council, a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization, was founded in2008 and is headquartered in Washington, DC with staff in California, Hawaii and Tokyo.
In 2012, the U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) was created to support the administration of
the TOMODACHI Initiative, and in 2013, it became a Public Interest Corporation (Koeki
Zaidan Hojin). The U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) maintains offices in Tokyo, Japan.

“I believe that the U.S.-Japan Council’s vigorous efforts tostrengthen the relationship between Japan and JapaneseAmericans over the past decade are highly valuable. In
particular, its efforts to cultivate the next generation of
Nikkei leaders and strengthen networks will create thefoundation for amicable Japan-U.S. relations for the coming
50 or even 100 years.”—HIS EXCELLENCY SHINZO ABE,
PRIME MINISTER OF JAPAN4

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION“The sort of leaders we’re creating today through the
TOMODACHI Initiative, I believe, are the leadersthat will carry us forward, that will help us bring new
innovative technology solutions to challenges that
confront both our nations.”—AMBASSADOR WILLIAM HAGERTY,
U.S. AMBASSADOR TO JAPANSIGNATURE PROGRAMS:2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
JAPANESE AMERICAN LEADERSHIP DELEGATION PROGRAMASIAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP DELEGATION PROGRAMWOMEN IN LEADERSHIP2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL

2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

THE 2018 U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL Annual Conference, themed Partnering
for Impact Today, Investing in a Sustainable Tomorrow, was held from November
8 to 9 in Tokyo. Issues that were discussed included how to further develop
philanthropy and the NPO sector in both countries, how to create a moresustainable future for all, as well as how to continue to strengthen the
U.S.-Japan relationship regardless of political trends. The Conference also
highlighted women and millennial leaders, as well as those who lead in diverse
areas such as sports and technology.

Left: Hiroko Kuniya (Journalist and Goodwill
Ambassador for Japan, UN Food and Agriculture
Organization) and Mr. Toshio Arima (Chairman of
the Board, Global Compact Network Japan) discuss
ways to fulfill Unsustainable Development Goals.
Center: Kabuki Actor Ebizo Ichikawa performs.
Right: U.S. Ambassador to Japan William
Hagerty speaks at a reception celebrating the
TOMODACHI Initiative.

DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS:
The Conference featured two Distinguished Speakers:• Governor Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo• Mr. Kanetsugu Mike, President & CEO of MUFG Bank, Ltd.
Other prominent speakers included Mr. Peter Fitzgerald, President, Google
Japan G.K.; Dr. Yoichi Funabashi, Co-founder and Chairman, Asia PacificInitiative, and Former Editor-in-Chief, The Asahi Shimbun; Governor Ryuta
Ibaragi, Governor of Okayama Prefecture; Dr. Heita Kawakatsu, Governor of
Shizuoka Prefecture; Mr. Peter Landers, Tokyo Bureau Chief, The Wall Street
Journal; and Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki, Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture.
Separately, a video message from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe praised theefforts of Japanese Americans in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations.

PHILANTHROPY LEADERSHIP ROUND TABLE
A group of selected philanthropic leaders from the United States and Japandiscussed some of the opportunities and challenges in furthering philanthropic
activities in both countries. The approximately 30 participants exploredpotential approaches to strengthen collaboration across sectors to maximize
impact and build a more sustainable future. This program was made possibleby the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership, New York.

Governors Kawakatsu, Ibaragi and Yuzaki, with
Dr. Daniel Okimoto, Co-Chair of the Silicon Valley
Japan Platform.

“I believe that the U.S. and Japan areimportant partners and that the U.S.Japan relationship underpins our politics,
economy and relationships with othernations.”—GOVERNOR YURIKO KOIKEGANNEMONO: CELEBRATING THE 150-YEAR LEGACY
A session on “Gannenmono,” the first group of Japanese immigrants to arrive in Hawaii 150 years ago,
showed how the solid ties between Hawaii and Japan are based on personal relationships built within
the community. Council Leaders Christine Kubota and Tyler Tokioka discussed their work serving on
the committee that hosted a symposium in Honolulu in June, which was attended by members of theJapanese Imperial Family. Dr. Dennis Ogawa, Professor at the University of Hawaii Manoa, described
the friendship between King Kalakaua and Emperor Meiji during the time of the Gannenmono.

6

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION

Dr. Dennis Ogawa, Professor at
the University of Hawaii Manoa.

2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL

Left: Alumni of the TOMODACHI Emerging Leaders Program(L-R) Mana Nakagawa, David Kenji Chang and Nicole Velasco
discuss the importance of diversity.
Center: Dr. Xavier Briggs, Vice President of Inclusive Economies
and Markets at The Ford Foundation, addresses the audience.
Right: Distinguished Speaker Mr. Kanetsugu Mike, President &CEO of MUFG Bank, Ltd.

“Consistency is how we build trust. So I want to humblycommend USJC for your consistent devotion to protect andstrengthen this special friendship between our two nations
today, tomorrow and far into the future.”—MR. KANETSUGU MIKEJAPAN FILM PREMIERE OF AN AMERICAN
STORY: NORMAN MINETA AND HIS LEGACY
The Japan Film Premiere of An American Story: Norman Mineta and His
Legacy celebrated the life and career of Secretary Mineta (President &CEO, Mineta & Associates, LLC; Former Secretary, U.S. Departmentof Transportation; Former Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce)
as a pioneering Japanese American politician committed to justice andbipartisanship. This event, presented by the Mineta Legacy Project, theJapan Foundation Center for Global Partnership and USJC, included apanel discussion with Secretary Mineta and filmmakers Dianne Fukami
and Debra Nakatomi.

KEY FACTS• THIS WAS USJC’S NINTH Annual Conference, and the second tobe held in Tokyo.
• THERE WERE APPROXIMATELY 750 attendees, including
about 240 USJC members.

Secretary Mineta with Dianne Fukami, President,
Bridge Media and Director/Co-Producer, Mineta
Legacy Project (left) and Debra Nakatomi, President,
Nakatomi & Associates and Co-Producer, Mineta
Legacy Project (center)• APPROXIMATELY 120 GENEROUS SPONSORS contributed
more than $1.6 million.
• MEDIA COVERAGE INCLUDED The Asahi Shimbun, Nihon Keizai
Shimbun, Sankei Shimbun/JAPAN Forward and Yomiuri Shimbun/The
Japan News.

PANEL DISCUSSIONS AND SPECIAL PROGRAMMING:
The many dimensions of the U.S.-Japan relationship were reflected in the
Conference’s nearly twenty panel discussions and programs. These included:• New Trends in Philanthropy• Political Trends and Security Implications• Social Innovation and Changemakers• Aging Populations: Developing Solutions(L-R) Sachin N. Shah, Chairman, President and CEO,
MetLife Insurance K.K. and President, The American
Chamber of Commerce in Japan; Takeshi Niinami,
Representative Director, President & CEO, Suntory
Holdings Ltd.; and Jesper Koll, CEO of WisdomTree
Japan.

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL 2 0 1 8 ANNUAL RE P ORT

7

2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL

JAPANESE AMERICAN LEADERSHIP
DELEGATION PROGRAM

THE JAPANESE AMERICAN LEADERSHIP DELEGATION (JALD)
program provides the opportunity for a select group of Japanese American
leaders to travel to Japan to engage with Japanese leaders in the business,government, academic, nonprofit and cultural sectors.

