2023
AnnualReportBuilding a Sustainable, Secure andInclusive Future Together

Table of Contents

Letters from Leadership

3-4

About USJC

5Highlights and Featured Speakers

6

Annual Conference

7-8

Themes and Programming:
Climate & Sustainability

9-10

Themes and Programming:
Education & Leadership

11-12

Themes and Programming:
Business & Politics

13-15

Next Generation Leadership

16-20

Membership

21-22

Board Leadership

23-25

Sponsors & Supporters

26-30

Stay Connected312023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 2

Words from Leadership
To the USJC community,
It has truly been an honor for us to take up the torch thisyear as Board Co-Chairs of this wonderful organizationthat holds such personal meaning to us both. The U.S.Japan Council is a remarkable community of individuals
and organizations committed to strengthening the U.S.Japan relationship through impactful people-to-people
connections and collaboration. We are proud of theconnections we have been able to forge and thegatherings we have been able to facilitate this year to
deepen understanding, develop leadership and move theball forward on substantive issues of importance in the
U.S.-Japan alliance. Our 2023 Annual Report highlights
USJC’s vibrancy and momentum.
We are energized by the strategic planning process we engaged in this year with the participation of a wide rangeof stakeholders. We are especially grateful for the input we received during breakout sessions at the 2023 Annual
Conference in Washington, DC. The strategic plan provides an excellent framework to build on USJC’s past andforge new paths with clearly defined priorities.
A robust and resilient U.S.-Japan alliance grows ever more important in the face of tensions and instability inmany areas of our world, as well as other challenges that call for global solutions. We believe USJC is uniquely
positioned to address critical issues and inspire change, through the strength of our networks and our ability toconvene and collaborate with important stakeholders in the alliance.
We are grateful to Suzanne Basalla for her leadership as President and Chief Executive Officer of USJC. Suzanne
was the perfect leader to steer our ship through the challenging waters of the global pandemic and the sad loss of
our founder, Irene Hirano Inouye. We thank Suzanne and wish her all the best. We are excited to welcome Audrey
Yamamoto, our new President and CEO. Alongside our dedicated Board of Directors, staff, members and friends,
we look forward to taking new steps toward fulfilling our mission in 2024.
Sincerely,
Kathy Matsui & Susan Morita
Co-Chairs, USJC Board of Directors

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 3

Words from Leadership
Dear Friends,
I am gratified to see how the Council has excelled during 2023 in strengthening
the U.S.-Japan relationship through unparalleled people-to-people connections,
positioning our members at the forefront of leadership in order to address themost pressing issues in the bilateral relationship.
We are a convener, a network and a community. Our Annual Conference broughtparticipants to our nation’s capital to tackle key issues around security,
sustainability and diversity. Kampai Chicago gathering connected several cohorts
for peer learning and fellowship.
In Tokyo, Business Advisory Board meetings and the TOMODACHI NextGen
Summit brought together dynamic communities at different stages in theirprofessional journeys.
USJC also leverages our network to tackle the complex bilateral issues that require collaboration across sectors,
generations, cultures and borders. Our second year of Amazon-funded Climate & Sustainability Initiative
programming allowed us to dive deeper into specific areas, resulting in policy outcomes. Meanwhile, the Silicon
Valley Japan Platform advanced collaboration amid advances in generative AI.
USJC cultivates a leadership pipeline to sustain a dedicated community to contribute to the U.S.-Japan
relationship and the greater good. From the TOMODACHI programs and Watanabe Scholarships to the Emerging
Leaders Program, we are committed to the next generation. Our signature Japanese American Leadership
Delegation program resumed in Spring 2023, and in the fall we launched a new mid-career program, theAdvanced Leadership Collective.
Thank you for the privilege of serving as the President & CEO of the Council. It is an honor to pass the baton to
Audrey Yamamoto, who will surely lead the Council to great things in our organization’s next chapter. As theCouncil continues to lean into its strengths, focusing on NextGen leadership, increased diversity, “borderless”
engagement and Member-led collaboration, the future is very bright indeed.
Suzanne Basalla
President & CEO, U.S.-Japan Council
I am truly honored to have the privilege to build on the enduring legacy of Irene Hirano
Inouye and exceptional leadership of Suzanne Basalla as USJC enters its next exciting
chapter. My experience as a 2023 JALD delegate was transformative: not only did it
introduce me to this incredible organization, it underscored to me the unique role
Japanese Americans can play in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations. In addition to its
community, what drew me to USJC is its tremendous potential to develop and connect
globally-minded leaders for a stronger bilateral partnership. I congratulate our USJC
community on all that was accomplished in 2023 and look forward to what we can dotogether in 2024 and beyond.
Audrey Yamamoto
Incoming President & CEO, U.S.-Japan Council

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 4

About the

U.S.-Japan Council

Our Mission
The U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) develops and connects diverse leaders to create a stronger U.S.-Japan relationship.
Founded by Japanese Americans, the Council brings together leaders of the United States and Japan from acrossbackgrounds, sectors and generations 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 twocountries.
We bring together a network of diverse
leaders across sectors for meaningful
collaboration, creating deep andlasting relationships.
We develop the next generation of leaders by offering life-changing experiences that inspire participants tocontribute to a stronger U.S.-Japan relationship.
We believe in service and are committed to action in areas where our multicultural perspectives andexperiences can make a difference.
The U.S.-Japan relationship continues to demonstrate its relevance and fundamental role in the Asia-Pacificregion. The partnership between the United States and Japan is a driving force behind economic growth, while
the security alliance maintains peace and stability in the region. Built on shared values such as innovation andresilience, the contemporary U.S.-Japan relationship continues to evolve and develop new frontiers forcollaboration.

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 5

Highlights and Featured
Speakers
100+ Events
administered by USJC in 2023

10,000+ Network
Members, alumni and larger USJC community

Learn more: Visit our YouTube Channel

Carmine Di Sibio
Global Chairman and CEO
EY

Takayuki Morita
President and CEO(Representative Director)
NEC Corporation

Sachi Hamai
Retired, Chief Executive Officer
Los Angeles County

John Podesta
Senior Advisor to the President for
Clean Energy Innovation and
Implementation
The White House

Bruce Harrell
Mayor of Seattle
State of Washington

Katherine Tai
United States Trade
Representative

Sachiko Kuno
President and CEO
S&R Evermay

YUZAKI HidehikoGovernor of Hiroshima
Prefecture2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 6

U

ted Stat
ni

a pa

J

483

66

the
38

r

O

Conference Photos
Conference Videos

Attendees Visited From:n

Conference Summary
Conference Program

118
587
Attendees Speakers
es

The U.S.-Japan Council, with the U.S.-Japan Council(Japan), held its 12th Annual Conference inWashington, DC from November 8 to 10. With thetheme “Building a Sustainable, Secure and Inclusive
Future Together,” the conference brought leaders fromacross industries, backgrounds and generations toencourage solution-focused discussions on key issues
such as sustainability, diversity and strengthening
bilateral ties.

Attendees
with no USJC
affiliation: 28%
Attendees under 40 years old: 30%

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 7

“I have met so many amazing people [and]forged very meaningful friendships throughthe USJC Annual Conference. I know that I
would never have met these people in myeveryday life away from USJC, so it’s definitely
worth coming to meet the people, to feel thesense of community, to feel that we all are
working towards the same thing with bridging
the gap between the U.S. and Japan andworking on
people-to-people
relationships.”
Click here to watch highlights from the 2023 Annual
Conference in Washington, DC-Susan Miyagi
McCormac (JALD ‘24)

2023 Members ForumOn November 10, USJC members closed out theAnnual Conference in Washington, DC with the2023 Members Forum. Members heard from USJC
leadership on future programming, shared theirthoughts on USJC’s activities and celebrated
highlights from the year.
This event also featured a panel on what it means
to be Japanese American, allowing members toreflect on their unique experiences together.

Read More
View Photos

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 8

Themes & Programming

Climate and Sustainability
The U.S.-Japan Council is committed to protecting ourplanet. By bringing together climate experts, businessleaders, government officials and the next generation, we
instigate critical conversations and key dialogues that
identify challenges and promote innovative solutions for agreener future.
Our Climate & Sustainability Initiative is designed to put
the spotlight on the climate crisis. Through virtual and inperson events and activities, we challenge bilateral leadersand changemakers to share strategies and take action.
The second annual Climate
and Sustainability Roundtablebrought together over 50
JapaneseandAmericansustainability experts andleaders from the corporate,finance, non-profit, academia
and government sectors to
candidly
discuss
climatesolutions at the Annual
Conference. Read more.

On October 4, the U.S.-Japan Council
hosted 150 sustainability leaders at fabbit
in Tokyo for the “Energy Transformation
Speaker
Series,”alongside
co-hosts
Mitsubishi Corporation, Geodesic Capitaland ABeam Consulting. Read more.

The USJC Climate & Sustainability
Initiative is supported by the initiative’sFounding Strategic Partner, Amazon.
Learn more.

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 9

Themes & Programming

Climate and Sustainability
Event Highlights
On March 14, USJC and the U.S. Embassy inTokyo co-hosted “Roundtable on Meeting
the Twin Challenges of Climate Change andEnergySecuritythrough
Methane
Mitigation.” U.S. Ambassador to Japan
Rahm Emanuel was among participants.
Read more.

On June 21, USJC hosted “Unlocking Japan’s Renewable
Energy Future,” which explored the various renewableenergy initiatives in place across the government and theprivate sectors in Japan. Read more.
Tokyo Governor
KOIKE Yuriko
shared her city’s
goals of Carbon
Half 2030 and
Zero Emission
2050.

On March 20, USJC’s Texas region hosted an inperson event focused on innovative steps
towards greener business practices and a moresustainable future. Read more.

On September 6, USJC hosted “Nature-based Solutions
for Addressing Climate Change: An Outlook for Japanand the Asia-Pacific.” Watch the webinar.