The 2018 Japanese American Leadership Delegation traveled to Tokyo andYamaguchi in March. In Tokyo, they met with senior leaders in the businessand government sectors, including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. In Yamaguchi,
they spoke at a symposium that was co-sponsored with the Japan Foundation
Center for Global Partnership, and commemorated the 150th anniversary of
the first emigration from Japan to Hawaii.
JALD is generously sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

“Regardless of the distance or cultural differences, Japanese leaders facesimilar challenges that we do in the U.S. My biggest takeaway was theaffirmation and value that people-to-people relationships play in ourincreasingly busy and complex world. We often get lost in the speed
but we must always remember to slow down and build true sustainable
friendships that will carry us forward.”—MR. CHRIS UEHARA

THE 2018 JALD DELEGATESThe 2018 JALD was a diverse group comprising delegates from Guam to
Washington, DC. The majority of the delegates had mixed heritage, and there
were more than twice as many women as men.
8

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATIONJALD ALUMNIOver the course of the year, Foreign
Minister Taro Kono (a Friend of theCouncil), who has been a staunch supporterof Japanese Americans and the JALD
Program, met with JALD alumni in several
cities. In August, Minister Kono met withalumni in Honolulu, San Francisco/Silicon
Valley and Los Angeles, and in September,
met with alumni in New York City.
In November, JALD alumni from all over
the United States and Japan gathered at a
reception that was part of the 2018 Annual
Conference in Tokyo. They reunited withmany who supported their trip or served as
speakers, including Minister Kono (pictured
with Lisa Sakai, JALD ’18).

2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILASIAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP
DELEGATION PROGRAM

THROUGH THE ASIANAMERICAN LEADERSHIP
DELEGATION (AALD ) program,

USJC works with elected officials
to broaden the understanding of
U.S.-Japan relations at the statelegislative level.
The 2018 program selected six
elected state officials from diverse
backgrounds and regions of thecountry. From November toDecember, the delegates traveledto Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka tomeet with Japanese political andgovernment leaders, businessexecutives and nonprofit leaders
to exchange ideas as well as create
networks that can mutually benefit
the U.S.-Japan relationship. The
delegates also spoke about theirvaried personal and professional
journeys at a panel discussion in
Osaka titled “Diversity in Leadership:
The Journey of Asian American State
Legislators.”
AALD is funded by the Sasakawa Peace
Foundation and implemented by USJC,
in collaboration with the National
Asian Pacific American Caucus of State
Legislators and the National Conferenceof State Legislatures.

THE 2018 AALD DELEGATES:• Have roots in China, Japan, South
Korea, Taiwan and Thailand• Are state representatives from
California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland,
Minnesota and New York“I am so grateful for the opportunity tomeet my colleagues and peers from acrossthe nation, as well as those in Japan. It
honestly makes me feel very inspiredthat there are so many thoughtful andwonderful individuals looking at different
ways to make the world a better place from
wherever we are sitting.”—ASSEMBLYMEMBER YUH-LINE NIOU

“I truly appreciate the opportunity to participate in the 2018 AALD program because it shows how impactful leaders
are to the success and direction of their organizations, legislative bodies, and between countries. I am committed tofacilitating these types of exchanges in Minnesota among elected officials, business and philanthropic leaders, andscholars to further strengthen U.S.-Japan relations.”—REPRESENTATIVE FUE LEE

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL 2 0 1 8 ANNUAL RE P ORT

9

2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILWOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

Left: Council Leader Laurie Van Pelt (center) speaks on a panel during the Oakland RWL; Center: Dr. Robin Yasui of Denver joined community
leaders in Salt Lake City for their RWL event; Right: The Hawaii networking event welcomed USJC Chair of the Board Phyllis Campbell (center)

IN 2018, USJC’S SUPPORT for women in leadership was stronger than ever. Several events and programs led toactive discourse and stronger networks, inspiring women and men of all generations.

REGIONAL WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP AND OTHER NETWORKING EVENTSUSJC members throughout the United States continued to organize and participate in the Regional Women in Leadership(RWL) series, funded by the Embassy of Japan. USJC held RWL events in five cities in 2018: Dallas, TX; Oakland, MI;
Phoenix, AZ; Sacramento, CA and Salt Lake City, UT. Community leaders discussed Japan’s Womenomics agenda, as
well as ways that Americans can support it. Apart from RWL, USJC members in Hawaii and the Midwest also held events
examining women’s leadership.

DISCUSSIONS AT THE 2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
During the 2018 USJC Annual Conference, Ms. Yuka Tanimoto, Deputy Editor-in-Chief& Event Promotion Section Chief Producer of Forbes JAPAN (left) and Ms. Emi Takemura,
Fellow, Mistletoe Inc.; Co-founder, FutureEdu Tokyo; and Co-founder/Advisor, Peatix Inc.,
shared tips for women to succeed as leaders, including celebrating one’s own differences.
In another session, Dr. John Maeda, Global Head of Computational Design + Inclusion at
Automattic, discussed with his colleague Lena Morita the importance of diversity in the fieldof technology. Women spoke at 13 out of 15 sessions at the Conference.

JAPANESE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP INITIATIVEThe Japanese Women’s Leadership Initiative (JWLI), founded by USJC Board Member
Atsuko Fish and supported by USJC, continued to thrive in 2018. This Boston-based
program, which fosters Japanese women leaders interested in nonprofit management, isoffered twice a year. The 2018 Fall Fellows (pictured with Ms. Fish (third from left) and guest
Ms. Susan Whitehead) concluded their program by pitching their ideas at a joint event withparticipants of the TOMODACHI Disability Leadership Program in America, which also
takes place in Boston.

TOMODACHI PROGRAMS

Council Leader Mayumi Uejima-Carrand her husband discuss work-lifebalance with TMWLP participants in DC.

10

As part of the 2017-18 TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program (TMWLP),
Japanese university students from Naha, Fukuoka, Tokyo and Osaka traveled to
Washington, DC and New York City to meet with members of Congress and other leaders.
High school students participating in the TOMODACHI High School Women Career
Mentoring Program in Fukushima, which is supported by Lawson and FamilyMart Co.,
Ltd., learned from mentors with global careers. Female Japanese undergraduate students
who participated in the TOMODACHI-STEM @ Rice University Program visited Houston
and Washington, DC.

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATIONEDUCATIONAL & NETWORKINGPROGRAMS:WATANABE SCHOLARSHIP
JAPAN-TEXAS ECONOMIC SUMMITREGIONAL PROGRAMSSILICON VALLEY JAPAN PLATFORM
BUSINESS NETWORKINGJAPAN FLOOD FRIENDSHIP FUND
GOVERNMENT AND LEGISLATIVE NETWORKING2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILWATANABE SCHOLARSHIP“I am very grateful that I got this opportunity to study abroad, because it has made me
think more carefully about who I want to be in the future.”—MS. NAOMI ISHIMURA,
JAPANESE WATANABE SCHOLAR 2018-19

Mr. Watanabe addressing the scholars
attending the Annual Conference.

THE TOSHIZO WATANABE S tudy Abroad Scholarship Program provides
financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students for a semester or yearlong 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 whom study abroad would not be possible
without financial support.

2018-19 WATANABE SCHOLARSFor the 2018-19 year, scholarships were awarded to 20 Japanese students and 18
American students—35 undergraduate and three graduate students—specializing infields like civil engineering, political science, public diplomacy, music and computerscience. 2018 was the third year for the scholarship to support Japanese students
studying in the United States, and the inaugural year supporting American students
studying in Japan. Scholarship recipients are studying at institutions in 11 statesacross the United States and six prefectures across Japan. 2018 was also the first year
supporting students in semester-long study abroad programs.

Mr. and Mrs. Watanabe with the 14
American scholars at the Annual
Conference.