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 10

Themes & Programming

Education & LeadershipJapanese American Leadership Delegation
Ten Japanese American leaders traveled to Japan
from March 3 to 11 for the 2023 JapaneseAmerican Leadership Delegation (JALD)
program. Organized by the U.S.-Japan Council
and sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, the JALD program aims to strengthen the
U.S.-Japan relationship by facilitating people-topeople connections between prominent JapaneseAmerican and Japanese leaders. Among others,
the delegation was able to meet with:Japan’s Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio
Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa
Minister of Digital Affairs KONO Taro
U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel
KEIDANREN (the Japan Business Federation)
Keizai Doyukai (the Japan Association of
Corporate Executives)

Read More

View Photos

Advanced Leadership Collective
Designed for mid-career
Energyprofessionals, the5%
Advanced Leadership
Education
Collective is a new
10%
cohort-based programthat fosters authentic
connections andPRempowers individuals to
10%
explore their professional
and personal journeys,
while also carefullyLaw10%
considering the balance
between the two.

Automative
5%

Finance
24%

Tech
19%

Government
14%

The inaugural program was held at the 2023 Annual Conference.

Read More

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 11

Themes & Programming

Education & Leadership
Event Highlights

On September 7, USJC’s Mental Wellness Affinity Group
held “Back to School, At Work, In Transition: Dialogue
with Changing Tides,” where they discussed
contemporary mental health challenges within thediverse Japanese American and broader Asian American
community. Read more.

On April 18, USJC’s Hawaii Region showcased local
female leaders, including Lieutenant Governor Sylvia
Luke, Council Leader Noriko Namiki and Legacy Council
Member Susan Eichor. Read more.

On September 27, USJC’s Women+ Forum hosted a fireside chat with USJC Co-Chairs Kathy Matsui and
Susan Morita, who shared their impressive career paths and how their familiarity with both Japanese andAmerican culture respectively allowed them both to succeed in their roles. Read more.

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 12

Business Advisory Board
The Business Advisory Board (BAB) is a platformthat serves as a nexus for meaningful people-topeople connections, uniting a diverse andinfluential cohort of Japanese and Americanbusiness leaders in Tokyo. Led by Vice Chair ofBoard of Councilors Masa Tanaka, this program
also allows TOMODACHI alumni to learn andnetwork with business executives. Learn more.

3

206

76%

In-Person
Events in 2023

Attendees
in 2023

Attendee Increase(2022-2023)

The 30th BAB Meeting featured a presentation fromCouncil Leader Charles D. Lake II titled “Creating Shared
Value (CSV) Management Strategy.”“The BAB event
provided a fantastic
opportunity to broaden myhorizons. I am excited to delve deeper into
both my career and personal growth,
leveraging the knowledge gained andrelationships formed at this event.”-Yuriko Kon (Building the TOMODACHI
Generation: Morgan Stanley Ambassadors
Program '22)

The 29th BAB Meeting featured Board of Councilors
Member Professor Naoyuki Agawa, who discussed thestate of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 13

Silicon Valley Japan Platform
The Silicon Valley Japan Platform (SVJP) is a mission-driven
initiative of USJC and the International House of Japan. SVJP aims
to connect the technological dynamism of Silicon Valley with thecurrent and future needs of digital transformation in Japanthrough trusting, collaborative relationships.

23

Eventsin 2023800+

Total numberof participants

At the conclusion of 2023, Co-Chairs Dan Okimoto and James
Kondo transitioned to an advisory role as Co-Chair Emeriti. SVJP
looks forward to entering a new chapter of leadership under CoChairs Saima Hasan and Naoaki Mashita. Learn more.

On May 23, Takashi Ueda,
President & Chief
Executive Officer, Mitsui
Fudosan, welcomed
participants to the Kyoto
Retreat, hosted at Hotel
The Mitsui.

On September 23, Brad
Lightcap, COO, OpenAI,
presented on the power of
AI in business at theAnnual Retreat in Half
Moon Bay.

SVJP Co-Chairs Saima Hasan and Naoaki Mashita

SVJP Members
Apaman U.S.A., Ltd.
East Japan Railway Company
Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.
Japan Post Co., Ltd.
NEC Corporation
RubrikSansei Technologies, Inc.
ServiceNow
Shinkin Central Bank
Toyota Research InstituteWoven by Toyota, Inc.
Zoom Video Communications, Inc.

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 14

Themes & Programming

Business & Politics
Event Highlights

On January 17, USJC’s Regional Women in
Leadership presented “Womenomics AcrossCultures” in Augusta, Georgia, exploring culturaldifferences in business as female leaders. Read
more.

USJC hosted a series of “Government Briefings”
throughout the year for top tier sponsors to hear from
key government officials. On April 27, “Government
Briefing: A Conversation with SEC Commissioner Mark T.
Uyeda” was held in Washington, DC. Read more.

On August 25, USJC’s Hawaii Region hosted anevening with Congresswoman Jill Tokuda, whostressed the importance of working “across theaisle” in times of political divide. Read more.

USJC’s NorCal Regional Planning Group met with Consul
General NOGUCHI and his team to discuss future
activities and share personal insights into the unique role
Japanese American communities fill in strengthening
U.S.-Japan relations.

On October 12, the leadership of USJC’s
Washington, DC Region welcomed Minister SATO
Masaru, the new Head of Chancery at the Japanese
Embassy in Washington, DC. Read more.

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 15

Next Generation Leadership

Watanabe Scholarship
The Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship
Program provides financial assistance to undergraduate
and graduate students to study for a semester or year 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 those with leadership
potential and for whom study abroad would not be
possible without financial support.
Learn more about the Watanabe Scholarship“Being a Watanabe Scholar has been a greathonor, and I’m glad I was selected to receive
this scholarship. Not only did it provide
financial support but it also allowed me toconnect with other Watanabe Scholars who
see the importance of cultural exchange, andI even had the pleasure of reconnecting withsome scholars while being in Japan. But
overall, studying abroad has been a lifechanging experience forme that I will always
remember.”~Sabrina Alcin

Watanabe Scholar Leona Iizuka shares theimpact the Toshizo Watanabe Scholarship has
had on her academic career in the United States.
Watch her full testimonial here.
Mr. Watanabe with Watanabe Scholars in 2022

13%

17%

First
Generation

From Single-Parent
Households

Student’s FirstTime Abroad

In 2023

16%

11

Japanese
Students

8

AmericanStudents

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 16

The Japanese American Storytelling Program (JASP) is an
educational program, where USJC members collaborate with
university educators in Japan to teach Japanese students about
Japanese American history through storytelling. JASP aims tonurture students towards an inclusive global mindset.

“This was the first time I heard about the Japaneseincarceration camps. It was interesting to me because I had
never thought about how Japanese Americans who wereoutside of Japan during the war were treated. I realized thatknowing the historical backgrounds of people and countries
is important for smooth and respectful communication in asociety with diverse nationalities and genders.”“I felt that it is important toeliminate the assumption thatJapanese people look the same andspeak the same language. I hopethat the number of different types ofJapanese people will increase in the
future and that Japanese people
themselves will be able to imagine amore diverse Japan.”-Student feedback after JASP
presentation

Since 2020

-Student feedback after JASP presentation

180 4,700 50+
Stories
SharedStudents
Reached

Universities
Worked WithIn 2023, USJC Associate Tyler Pugeda
shared a JASP presentation in ASL(American Sign Language) to Deaf
university students. The presentation
included live interpretation into JSL(Japanese Sign Language).

40+

In 2023USJC Members Who
Have Shared Their
Family Stories

64

1,700

35

Presentations

Students
Reached

USJC
Members

Learn more about JASP

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 17

Next Generation Leadership

Emerging Leaders Program
The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP)
identifies, cultivates and empowers a newgeneration of Japanese American leaders. In
2023, the program brought eleven young
leaders to Washington, DC for professional
development, networking and educational
programming at the Annual Conference.
Learn more.

166

Program
Alumni

ELP Alumni Highlights“ELP completely changed my entire
life. I actually met my husband
through my ELP classmate… so it’schanged my professional and mypersonal life. It’s been really fruitful togo through these different phases of
my career but still have thatgrounding in the U.S. and Japan andtheir relationship.”-Ellen Kamei(ELP '15)

14

ELP
Cohorts

From April 28 to 30, the
ELP Steering Committee
held its planning retreat
in Chicago and met with
regional members
through the “Kanpai
Chicago” event.
Read more.
On May 9, the ELP held a
Kaiwa Series talk titled“Tapping into a Cultureof Giving: Making
Nonprofits Sustainable”
with USJC Executive Vice
President Fred
Katayama. Read more.

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 18

Next Generation Leadership

TOMODACHI Initiative
The TOMODACHI Initiative is a publicprivate partnership between the U.S.Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy inTokyo, with support from the Governmentof Japan. Born out of support for Japan’srecovery from the Great East Japan
Earthquake, TOMODACHI invests in thenext generation of Japanese and American
leaders through educational and cultural
exchanges as well as leadership programs.
Learn more.

10,147 46,894

Total Participants
Since Inception

Total Program &Event Participants

371

169

Total Programs
Since Inception

Participantsin 2023“I was born and raised in a place
where there were few Japanesepeople around, but participating in
the [TOMODACHI] program gave
me a sense of pride in my Japaneseculture and traditions, and gave me
the confidence to influence others.”~Sarah Okuno , (TOMODACHI ‘22)

Other Gender Identities
3%
High School
33%

Men
33%

Women
64%

Young Professional
3.1%

University
63.9%

Program Highlights

The TOMODACHI J&J DisasterNursing Training Program
brought Japanese nursing students
to the United States for the firsttime since 2019. Read more.

The TOMODACHI-STEM
Women’s Leadership andResearch Program connected
Japanese female undergraduates
pursuing STEM degrees to research
opportunities in the United States.
Read more.

The TOMODACHI Summer
SoftBank Leadership Programprovided study abroad
opportunities for students from
Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima
prefectures. Read more.

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 19

Next Generation Leadership

TOMODACHI Initiative“The TOMODACHI program inspired
me in two ways: one, it taught me
the importance of caring for myself
to care for others, and two, it taughtme the value of people-to-people
connections to help me challenge
myself and helped me grow.”