“I kept thinking about a way to show my appreciation for the opportunity provided to
us scholars. And I realized that the best way to thank Mr. Watanabe is to do our best toreach our personal, academic and professional goals.”—MR. DAVID PALACIOS,
U.S. WATANABE SCHOLAR 2018-19

WATANABE SCHOLARS AT THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Fourteen of the American scholars studying in Japan traveled to Tokyo to attend
the 2018 USJC Annual Conference in November. They learned about various
topics in U.S.-Japan relations, shared their own perspectives, and networked with
USJC members, TOMODACHI alumni and other conference attendees. They alsojoined Mr. and Mrs. Watanabe, their daughters and Watanabe Scholar alumni fordinner, where they discussed the impact of the scholarship and their study abroad
experience so far.
Mr. Palacios at a sports festival at Tokyo
International University.

12

The Council looks forward to supporting many more students in the future throughthis lasting gift from Mr. Watanabe.

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL

JAPAN-TEXAS ECONOMIC SUMMIT

Ambassador Shinsuke Sugiyama with USJC
Board Member Donna Cole, Chair of JTES.

(L-R) Council Leader Eric Takahata, Irene Hirano
Inouye, Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston, USJC
Immediate Past Chair Dennis Teranishi.

Council Leaders Peter Sakai (center)
and Glen Gondo greet a guest.

IN MAY, MORE THAN 400 LEADERS from throughout the UnitedStates and Japan convened in Houston for the Japan-Texas Economic Summit(JTES). USJC hosted the Summit in collaboration with close to 50 cities andorganizations. Issues discussed during the Summit included ongoing trade andinvestment, opportunities for further collaboration, sister city ties and people-topeople exchanges.

SPEECHES AND DISCUSSIONS

Keynote Speaker Governor Ohmura.

“I am honored that Texas is home toone of the first U.S.-Japan Council
regional summits, which underscores
the importance of Japan’s partnershipwith the Lone Star State, as well as theenormous potential for growth we see
today and in the years ahead.”— SECRETARY ROLANDO PABLOS,TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATEThe Summit featured keynote addresses from Bruce Culpepper (President,
Shell Oil Company), Shigeru Hayakawa (Vice Chairman of the Board of
Directors, Toyota Motor Corporation and Vice Chair, Keidanren), Shigeki Maeda(Executive Vice President, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)), Hideaki
Ohmura (Governor, Aichi Prefecture, Japan) and Secretary Rolando Pablos(Texas Secretary of State).
Other speakers included Mitsuru Claire Chino (President & CEO, ITOCHUInternational Inc.); Henry Cisneros (Founder & Chairman, CityView, Former
HUD Secretary and Former Mayor of San Antonio, TX); Ambassador Tom
Schieffer (Former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, and President and CEO of Envoy
International); and Japanese Ambassador Shinsuke J. Sugiyama, who traveledfrom Washington, DC.
Panel discussions explored the many aspects of Texas-Japan relations, including
security and defense, energy, healthcare, workforce development, technologicalinnovation, food and beverage, and people-to-people exchanges.

REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PRESENTATIONS

Mayor Ron
Nirenberg of
San Antonio.

The summit also included a unique session of 15 speakers, each representing
various regions across Texas, as well as sister cities in Japan. Mayors and otherofficials shared the strengths of their cities, which included metropolises like
Dallas and Houston, cities with close Japanese ties like Plano (which recently
welcomed Toyota Motor North America’s new headquarters), cities with
distinct characteristics like El Paso (which borders Mexico), and Japanese locales
Kumamoto City, Chiba City and Oita City (which have sister cities in Texas).
Following the session, many of the regions further presented their charms withbooths, regional delicacies and music.
U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL 2 0 1 8 ANNUAL RE P ORT

13

2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILREGIONAL PROGRAMSUSJC HOLDS REGIONAL PROGRAMS throughout the year to provide opportunities for Japanese and Americans to
network and explore areas of collaboration in U.S.-Japan relations. We thank the many members who organize, execute andreport on these programs. 2018 events included:

LOS ANGELESIn June, USJC members organized a seminar by Dan Ichinose, the Project Director
for Demographic Research at Asian Americans Advancing Justice, who spoke
about the demographic trends of the Japanese American community. Forty-five
percent of Japanese Americans, which number 1.5 million, are multiracial andmulticultural, and that figure is predicted to exceed 50% by the 2020 census. Of
all the Asian communities, the Japanese American community has the lowest
immigrant population, the highest median age, and is the most multicultural.
Mr. Ichinose inspired a robust discussion about the future of Japanese Americanorganizations, what services will be needed in the future, and the impact this has
on identity and culture.

NEW YORK
In October, USJC partnered with the American Jewish Committee (AJC)’s Asia
Pacific Institute, the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP)and Japan Society to host an event focused on collaboration and innovation in
automotive technology among the United States, Japan and Israel. The panel
speakers included (pictured left to right) member of the AJC Executive Council
Kim Pimley; Mr. Ben Rabinowitz, Founder and Managing Partner at Amiti
Ventures; Dr. Wendy Ju, Assistant Professor at the Jacobs Technion-Cornell
Institute; and Ms. Yumi Kawabata, automotive journalist and advisor to theJapanese government. (Photo © Japan Society/Alan Klein).

TOHOKUIn November, four USJC members visited Iwate prefecture as part of a trip
organized by World in Tohoku (WIT). WIT, led by Executive Director Mio
Yamamoto (ELP ’14 and USJC Associate), educates people on the challenges in
Tohoku following the Great East Japan Earthquake. One of the participants wasnaval officer Jaden Risner (ELP ’13 and USJC Associate, pictured second fromleft with local residents), who was a first-responder taking part in Operation
Tomodachi. Mr. Risner, who was returning to Tohoku for the first time sincethen, shared photos and stories from the operation. Trip participants also metsocial entrepreneurs who address local problems, and exchanged perspectives
on educational, political and socio-economic issues.

WASHINGTON, DC
In December, USJC and the Columbia University Alumni Association of
Washington, DC hosted a lecture by Professor Takako Hikotani, Gerald L. Curtis
Associate Professor of Modern Japanese Politics and Foreign Policy at Columbia
University. Her presentation, held at the Japan Information & Culture Center,
Embassy of Japan, discussed Japan’s globalization and democratization. Dr.
Hikotani spoke about the country’s relationship with the United States, as well as
its efforts to expand ties with Europe, Africa and other parts of Asia as part of along-term vision to build relations with allies.
14

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILSILICON VALLEY JAPAN PLATFORM
THE SILICON VALLEY JAPAN PLATFORM (SVJP) is an initiative of

USJC and the Asia Pacific Initiative (AP Initiative). SVJP aims to connect
the technological dynamism of Silicon Valley with the current and futureneeds of economic revitalization in Japan. SVJP is co-chaired by Dr. Daniel
Okimoto, Professor Emeritus at Stanford University (Member and former
Chair of the USJC Board of Councilors) and Mr. James Kondo, President,
AP Initiative (USJC Council Leader).
IN 2018, SVJP ORGANIZED a variety of events aimed at expanding
and deepening ties of collaboration between the U.S. and Japan. One
regular event, the monthly Benkyokai meetings, feature speakers whoshare their expertise on a cutting-edge topic of interest. Some speakers andtopics featured in 2018 were: Dr. Vincent Vanhoucke, Principal Scientist at
Google Brain - “Deep Learning: Bright Machine Intelligence to the Human
World”; Tim Swanson, Founder and Director of Research at Post Oak
Labs and Chris Finan, CEO and Co-Founder of Manifold Technology “The Promise and Limitations of Blockchain Technology”; and Jim Adler,
Founding Managing Director at Toyota AI Ventures and Executive Advisor
at Toyota Research Institute - “Driving Disruption: Investing in Innovation
to Create Capabilities.”

Dr. Vanhoucke presents at the Benkyokai in August.

BUSINESS NETWORKING

Ambassador Hagerty with Kathy Matsui, Chair of the USJC
(Japan) Board of Councilors, who moderated the discussion.