Staying Engaged
From the snow-covered landscapes of Hokkaido to the tropicalshores of Okinawa in Japan, from New York to California; the
TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Representatives brought alumni
together. From riverbank cleanups, to mini-golf nights, andlearning about Japanese American history, TOMODACHI is alifelong experience. Learn more.

-You Sato

Next Generation Summit

On July 1, the TOMODACHI Next Generation Summit
took place in Tokyo and inspired attendees with a visionof what is possible when young people take the reins ininternational relations and community empowerment
and provided a roadmap for the rich and varied
discussions to follow. Learn more.

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 20

Membership“What motivates me tostay as a member for the
USJC community is to bepart of a diverse community
and the feeling of family. When you look at
the people within the community, there’s somany kinds of people when you look in termsof ages or professional backgrounds, evengender and race and ethnicity. And as part of
the family feeling, when I travel to the otherregions, I’ve attended the events, and eventhough I didn’t know anyone there, theywould just welcome me like I’m part of thefamily.”The U.S.-Japan Council comprises members andsupporters across the United States and Japan, as
well as other countries, who are committed to themission of the organization. Included in these ranks
are top leaders from major corporations, academia
and research, politics and law, as well as
entrepreneurs and thought leaders.

612

280

Members 40+ years old

Members under 40 years old

Council Leaders

Associates-Darin Arita

896

4

Friends of theCouncil

Total Members(As of December 31, 2023)

737

153

Members in
the United States

Members in
Japan

There are 6 other members based outside of
the United States and Japan.

MEMBERSHIP BREAKDOWN BY SECTOR
Student

Healthcare

Education

Government

Business

Law

Nonprofit

2.1%

2.4%

9.6%

8.7%

57%

6.9%

13.3%

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 21

Membership
Regions
Membership is divided into 12
regions across the United States
and Japan. Regions engage local
communities through eventsand activities centered aroundnetworking
activities
andeducational events.

12

Total
Regions

Learn more

Cities with the majorityof members in the region

Affinity Groups
Affinity Groups are member-led
initiatives, connecting members
throughdiscussion-based
networking opportunities built
aroundsharedinterests,
professional fields, identities
and more.

12AffinityGroupsLearn more

Member Event Highlights

Midwest and Southeast Region
Collaboration Event on JapaneseAmerican Incarceration Camps
On January 19, members heard
from keynote speaker Sally Ohno
Sudo on the experiences ofJapanese
Americansduringincarceration. Read more.

Japan Region Tours National
Diet
On July 6, Japan members wereprivileged to be led on a private
tour of the National Diet by Digital
Minister KONO Taro. Members
learned fascinating facts about theseat of government. Read more.

NorCal Region Visits Toyota
Research Institute (TRI)
On November 14, NorCal members
got a glimpse of the future ofrobotics and driving at the TRI
Robotics and Human Interactive
Driving divisions. Read more.

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 22

Board Leadership

Board of Directors

The U.S.-Japan Council’s Board of Directors consists of leaders from across the United States and in Japan who
provide their expertise in establishing and guiding the Council’s mission and activities.
Board Officers
Kathy Matsui, Co-Chair, General Partner,
MPower Partners
Susan Morita, Co-Chair; Retired Partner,
Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP
Suzanne Basalla, President and CEO; U.S.Japan Council

Eiichiro Kuwana, Treasurer; President andFounding Principal, Cook Pine Capital LLC
Ann Teranishi, Secretary; President andCEO, American Savings Bank
Kazuhiro Gomi, Development Committee
Chair; President and CEO, NTT Research,
Inc.

Todd Guild, Senior Advisor to Vice
Chairman, Suntory Holdings Limited
Joshua Morey, Nominating & GovernanceCommittee Chair; President, The J. Morey
Company, Inc.

Mark Okada, Investment Committee Chair;
Co-Founder & CEO, Sycamore Tree CapitalPartners L.P.
Yoko Otani, Audit Committee Chair; Partner,
Straterix Inc.
Curtiss Takada Rooks, Program
Development Committee Chair; AssistantProfessor of Asian Pacific American Studies,
Loyola Marymount University
Yoshiteru (“Terry”) Suzuki, President andCEO, ORIX Corporation USA

Rona Tison, Engagement Committee Chair;
Executive Vice President, Corporate
Relations, ITO EN (North America), Inc.
Minoru Tsumura, Partner, Deloitte &Touche LLP
William Tsutsui, Chancellor, Ottawa
University
Masami Tyson, Partner, Womble Bond
Dickinson (US) LLP

Board Members
David Kenji Chang, Finance Committee
Chair; Founder, AN Capital Partners
Sachi Hamai, Former Chief Executive
Officer, Los Angeles County
Yoh Kawanami, Director, Hawaiian ElectricCompany
Brad Miyake, City Manager, City of Bellevue
Andrew Ogawa, Managing Partner andFounder, Quest Venture Partners

BOARD OF DIRECTORS (JAPAN)
Board Officers
Suzanne Basalla, Representative Director
President and CEO, U.S.-Japan Council

Board Members
Aya Kameda, General Manager, Shell
Energy Japan
Takashi Ohde, Advisor, Gakushuin
Women’s College Institute of International
Studies

Henry Seiichi Takata, Representative
Director; Representative Director, Syn TechJapan Co., Ltd.

Norie Iwamoto, Internal Auditor;
Director, Assurance-Technology, Media, andTelecom, Pricewaterhouse Coopers Arata
LLC

Jenifer Rogers, General Counsel Asia,
Asurion Japan Holdings G.K.
Stephen Hiroshi Sakanashi, Director ofMarketing & Global Strategy, Matchbox
Technologies

Miyuki Tani, Executive Director, Morgan
Stanley Capital K.K.

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 23

Board Leadership

Board of Councilors
The U.S.-Japan Council’s distinguished Board of Councilors consists of leaders who are recognized for their lifelong contribution and commitment to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations. Their expertise and guidance directs
the Council’s mission and activities.
Board Officers
Ernest M. Higa, Chair; Chairman, President& CEO, Higa Industries Co., Ltd.
Takeshi Niinami, Vice Chair;Representative Director, President & CEO,Suntory Holdings Limited
Masaaki Tanaka, Vice Chair; Former
Representative Director and Deputy
President, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group,
Inc.; Former Chairman, President and CEO,Nippon Paint Holdings Ltd.

His Excellency KONO Taro, Minister for
Kristi Yamaguchi, Founder, Always Dream
Digital Transformation, Cabinet Office ofFoundationJapan
Roy Yamaguchi, Chef and Restaurateur,
Hiroko Kuniya, Journalist; Goodwill
Roy’s
Ambassador for Japan, UN Food and
Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, 2012 Nobel
Agriculture Organization
Laureate; Director, Center for iPS Cell
Kanetsugu Mike, Chairman, Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Application, Kyoto University
Financial Group, Inc.
Paul K. Yonamine, Chairman Emeritus,
Tsuyoshi Nagano, Chairman of the Board, Central Pacific Bank and Central Pacific
Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.
Financial Corporation
Dr. Daniel Okimoto, Director-Emeritus,
Board Members
Shorenstein APARC; FSI Senior Fellow andProfessor Emeritus of Political Science,
Naoyuki Agawa, Professor Emeritus, Keio
Stanford University
University
Kentaro Okuda, President and Group CEO, Honorable George Ariyoshi, Former
Gerald Curtis, Burgess Professor Emeritus
Nomura Holdings, Inc.
of Political Science, Columbia University
Governor, State of Hawai’i
His Excellency Ichiro Fujisaki, President, John Onoda, Principal, iQ 360
His Excellency Yasuo Fukuda, Former
W. Douglas Parker, Chairman, American
Nakasone Peace Institute; Former
Prime Minister of Japan
Airlines Group, Inc.
Ambassador Extraordinary andHonorable Mazie Hirono, United States
Gill Pratt, CEO, Toyota Research Institute; Senate, State of Hawaii
Plenipotentiary of Japan to the U.S.
Chief Scientist and Executive Fellow for
Dr. Hiroyuki Fujita, Founder and CEO,His Excellency Ryozo Kato, Former
Quality Electrodynamics; Chief Technology Research, Toyota Motor Corporation
Ambassador Extraordinary andSusan Roos, Partner and CAO, Geodesic
Officer, Canon Medical Systems
Plenipotentiary of Japan to the U.S.
CapitalCorporation, MRI Division
His Excellency Yohei Kono, Former
Glen S. Fukushima, Senior Fellow, Center His Excellency Kenichiro Sasae, President, Speaker of the House of Representatives of
The Japan Institute of International Affairs Japan
for American Progress(JIIA); Former Ambassador Extraordinary
James Higa, Managing Partner, Offline
Honorable Doris Matsui, United States
and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the U.S.
Ventures
House of Representatives, State of California
Toshiaki Higashihara, Executive Chairman Jun Sawada, Chairman and Representative Honorable Mark Takano, United States
Member of the Board, NIPPON TELEGRAPH House of Representatives, State of California
and CEO, Hitachi, Ltd
AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION
Kazuo Hirai, Senior Advisor, Sony Group
Honorable Jill Tokuda, United States
Honorable John Thomas Schieffer,
Corporation
House of Representatives, State of Hawaii
President & CEO of Envoy International,
Jennifer Hirano
LLC; Former Ambassador Extraordinary and
Yosuke Jay O. Honjo, CEO and Founder,
Plenipotentiary of the U.S. to JapanITO EN US Group
Isao Takashiro, Chairman and CEO, Japan Scott Sato, Chair;
Masami Iijima, Counselor, Mitsui & Co.,
Airport Terminal Co., Ltd.
Chairman, circlace Inc.
LTD.
George Takei, Actor, Hosato Enterprises,
Daniel Fujii, President & CEO, Trust
Noriyuki Inoue, Chairman of the Board &Inc.
Capital Co., Ltd.
Chief Global Group Officer, Daikin
Dr. Keith Terasaki, Chairman, Terasaki
William Ireton, CEO, Ireton Entertainment
Industries, Ltd.
Family FoundationInc.
Ken Inouye, Assistant to the Vice
Merle Aiko Okawara, Former Chairman,
Chancellor for Administration, University of Toshizo Watanabe, President, Toshizo
Watanabe Foundation
Delsole Corporation
Hawai’i West O’ahu
Akio Yamaguchi, General Manager, IBM
Miki Tsusaka, President and Representative
Ambassador Masaharu Kohno, Director,
Japan
Director, Microsoft Japan Company, Limited.
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.;
Former Special Representative of theGovernment of Japan for the Middle Eastand Europe; Former Special Envoy of theGovernment of Japan for the Middle East
2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 24
Peace