Ambassador Sasae speaking with TOMODACHI Alumna Miku
Yoshiba (right) and TOMODACHI Alumni Manager Kaoru Utada.

BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARD
THE BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARD (BAB) is a group of business leaders in Japan withexperience in the United States who are also familiar with the work of USJC. Under the leadershipof Mr. Masaaki Tanaka, Vice Chair of the USJC Board of Councilors, BAB continued to be successful
in 2018. BAB was held three times over the course of the year, each welcoming a speaker for theirperspectives on U.S.-Japan relations: Ambassador William Hagerty, U.S. Ambassador to Japan(March); Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae, Former Ambassador of Japan to the United States (June); andMr. Mike Kayamori, CEO and co-founder of QUOINE (September).

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL 2 0 1 8 ANNUAL RE P ORT

15

2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL

JAPAN FLOOD FRIENDSHIP FUND
IN RESPONSE TO EXTREME flooding in July 2018, USJC established the Japan Flood Friendship Fund (JFFF) in

collaboration with other organizations—the Japanese American Citizens League, the Japanese Cultural and Community
Center of Northern California, the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i and the United States-Japan Foundation—to offer
support for relief and recovery to the flood-affected areas in Western Japan. Thanks to the generous contributions of close
to 300 donors, the Fund provided financial support to four organizations: Civic Force, Japan Platform, Japan Volunteer
Organizations Active in Disaster (JVOAD) and the Peace Boat Disaster Relief Volunteer Center (PBV). From providing
mobile medical clinics, book buses and food assistance, to cleaning homes and working at volunteer centers, theseoutstanding nonprofit organizations in Japan are supporting the needs of those impacted by the disaster.

GOVERNMENT AND LEGISLATIVE NETWORKING

Irene Hirano Inouye recognizes Ambassador Sasae as an Honorary
Japanese American.

Japanese American leaders and Japanese Consuls General gatheredin Chicago.

AMBASSADOR, CONSULS GENERAL AND JAPANESE AMERICAN LEADERS MEETING (CG-JA)
THE ANNUAL CG-JA MEETING is sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and organized by USJC

and the Embassy of Japan. Prominent Japanese Americans selected by their respective Consuls General from across theUnited States gather for a discussion with Japanese government leaders.
The 2018 discussion, held in Chicago in February, focused on key issues such as strengthening regional ties, public
diplomacy and bilateral exchange programs. Participants shared their views on U.S.-Japan relations one year into thecurrent U.S. presidential administration, the importance of partnering with other communities on issues of mutualinterest, exploring new opportunities for programs that build goodwill between the two countries, and more. Following
the meeting, Ambassador of Japan Kenichiro Sasae hosted a lunch at the Union League Club of Chicago. USJC President
Irene Hirano Inouye presented the soon-departing Ambassador with a certificate recognizing him as an Honorary JapaneseAmerican, as a special token of appreciation for his years of service and friendship to the Japanese American community.

LEGISLATIVE NETWORKINGTHROUGH LEGISLATIVE NETWORKING, USJC seeks to facilitate

exchange between elected officials in the United States and Japan at thestate, local and national levels. In May, USJC joined the Japan Center
for International Exchange (JCIE), The Maureen and Mike Mansfield
Foundation and a coalition of other U.S.-Japan interest groups in hostingan annual reception on Capitol Hill. The reception welcomed 10 JapaneseDiet members—including Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Scienceand Technology Yoshimasa Hayashi—who were visiting Washington, DC tomeet with key officials of Congress. Over 150 leading figures in U.S.-Japan
relations attended, including Congressman Mark Takano (Member of the
USJC Board of Councilors) and Japanese Ambassador Shinsuke J. Sugiyama.
16

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION(L-R): Jun Aketa of Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc.;
Irene Hirano Inouye; Diet Member Naokazu
Takemoto; Congressman Takano; Diet Member
Yukihisa Fujita.

TOMODACHI INITIATIVE:
ABOUT TOMODACHITOMODACHI PROGRAMSTOMODACHI EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM

2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILABOUT TOMODACHITHE TOMODACHI INITIATIVE is a publicprivate partnership between the U.S.-Japan Council
and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, with support fromthe Government of Japan. Born out of support forJapan’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake,
TOMODACHI invests in the next generation ofJapanese and American leaders through educationaland cultural exchanges as well as leadership programs.

TOMODACHI seeks to foster young American andJapanese leaders who are committed to and engaged

in strengthening U.S.- Japan relations, appreciate eachother’s countries and cultures, and possess the global
skills and mindsets needed to contribute to and thrive ina more cooperative, prosperous and secure world.
In 2012, the U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) was createdto support the administration of TOMODACHI. The
U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) is a registered Public Interest
Corporation (koeki zaidan hojin) and maintains offices inTokyo, Japan.

1,038 INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATED IN 38 PROGRAMS
2018 PARTICIPANTS
BY HOMETOWN

2018 PARTICIPANTS
BY PROGRAM TYPE

U.S.
28%

Leadership
50%

Japan
(Non-Tohoku)
38%

Educational
42%

Japan
(Tohoku)
34%

18

Cultural
8%

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILTOMODACHI PROGRAMSIn September, nearly 300 TOMODACHI alumni, guests and supporters gathered at Showa Women’s University in Tokyo for the 2018
TOMODACHI Generation Summit. This event created by alumni, for alumni, is a core feature of the TOMODACHI Alumni Leadership
Program. Speakers included Masaharu Kohno, TOMODACHI Initiative Senior Advisor and Special Representative of the Governmentof Japan for the Middle East and Europe and Special Envoy of the Government of Japan for the Middle East Peace; Ernie Higa, Chairman,
President and CEO of Higa Industries Co., Ltd.; and Joseph M. Young, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy Tokyo.

“The opportunity that the summit provides is to have alumni from various programs with different themes gathered to share
their experience with one another. It gives people motivation to try something further in the alumni network.”—MR. HAYATO KIMURA, TOMODACHI ALUMNUS AND CHAIR,
2018 SUMMIT CORE COMMITTEE

From July to August, 12 high school students from Japan and the UnitedStates participated in the TOMODACHI U.S.-Japan Youth Exchange Program,managed by American Councils in Education in partnership with Globalize DC
and Common Earth (Japan). The program took place in Washington, DC (where
the students examined issues such as race, diversity and immigration in the
United States) and Japan (where students explored culture and learned about
resilience in Kesennuma and Minamisanriku, Tohoku cities devastated by theGreat East Japan Earthquake). At the conclusion of the program, the students
gave a final presentation on what they learned, using various formats likedancing (pictured), singing and playing videos that they produced.

THESE PROGRAMS WOULD NOT be

possible without the generous support ofcorporations from the United States and Japan.
More information about these programs in 2018
and their donors are published in a separate
TOMODACHI report. Please see
www.tomodachi.org for more information.

“In Kesennuma and Minamisanriku we were welcomed withkindness. Where I am from, people don’t greet people they don’t
know. But in Kesennuma we were always greeted by strangers on
the streets.”—MS. ARJERNAE MILLER,TOMODACHI ALUMNA

THREE KEY SUSTAINING PARTNERS are critical to TOMODACHI’s infrastructure: Takeda’s financial support goesto overhead and infrastructure; Prudential’s support facilitates the Alumni program; and Evolution Japan provides pro
bono office space and support to the Tokyo team.
U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL 2 0 1 8 ANNUAL RE P ORT

19

2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILTOMODACHI PROGRAMS

From July to August, 20 middle and high school students selected from
Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures participated in the 2018
TOMODACHI MUFG International Exchange Program, and visited Los
Angeles for two weeks. The participants deepened their knowledge ofJapanese American history and the U.S.-Japan relationship, interacted withyoung professionals and university students in the region, and gained new
perspectives on their future paths.