Honorary Members

Board of Councilors (Japan)

Board Leadership

Legacy Council
The U.S.-Japan Council’s Legacy Council includes members of the Board of Directors and select members of theBoard of Councilors who completed full terms of service on the Board. It was established to recognize theinvaluable 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
Phyllis Campbell, Former Chair, PacificNorthwest Region, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Donna Cole, CEO & President, Cole
Chemical and Distributing, Inc.
Royanne Doi, Outside Director, Gojo &Company Inc.
Tracey Doi
Susan Eichor, President & COO, aio Group
Atsuko Fish, Trustee, Fish Family
Foundation
Michael K. Hirai, Director – Client
Development, Barrow, Hanley,
MeWhinney & Strauss, LLC
Leona Hiraoka, Principal, Zwig
Robert Ichikawa, Partner, Kobayashi
Sugita & Goda

Stephen Kagawa, CEO, The Pacific Bridge
Companies
Frederick H. Katayama, Executive Vice
President, U.S.-Japan Council
Russell K. Kawahara, Partner, Atsumi &Sakai
Tomoko Kizawa, Former Partner, Deloitte
LLP
Dayne Kono, Chairman, Chicago, Masuda
Funai
Stan Koyanagi, Managing Executive
Officer, Global General Counsel, ORIX
Corporation
Colbert Matsumoto, Chairman, Island
Holdings, Inc.
Gary Moriwaki, Partner, Windels Marx
Lane & Mittendorf, LLP

Jill Nishi, CEO, Philanthropy Northwest
David Nishida, Chief Operating Officer,
ORIX Corporation USA
Paul Niwa, Associate Professor,
Journalism, Emerson College
Allen Okamoto, Owner-Broker, T.
Okamoto & Co.
Susan Onuma, Partner, Ingram Yuzek
Gainen Carroll & Bertolotti, LLP
Dennis Sugino, Founder, Kansa Advisory
LLC
Dennis Teranishi, CEO & Chairman, PacificInternational Center for High Technology
Research (PICHTR)
Wally Tsuha, President, Tsuha Foundation
Jan Yanehiro, President, Jan Yanehiro, Inc.
Tasha A. Yorozu, Managing Attorney,
Miura & Partners US

Management & Staff

The U.S.-Japan Council’s staff is based across the United States and in Tokyo, Japan. USJC staff members are
responsible for administering programs, implementing the decisions of the Board of Directors and promoting theCouncil’s mission and organizational goals. Learn more.

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 25

Planned Giving
The U.S.-Japan Council launched the Irene Hirano andDaniel K. Inouye Legacy Society in 2023 as part of its
new Planned Giving program to honor the legacy ofthe visionary co-founders of the Council. The program
will also help sustain the future of the Council byproviding a solid financial foundation. To learn more
about the Legacy Society, visit our website.

USJC hosted the panel “Building Your Legacy Planned Giving 101” at the 2023 Annual
Conference. Pictured: Josh Morey, Stephen
Kagawa, Sarah Constantine, Fred Katayama.

Inaugural Legacy Society Members
Suzanne and John Basalla
Lisa and Randall Chafetz
Eiich Kuwana

Josh Morey
Dennis Sugino

Major gifts are catalysts. Unlike
planned gifts that shape our future,
major gifts provide immediate support
that enables USJC to address current
needs.

“Both [Ken Inouye and I] are so touched. This
Planned Giving Legacy Society is so personal
to me, really, because it ensures the future ofthis organization which is the life’s blood
and work all summed up in my mom and the
Senator…I’m really tickled by the idea that
there are TOMODACHI participants todaythat could be future USJC board members…
By giving in this way, in this meaningful way,
you’re ensuring that this is a possibility forthese young people whom we may not haveeven met yet.”-Jennifer Hirano
Daughter of founding president Irene Hirano Inouye“I hope my gift will secure a much stronger future for
the USJC and TOMODACHI program.”~Michael Lerch
Founder, President & Global Chief Investment Officer,
Evolution Financial Group

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 26

SPONSORSThe U.S.-Japan Council (U.S.) and the U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) are supported by the generous contributions of
our corporate, individual and foundation donors who share the goal of strengthening U.S.-Japan relations
through people-to-people connections. We gratefully acknowledge the following who generously supported theCouncil’s many educational and networking programs.