In August, seven nursing students from Tohoku participated in astudy tour in New York, New Jersey and Washington, DC as partof the TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program. The
students learned about disaster medicine, disaster nursing andmedical procedures in the U.S., as well as about recovery from 9/11
and Hurricane Sandy. This is the fourth year of the program, which
has now supported 35 nursing students from Tohoku.

“I used to think that one person’s opinion could not reach all ofsociety. However, through the program, I saw that when many
people communicate their own messages, their voices gradually
become bigger and bigger, and it ultimately leads to the creationof a community, although it may take some time. From now on,
I want to firmly deliver my own opinion.”—MS. KOTOMI TAKADA,TOMODACHI ALUMNA

At the 2018 USJC Annual Conference, three TOMODACHI alumni
from the United States and Japan shared their stories of how
TOMODACHI transformed their lives. They were joined by USJC
Executive Vice President & COO Laura Winthrop Abbot,
Lata Reddy (Senior Vice President, Diversity, Inclusion & Impact,
Prudential Financial, Inc.; Chair and President, The Prudential
Foundation) and USJC Board Member Todd Guild.

In January and March, several TOMODACHI Sumitomo Scholars—
Japanese undergraduate students studying abroad and participatingin the TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship
Program—traveled to Washington, DC and New York for weeklong visits that were sponsored by the Sumitomo Corporation ofAmericas. The scholars who visited in March met with DC publichigh school students who are studying Japanese, and engaged in
discussions in Japanese and English.

20

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILTOMODACHI PROGRAMS
Right: The TOMODACHI Daiwa House Student Leadership
Conference, held in Los Angeles in April, convened 16 Japanese
students and 25 American students from cities across the West
Coast, including Seattle, Portland and Honolulu.

In July, nine former TOMODACHI-UNIQLO Fellows took part ina reunion event held at UNIQLO CITY TOKYO. This year marked
the fifth anniversary of the TOMODACHI-UNIQLO Fellowship,
which provides scholarships for graduate school in fashion
and business.
Above: As part of the 2017-18 TOMODACHI KAKEHASHI Inouye Scholars
Program, students and professors from Prefectural Hiroshima University andYamaguchi University visited Hendrix College in February. The students
learned about social justice, met with the mayor of Conway, AR (where
Hendrix is located), took part in community service, and taught origami atFirst United Methodist Church. During this exchange program, students fromfour pairs of American and Japanese universities learn about the legacy of thelate Senator Daniel K. Inouye. The program is part of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs’ KAKEHASHI Project.

In August, 20 high school students selected from across Japan
participated in the TOMODACHI Honda Global Leadership
Program. They traveled for two weeks to Los Angeles and Ohio,
where Honda’s sales offices and manufacturing base are located.
Here, they are seen visiting a high school in Dublin, OH. The
TOMODACHI Honda Global Leadership Program was establishedin 2018, based on the success of the TOMODACHI Honda Cultural
Exchange Program from 2014 to 2017.

“One of the most memorable parts of this conference was the
improvisation. It made us step outside the box. One of theactivities we did was making eye contact, shaking hands witheach other, and making sure we are actively listening to eachother. I can apply that anywhere.”—MR. KAI MARK YONASHIRO,TOMODACHI ALUMNUS

As part of the TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program 2018, ten
American delegates visited Tokyo and Miyagi in July, meeting with businessleaders and learning about revitalization efforts in coastal cities in Tohoku.
In September, ten Japanese delegates visited Boston and Washington,
DC (pictured at a breakfast with alumni and USJC members), where theylearned about innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership. Alumni of the
program also remain active; in February, four alumni in Kyushu shared theirexperience with Joy Sakurai, Principal Officer at the U.S. Consulate Fukuoka.
U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL 2 0 1 8 ANNUAL RE P ORT

21

2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILTOMODACHI EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM
THE U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL’S TOMODACHI 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 cohortof leaders aged 24-35 is selected annually to attend the Annual
Conference, become USJC Associates, and join program alumni
in bridging the future of the U.S.-Japan relationship.

The 2018 Class.

In its ninth year, the 2018 program brought 12 JapaneseAmerican young professionals to Tokyo for the 2018 USJC
Annual Conference. The Emerging Leaders participated in aleadership orientation program, networked with high-level
leaders and participated in the Annual Members Meeting.

“Now we have so many opportunities to connect with people on [social media], but it’s so rare to have the opportunity tomeet people in real life who share the same passion. That commonality is not just being Japanese—it’s a passion that you
have for the community.”—2018 EMERGING LEADER EIKO OKAMOTO

JAPANESE HERITAGE DAY
IN AUGUST, ELP ALUMNI hosted a Japanese HeritageDay at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California as Shohei
Ohtani and the Los Angeles Angels took on the Oakland
Athletics. The event, a fundraiser in support of ELP
alumni activities, sold over 1,200 tickets. Council Leaders,
Associates and sponsors traveled from as far as New York,
Washington, DC, Hawaii and Japan to support the event.
Additional guests included Consul General of Japan in Los
Angeles Akira Chiba and Mrs. Chiba, and four Japaneseparliamentarians who were in town for Nisei Week.
GUESTS RECEIVED A LIMITED edition Ohtani
bobblehead and enjoyed a lively taiko performance. USJC
board members, ELP sponsors and USJC President Irene
Hirano Inouye presented the Angels Foundation with adonation during a special pre-game ceremony. The firstpitch was then thrown on behalf of the ELP alumni by a local
young cancer survivor selected through the My Wishlist
Foundation.

ELP alumni, including Josh Morey (back row, third from right),
organized Japanese Heritage Day (photo by Wyatt Conlon).

A boy admires his two-way
Shohei Ohtani bobblehead (photoby Wyatt Conlon).

22

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATIONLEADERSHIP AND SUPPORT:USJC BOARDSUSJC MANAGEMENT & STAFF
SPONSORSHIP & SUPPORTMEMBERSHIP2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL

U.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS(AS OF DECEMBER 2018)
THE U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL’S BOARD of Directors consists of leadersfrom across the United States and in Japan who provide their expertise inestablishing and guiding the Council’s mission and activities.

BOARD OFFICERS
Phyllis Campbell, Chair; Chair, JPMorgan
Chase & Co., Pacific Northwest
Irene Hirano Inouye, President, U.S.-Japan
Council
Tomoko Kizawa, Vice Chair & Audit
Committee Chair; Partner, Deloitte LLP
Susan Morita, Vice Chair; Partner, Arnold& Porter Kaye Scholer LLP
Dennis R. Sugino, Vice Chair & Investment
Committee Chair; Founder, Kansa Advisory LLC

Tasha Yorozu, Secretary & Engagement
Committee Chair; Managing Attorney,
Yorozu Law Group, PC
David Nishida, Treasurer & FinanceCommittee Chair
Dennis Y. Teranishi, Immediate Past
Chair & Nominating and GovernanceCommittee Chair; President & CEO, PacificInternational Center for High Technology
Research

Board Members (L-R) Masami Iijima, Elly Keinan,
Masaharu Kohno and Masaaki Tanaka during ameeting at the 2018 USJC Annual Conference.

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK the outgoing members of the USJC (US) Board of Directors. In January 2019,
Tracey Doi and Susan Morita, who completed their terms in December 2018, join the Legacy Council, and Yosuke Jay O.
Honjo becomes a member of the USJC (US) Board of Councilors.

BOARD MEMBERSDavid M. Boone, Executive Vice President
and Chief Growth Officer, Michael Baker
International
David Kenji Chang, Portfolio Manager,
Tyvor Capital, LLC
Donna Fujimoto Cole, President & CEO,Cole Chemical & Distributing, Inc.
Tracey Doi, CFO and Group Vice President,
Toyota Motor North America
Susan Eichor, President & COO, aio
Atsuko Toko Fish, Founding Trustee, Fish
Family Foundation

Kazuhiro Gomi, Member of the Boardof Directors, NTT Communications
Corporation, President & Chief Executive
Officer, NTT America, Inc.

Norman Nakasone, Senior Vice President,
Product & e-Channel Management, Central
Pacific BankJames Higa, Executive Director,
Philanthropic Ventures Foundation &Mentor in Residence, Index Ventures

Jill Nishi, Program Development Committee
Chair; Director, Strategy Planning &Management and Chief of Staff, U.S.
Program, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Leona Hiraoka, Communications Committee
Chair; President & CEO, KEIRO

Scott Sato, Development Committee Chair;CEO, Tricor Japan

Yosuke Jay O. Honjo, CEO & Founder, ITO
EN US Group
Yuko Kaifu, President, JAPAN HOUSE Los
Angeles

LEGACY COUNCIL
USJC’S LEGACY COUNCIL includes members of the Board of Directors and select members of the Board of Councilors whocompleted full terms of service on the Board. It was established to recognize the invaluable contributions of Board members, past,present and in the future, and to encourage previous Board members to remain active leaders at USJC.
Tom Iino, Chair; Director, First Choice Bank
Sho Dozono, Principal, Dozono Consulting
Michael K. Hirai, Senior Managing Director
and Partner, Metaurus Advisors LLC
Robert Ichikawa, Partner, Kobayashi
Sugita & Goda
Frederick H. Katayama, Anchor andProducer, Reuters Insider, Thomson Reuters

24

Dayne Kono, Principal, Masuda, Funai,
Eifert & Mitchell, Ltd.

Henry Ota, Board Member, JapaneseAmerican Cultural & Community Center

Colbert Matsumoto, Executive Chairmanof the Board, Island Insurance Company,
Ltd.

Paul Niwa, Chair of Journalism, Emerson
College

Moni Miyashita, Partner, Innosight
Consulting
Allen Okamoto, Owner-Broker,
T. Okamoto & Co.

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION

Susan Onuma, Partner, Ingram Yuzek
Gainen Carroll & Bertolotti, LLP
Wally Tsuha, President, Tsuha Foundation
Jan Yanehiro, President, Jan Yanehiro, Inc.

2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL

U.S. BOARD OF COUNCILORS(AS OF DECEMBER 2018)
THE U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL’S DISTINGUISHED Board of Councilors consists of leaders who are recognized for their life-

long contribution and commitment to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations. Their expertise and guidance directs the Council’s
mission and activities.

BOARD OFFICERSPaul K. Yonamine, Chair; Executive
Chairman, Central Pacific Bank
Honorable Norman Y. Mineta, Vice Chair;
President & CEO, Mineta & Associates, LLC;
Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce; Former
U.S. Secretary of Transportation
Masaaki Tanaka, Vice Chair; Advisor, Japan
Financial Services Agency

BOARD MEMBERS
Naoyuki Agawa, Distinguished Visiting
Professor, Doshisha University
Honorable George Ariyoshi, Former
Governor, State of Hawaii
Gerald Curtis, Burgess Professor Emeritus of
Political Science, Columbia University
His Excellency Ichiro Fujisaki,
President, Nakasone Peace Institute;
Former Ambassador Extraordinary andPlenipotentiary of Japan to the U.S.
Dr. Hiroyuki Fujita, Founder, President,
CEO and Chairman of the Board, Quality
Electrodynamics
His Excellency Yasuo Fukuda, Former Prime
Minister of Japan
Glen S. Fukushima, Senior Fellow, Center
for American Progress
Soichiro Fukutake, Director and Chairman,
Benesse Holdings, Inc.
Honorable Colleen Hanabusa, U.S. House ofRepresentatives, State of Hawaii
Yasuchika Hasegawa, Corporate Counselor,
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd.
Ernest M. Higa, Chairman, President & CEO,Higa Industries Co., Ltd.
Nobuyuki Hirano, Director, President &Group CEO, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group,Inc.
Honorable Mazie Hirono, U.S. Senate, Stateof Hawaii
Masami Iijima, Representative Director &Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mitsui &Co., LTD.
Noriyuki Inoue, Chairman of the Board& Chief Global Group Officer, Daikin
Industries, Ltd.

His Excellency Ryozo Kato, Former
Ambassador Extraordinary andPlenipotentiary of Japan to the U.S.
Elly Keinan, Country General Manager andPresident, IBM Japan, Ltd.
Masaharu Kohno, Special Representative of
the Government of Japan for the Middle Eastand Europe; Special Envoy of the Governmentof Japan for the Middle East Peace
Yorihiko Kojima, Honorary Chairman,
Mitsubishi Corporation
Hiroko Kuniya, Journalist; Goodwill
Ambassador for Japan, UN Food andAgriculture Organization
Honorable Doris Matsui, U.S. House ofRepresentatives, State of California
Koji Nagai, President and Group CEO,
Nomura Holdings, Inc.
Tsuyoshi Nagano, President, Group CEO &Group CCO, Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.
Hiroaki Nakanishi, Chairman of the Board,
Executive Officer, Hitachi, Ltd.

THE USJC COMMUNITY WAS

saddened to lose Ambassador Yoshio
Okawara, Honorary Member of theBoard of Councilors, in 2018. He was
the Ambassador Extraordinary andPlenipotentiary of Japan to the U.S.
from 1980 to 1985. After retiring fromthe Government of Japan, he continued
to support U.S.-Japan relations throughthe America-Japan Society (AJS), among
other posts, and was AJS’s longest
serving president. Ambassador Okawara
was an active supporter of USJC since its
inception, and attended many meetings.
We extend our deepest condolences toAmbassador Okawara’s family.
Isao Takashiro, Chairman and CEO, Japan
Airport Terminal Co., Ltd.
George Takei, Actor, Hosato Enterprises, Inc.

Takeshi Niinami, Representative Director,
President & CEO, Suntory Holdings Limited

Toshizo Watanabe, President, Toshizo
Watanabe Foundation

Dr. Daniel Okimoto, Ph.D., DirectorEmeritus, Shorenstein APARC; FSI Senior
Fellow and Professor Emeritus of Political
Science, Stanford University

Kristi Yamaguchi, Founder, Always Dream
Foundation

John Onoda, Senior Corporate Counselor,
Gagen MacDonald
W. Douglas Parker, Chairman & CEO,American Airlines
Susan H. Roos, Partner & CAO, Geodesic
CapitalHis Excellency Motoatsu Sakurai, President,
Japan Society; Former Ambassador andConsul General of Japan in New YorkHis Excellency Kenichiro Sasae, President,
The Japan Institute of International Affairs(JIIA); Former Ambassador Extraordinary
and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the U.S.
Honorable John Thomas Schieffer,
President & CEO of Envoy International,
LLC; Former Ambassador Extraordinary andPlenipotentiary of the U.S. to Japan
Honorable Mark Takano, U.S. House ofRepresentatives, State of California

Roy Yamaguchi, Chef and Restaurateur, Roy’s
Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, 2012 Nobel Laureate;
Director, Center for iPS Cell Research andApplication, Kyoto University

HONORARY MEMBERS
His Excellency Yohei Kono, Former Speaker ofthe House of Representatives of Japan
Honorable Walter Mondale, Former
Vice President of the United States;
Former Ambassador Extraordinary andPlenipotentiary of the U.S. to Japan
His Excellency Kunihiko Saito, Former
Ambassador Extraordinary andPlenipotentiary of Japan to the U.S.
Dr. Katsuhiko Shirai, Former President,
Waseda University
His Excellency Shunji Yanai, President andJudge, International Tribunal for the Law of
the Sea; Former Ambassador Extraordinary
and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the U.S.