PlatinumTitle

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 27

SPONSORS
Signature

Premier

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 28

SPONSORS
Premier, continued

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 29

SPONSORSGold
Aoyama Zaisan Networks Co., Ltd.
Darin Arita
Asahi Kasei America, Inc.
Phyllis Campbell
Central Japan Railway Company
David Kenji Chang & Jamie Sugino
Donna ColeDELSOLE Corporation
Takako Ebata Office
Factorial Inc.
Atsuko Toko Fish
Dr. Hiroyuki & Mrs. Mikiko Fujita
Global Link Lab, Inc.

Kazu & Lynda Gomi
Sachi Hamai
Hawaiian Host, Inc.
Higa Industries Co., Ltd.
Houlihan Lokey Corporation
Tom Iino
IW Group, Inc.
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.
JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles
Japan Industrial Partners, Inc.
Japanese American National Museum
Russell & Yuko Kawahara
King’s Hawaiian

Stan Koyanagi
Lawson, Inc.
Colbert & Gail Matsumoto
Mitsui Chemicals America, Inc.
Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.
Gary S. Moriwaki
Janice Munemitsu
Northrop Grumman Corporation
ROKI GROUP CO., LTD.
Sansei Technologies, Inc.
Sompo International
Lance Stuart & Jessie Furness
TOKYU HOTELS & RESORTS

Contributing Benefactors
Mr. Paul Abe
Ms. Diane Y. Adachi
Ms. Vicki Ariyasu
Ms. Julie Azuma
BlackSand Capital
Mr. William Bryant
Mr. David Buerge
Mr. Jeffrey Catanzaro
Mr. Daniel Citrin
Ms. Jennifer Cohen
Dr. Mary Collins
Community First Credit
Union of Florida
Different Roads toLearning, Inc.
Ms. Tracey Doi
Mr. Daniel Fujii
Ms. Dianne Fukami
Mr. Koji Fukumura
Mr. Mark Fukunaga
Mrs. Katherine Hall
Dr. Gerald Hane
Mr. Terry Hara
Ms. Kimberly Haruki
Ms. Lynn Hashimoto
Mr. Russell Hata
Dr. Mika Hayashi
Ms. Yuka Hayashi
Ms. Dana Heatherton
Mr. Eric Heenan

Mr. Scott Higashi
Ms. Leona Hiraoka
Dr. Fumiaki Ikeno
Mr. Craig Ishii
Mr. Nobuya Ishizaka
Mrs. Atsuko Jenks
and Mr. Tim Jenks
Ms. Atsuko Kanai
Ambassador Hans Klemm
and Ms. Mari Kano Klemm
Ms. Maki Kaplinsky
Ms. Kristine Kawai
Governor Heita Kawakatsu
Keidanren-USA
Mr. Derek Kenmotsu
Mr. Moriaki Kida
Mr. George Kobayashi
Mr. Walter Kunitake
Ms. Mari Kuraishi
Ms. Katrina Lake
Mr. Charles D. Lake II
Mr. Michael Maekawa
Michael & Tomoko Malaghan
Fund of the Hawai'iCommunity Foundation
Mr. Jonathan Malamud
Dr. Takashi Matsuki
Ms. Mari Matthews
Mr. Christopher Mitchell
Mr. Masahisa Mitsunaga

Mr. David Morimoto
Dr. Brennon Morioka
Ms. Susan Muranishi
Mr. Satoru Murase
Mrs. Jeanne Murata
Mr. Verne Naito
Mr. Norman Nakasone
Ms. Debra Nakatomi
Mr. David Nishida
Mr. Mitchell Nishimoto
Mr. Paul Niwa
Mr. Roger Nozaki
Mr. Thierry Porté
Mr. Richard Raiford
Mr. Edward Rogers
Ms. Maya Rogers
Mr. Russell Saito
Mrs. Akemi Saitoh
Mr. Manabu Sasaki
Mr. Alan Sasayama
Mr. Robert andMrs. Ann Schilling
Mr. David Semaya
Charlene (Chuck) Shimada

Dr. Mariko Silver
Mr. Michael Stephenson
Mr. Dennis Sugino
Mr. Blair Suzuki
Mr. Terry Suzuki
Ms. Masako Takagi
Ms. Saki Takasu
Mr. Jonathan Tanaka
Mr. Calvin Terada
Ms. Lori Teranishi
Ms. Rona Tison
Mr. Tyler Tokioka
Dr. William Tsutsui
Mr. Ricky Uy
Mr. Allen Uyeda
Ms. Suzanne Vares-Lum
Mr. Glen Wood
Ms. Audrey Yamamoto
Mr. Marcus Yano
Ms. Amy Yoshimi Yeung
Mr. Hironobu Yoshikawa
Mr. David Yoshimura
Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki

TOMODACHI Initiative
Please refer to the 2023 TOMODACHI Annual Report or
click here for a list of TOMODACHI StrategicPartners, Sponsors and Supporters.

2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 30

Stay Connected
Follow us on social media, check out our website or visit us at our office in Washington, DC.
To hear the latest USJC news and get notified about upcoming events and opportunities,
subscribe to our newsletter.
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2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Report | 31