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL 2 0 1 8 ANNUAL RE P ORT

25

2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL (JAPAN)
BOARD OF DIRECTORSAND BOARD OF COUNCILORS(AS OF DECEMBER 2018)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Royanne K. Doi, Representative Director; Chief Compliance
Officer, Prudential International Insurance, Prudential
Financial, Inc. (Japan Representative Office)
Irene Hirano Inouye, Representative Director & President;
President, U.S.-Japan Council
David Nishida, Vice President
Ryuichi Katayama, Internal Auditor
Todd Guild, Member of the Board of Directors, Beam Suntory,
Inc.
Russell K. Kawahara, Partner, Atsumi & Sakai
Stan Koyanagi, Director and Corporate Senior Vice President,
Responsible for Enterprise Risk Management & Global GeneralCounsel, ORIX Corporation
Gary Moriwaki, Partner, Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf,
LLP

In 2012, the U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) was createdto support the administration of TOMODACHI. The
U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) is a registered Public Interest
Corporation (koeki zaidan hojin) and maintains an office inTokyo, Japan.

BOARD OF COUNCILORS
Kathy Matsui, Chair; Vice-Chair, Goldman Sachs Japan
Co., Ltd.
Daniel Fujii, President, Trust Capital Co., Ltd.;
President & CEO, Everglory Group Limited
William Ireton, Representative Director, Ireton
Entertainment Inc.
Merle Aiko Okawara, Chairman, JC Comsa Corporation
Henry Seiichi Takata, Representative Director and Managing
Partner, SynTech Japan Co., Ltd.

MANAGEMENT & STAFF(AS OF DECEMBER 2018)

WASHINGTON, DC HEADQUARTERS:
Weston Konishi, Director of
Irene Hirano Inouye, President
Partnerships & Development
Laura Winthrop Abbot, Executive Vice
President & Chief Operating Officer

Tess Esposito, Chief Financial Officer

Shiori Okazaki, Director ofCommunications

Mya Fisher, Director of Education &TOMODACHI Programs

Sonoko Plummer, Administrator,
Executive Office and Operations

Shane Graves, Director of Program
Development

Gary Zottoli, Finance Manager

CALIFORNIA:
Kenta Takamori, Executive Director,
Silicon Valley Japan Platform

Grace Kim, Program Coordinator
Tamaki Laycock, Program Coordinator
Robin Mitchell, Development
Coordinator

Aya Maher, Communications Manager

Yumi Hiroshima, Executive Assistant &Program Manager, Silicon Valley Japan
Platform

Kaz Maniwa, Senior Vice President

TOKYO:
Junko Tsuda, Executive Director, U.S.Japan Council (Japan)

Hiromi Kato, Administrative & Office
Manager, TOMODACHI Initiative

Yuki Amano, Program Coordinator

Michiyo Horita, Director of
TOMODACHI Programs &Communications

Kevin McCarthy, Women’s Leadership
Program Manager, TOMODACHI
Initiative

Aya Hashimoto, Program Manager,
TOMODACHI Initiative

Kaoru Utada, Alumni Manager,
TOMODACHI Initiative

Allison Murata, Program Manager

HAWAII:
Wendy Abe, Director of External
Relations

26

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION

Kana Takagi, Development & Program
Coordinator
Miki Takahashi, Administrative
Assistant

2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILSPONSORSHIP & SUPPORTTHE U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL (U.S.) and U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) are supported by the generous contributions of ourcorporate, individual and foundation donors who share the goal of strengthening U.S.-Japan relations through people-topeople connections. We gratefully acknowledge the following who generously supported the Council’s many educational andnetworking programs including the Annual Conference, Regional Programs and Summits, the Emerging Leaders Program, theLeadership Institute and the Silicon Valley Japan Platform.

PLATINUM SPONSORSTITLE SPONSORS

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL 2 0 1 8 ANNUAL RE P ORT

27

2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL

SIGNATURE SPONSORS

DR. REIKO MAKINOOFFICE GOTO CO., LTD.

IN MEMORY OF HIROAND BETTY OGAWA

PREMIER SPONSORS

MR. DAVID KENJI
CHANG

MS. ROYANNE K. DOI

MS. ATSUKO TOKO
FISH
GONDO
COMPANY, INC.
ANONYMOUS
DONOR

MS. IRENE HIRANOINOUYE

J.C.C. FUND

2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL

PREMIER SPONSORS (CONTINUED)

MR. & MRS. JOHN
AND SUSIE ROOS

MR. SCOTT SATO

MR. DENNIS R.
SUGINO
MR. DENNIS Y.
TERANISHIANONYMOUS
DONOR

MR. & MRS. PAUL
AND LYNDAYONAMINE

GOLD SPONSORS
Advantage Partners
Aoyama Zaisan Networks
Co., Ltd.
Anonymous Donor
Anonymous Donor
Mr. & Mrs. John andSuzanne Basalla
Ms. Phyllis Campbell
City of Plano, Texas
First Rate, Inc.
Dr. Hiroyuki andMrs. Mikiko Fujita, Quality
Electrodynamics
Mr. & Mrs. Todd andYasuko Guild
Higa Industries Co., Ltd.
Hitachi High-Technologies
Corporation
Mr. Chikatomo Kenneth
Hodo
Houston Methodist Hospital
Mr. Thomas Iino
Industrial Growth Platform,
Inc.
Jackson Walker LLP
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.
JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles
JC Comsa Corporation
JPMorgan Chase
JTB USA, Inc.
K&L Gates LLP
Keiro

2018 CORPORATE MEMBERS
KITAGAWA & EBERTBUSINESS LAWYERS
Konica Minolta, Inc.
Anonymous Donor
KTA Super Stores
Kubota Tractor Corporation
Lawson, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Colbert and Gail
Matsumoto
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
Mori Building Co., Ltd.
Mr. & Mrs. Satoru andHiroko Murase
Mr. & Mrs. David and Tina
NishidaMr. Henry Ota
Palo Alto Networks K.K.
Paul Hastings LLP
Ricoh Company, Ltd.
ROKI GROUP CO., LTD.
SOURCENEXTCORPORATION
Tariff Partners International
Texas Central Partners, LLC
The Okada Family
Foundation
THE YOMIURI SHIMBUNTMI Associates
Tokio Marine America
Toyo Suisan Kaisha, Ltd.
Vinson & Elkins LLP
Mr. Roy Yamaguchi

American Airlines, Inc.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Amway Japan G.K.
Astellas Pharma US, Inc.
Brother International
Corporation
Capital Servicing Co., Ltd.
Central Japan Railway Company
Daikin U.S. Corporation
Deloitte LLP
East Japan Railway Company
EY Japan Co., Ltd.
Henry Schein, Inc.
Highland Capital Management
Hitachi, Ltd.
Island Insurance Foundation
ITOCHU International Inc.
ITO EN (North America) INC.
Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd.
J.C.C. FundJohnson & Johnson
Kawasaki Heavy Industries(USA) Inc.
Kikkoman Corporation
Marubeni Corporation /Marubeni America Corporation
Maruichi American Corporation
Maruichi Leavitt Pipe & Tube,
LLC
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group,
Inc. / MUFG Union Bank, N.A.
Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
Mohegan Gaming &Entertainment
Morgan Stanley
NEC Corporation of America
Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc.
Nomura Holdings, Inc.
Northrop Grumman Corporation
NTT Group
ORIX Corporation
PasonaPrudential Financial
PwC Japan Group
Sojitz Corporation of America
Sony Corporation
Sumitomo Corporation
Sumitomo Corporation ofAmericas Foundation
Terasaki Family Foundation
TOKYU GROUPTOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.
Toshiba Corporation
Toyota Motor North America,Inc.
Yorozu Law Group, PC

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL 2 0 1 8 ANNUAL RE P ORT

29

2018

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCILCONTRIBUTING BENEFACTORS
Ms. Diane Adachi
Akari Energy LLC
Mr. Hal Amano
Angeles Investment Advisors,
LLC
Annoura Realty Group, LLC
Mr. Archibald Asawa
Ms. Sheri Bryant
Cacheaux Cavazos & Newton,
L.L.P.
Mr. Ernest Doizaki
Ms. Dianne Fukami
Mr. Mark Fukunaga
Mr. Kazuhiro Gomi
Mr. Glen Gondo
Mr. John Gotanda
Greater Houston Partnership

Mr. Russell Hata
Hayabusa Energy USA, LLC
Mr. James Higa
Ms. Yumi Higashi
Mr. Robert K. Ichikawa
Mr. Fumiaki Ikeno
Mr. Marc Iyeki
JERA Americas Inc.
Mr. Stephen Kagawa
Governor Heita Kawakatsu
Mr. Tom Kelley
Mr. Matthew Kenigsberg
Dr. Michiko Kurahashi
Kuraray America, Inc.
Mr. Kaz Maniwa
Ms. Barbara C.
Marumoto-Coons

Ms. Mari Matthews
Ms. Akiko Mikumo
Mr. James Minamoto
Ms. Jin Montesano
Mr. Joshua Morey
Mr. Verne Naito
Dr. Yutaka Niihara
Ms. Jill Nishi
Mr. Paul Niwa
Mr. Andrew Ogawa
Mr. Marcus Ogawa
Ms. Merle Aiko Okawara
Osha Liang LLP
Padre Elite Team – RE/MAX®
Elite
Pearland Economic
Development Corporation

Ms. Jiroko Rosales
Ms. Nobuko Saito Cleary
Mr. Keith Sakamoto
Sapporo USA
Mr. Michael Shikuma
Shintech
Ms. Sandra Shirai
Ms. Catherine Stevens
Mr. Lance Stuart
Mr. Yoshiteru “Terry” Suzuki
Mr. Allen Uyeda
Mr. John Walsh
Winstead PC
Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki

IN-KIND SPONSORSAIG Japan Holdings KK
American Airlines, Inc.
Asahi Beer USA
Ms. Donna Fujimoto Cole
Deloitte LLP
Evolution Financial Group
Hitachi, Ltd.
ITO EN (North America) INC.

Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd.
Johnson & Johnson
MGM Resorts Japan
Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment
Office Goto Co., Ltd.
OmniTrak Group, Inc.
Opera in the Heights
Padre Elite Team – RE/MAX® Elite

GRANTS & CONTRACTS
Consulate General of Japan
Embassy of JapanThe Fish Family Foundation
The Kresge Foundation

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Sasakawa Peace Foundation
The U.S. Embassy Tokyo

SILICON VALLEY JAPAN PLATFORM
APAMAN Co., Ltd.
DocuSign Japan K.K.
East Japan Railway Company
Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.
Mitsui Fudosan

NEC Corporation
Sansei Technologies, Inc.
Shinkin Central Bank
Toyota Research InstituteWildcat Discovery Technologies

TOMODACHI INITIATIVE
Please refer to the 2018 TOMODACHI Annual Report or
http://usjapantomodachi.org/about-us/donors/ for a list of TOMODACHIStrategic Partners, Sponsors and Supporters.

SUNTORY HOLDINGS LIMITED
T. Okamoto & Co.
Terasaki Family Foundation
TOKYU GROUPTOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.
TOTO LTD.

The U.S.-Japan Council and its collaborating
partners—the Japanese American Citizens League,
the Japanese Cultural and Community Centerof Northern California, the Japanese Cultural
Center of Hawai’i, and the United States-JapanFoundation—thank the nearly 300 generous donors
that contributed to the Japan Flood Friendship
Fund (JFFF). The Fund was established in July 2018
to support relief and recovery in Western Japanfollowing extreme flooding in the region. 100% of thefunds received were provided to four experienced
Japanese nonprofit organizations that supported onthe-ground efforts.

Copies of the U.S.-Japan Council’s audited financial
statement and 990 Tax Return are available on our
website at: www.usjapancouncil.org/operations

The Council would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Toshizo Watanabe, The Toshizo Watanabe Endowed Scholarship Fund and The
Toshizo Watanabe Foundation for their generous contributions that enabled 38 students to study in colleges and universities
in the U.S. and Japan in 2018-19. 2018 marked the third year to support Japanese students studying abroad in the U.S. and theinaugural year for American students studying abroad in Japan.
30

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATIONMEMBERSHIP(AS OF DECEMBER 2018)

A list of all members, including Corporate Members, is available on our website,www.usjapancouncil.org.

THE U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL COMPRISES members andsupporters who are committed to the mission of the organization.
Included in these ranks are top leaders from major corporations,academia and research, politics and law, as well as entrepreneurs andthought leaders. Council Leaders are leaders who actively contributeto shaping U.S.-Japan relations through the work of the Council.
Associates are young professionals, ages 18 to 40, who are engaged in
the Council’s work. Friends of the Council support the Council’s work
and initiatives, and want to affiliate with and support the organization
but for various reasons are not able to become actively engaged in theCouncil’s activities. Corporate Members designate individuals fromcompanies that financially contribute to the Council’s general mission
and programs on an annual basis at the level of $10,000 or more.

COUNCIL LEADERSASSOCIATESFRIENDS OF THE
COUNCIL

472

163

17

“I want to commend [USJC leadership] for . . . notonly the promotion of U.S.-Japan relations but also
having a pipeline of developing young leaders.”—SECRETARY NORMAN MINETA,PRESIDENT & CEO, MINETA & ASSOCIATES, LLC;FORMER SECRETARY, U.S. DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION; FORMER SECRETARY,
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE“USJC . . . enabled me to have unparalleled access tosome of the most remarkable people and individuals
in Japan today, which effectively enabled [us] togain insights that most people would only dream ofhaving firsthand.”—MS. ARIELLE MONTGOMERY,SENIOR FINANCE ADVISOR,SHELL OIL COMPANYTOTAL: 652
MEMBERSHIP BREAKDOWN BY COUNTRY

THERE IS 1 OTHER MEMBER BASED OUTSIDEOF THE U.S. AND JAPAN.

USA

JAPAN

575

76

“Members of USJC are diverse across a numberof ways: background, work experience, types ofcareers, ways of thinking, gender and even ethnic
backgrounds . . . we have our differences but wealways have this bedrock foundation of sharedculture and mission for us to connect over, so we
don’t just accept diversity but we embrace it andcelebrate it . . . In USJC I found the community that
I’d always wanted. It’s been really amazing to havethis huge pool of people who are like me who I canlook up to and live up to.”—MR. DAVID KENJI CHANG,PORTFOLIO MANAGER,
TYVOR CAPITAL, LLC

Membership Breakdown By Sector[ Business ]417$[ government ][ nonprofit ]

82

153

www.usjapancouncil.org
contact@usjapancouncil.org
WASHINGTON, DC

TOKYO OFFICELOS ANGELESHEADQUARTERS

New Otani Garden Court 12F

OFFICE

1819 L Street, NW, Suite 800

4-1 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku

2207 Colby Avenue

Washington, DC 20036

Tokyo, JAPAN 102-0094

Los Angeles, CA 90064

Tel: (202) 223-6840

Tel: (+81)(0)3 4510 3400

Tel: (310) 500-2873

Fax: (202) 280-1235

Fax: (+81)(0)3 4510 3419

www.facebook.com/usjapancouncil@usjapancouncil@USJC | #USJC

www.flickr.com/photos/USJC/

www.linkedin.com/company/the-u.s.-japan-council

www.youtube.com/USJapanCouncil

Design Credit: dsa designs, inc.