U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL 2022 Annual Report THE GREAT RECONNECT: Strengthening Alliances, Partnerships and Communities
Dear Friends, It has been my privilege to have served as USJC's Chair of the Board of Directors these past two years — a time of global disruption during which our stakeholders rose to meet significant challenges that tested our ability to fulfill the Council's mission. Our 2022 Annual Report shows how we embraced change to emerge from the darkest days of the pandemic with vibrancy and renewed optimism for the future. By the end of 2022, many of the Council's programs and activities had resumed and new ones were started and gained traction. One major indication of our comeback: USJC welcomed more than 700 leaders in Tokyo last October at our first in-person Annual Conference since 2019 – it was our largest turnout to date. Also in Tokyo, we hosted a Next Generation Summit and provided selected alumni of our Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) with high-level networking opportunities through our inaugural “ELP50” program. I am confident that our new Co-Chairs, Kathy Matsui and Susan Morita, will keep our momentum going. Along with a proven CEO in Suzanne Basalla, a very capable Board of Directors, and the ongoing hard work and support of the Council's staff, members and sponsors, the Council is positioned to continue realizing its mission and remain relevant for many years to come. While I will find new ways to contribute to the Council's mission, I hope that many of you will step up to lead the Council, our community and our two nations in the right direction. Thank you for allowing me to be of service. Paul Yonamine Chair, USJC Board of Directors As society adjusted to a gradual return to the office and more travel in 2022, USJC continued to explore new avenues to support our work across the United States and Japan. We focused our resources and programming on providing service for social good in the bilateral relationship, strengthening our networks and communities, and reinforcing our next-generation development programs. One example of what we launched in 2022 that I'm especially proud of is our Climate and Sustainability Initiative, made possible by Amazon, our Founding Strategic Partner. Through this Initiative, we hosted virtual dialogues and convened an in-person business and government roundtable in Tokyo to discuss sustainability leadership practices, sector-specific outlooks, and the impact of geopolitics on Japan's renewable energy prospects. Elsewhere, our community of leaders has shared their expertise, ideas and lessons learned on other pressing issues important to our two countries, including national security and economic policy; digital transformation and technological innovation; and social inequality, diversity and inclusion. We are deeply grateful to Paul for his outstanding service as Board Chair – he tirelessly championed our cause and has positioned us well for the future. With new Co-Chairs Kathy Matsui and Susan Morita, we intend to continue to engage, inspire and connect our multi-generational network of leaders for an even stronger U.S.-Japan relationship. Thank you for your engagement and support of USJC. Suzanne Basalla President & CEO, U.S.-Japan Council

OUR MISSION
THE U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL 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 across backgrounds, 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 other leaders of the United States and Japan, strengthening ties between the two countries. • We bring together a network of diverse leaders across sectors for meaningful collaboration, creating deep and lasting relationships. • We develop the next generation of leaders by offering life-changing experiences that inspire participants to contribute to a stronger U.S.-Japan relationship. • We believe in service and are committed to action in areas where our multicultural perspectives and experiences can make a difference. The U.S.-Japan relationship continues to demonstrate its relevance and fundamental role in the Asia-Pacific region. The partnership between the U.S. and Japan is a driving force behind economic growth, while the security alliance maintains peace and stability in the region. Built on shared values such as innovation and resilience, the contemporary U.S.- Japan relationship continues to evolve and develop new frontiers for collaboration.
32,700+ NEW YOUTUBE VIEWS VIEWERS SPENT 2,400 HOURS WATCHING USJC’S VIRTUAL programs in 2022 EVENTS IN-PERSON: 7 () + VIRTUAL: 80)+ rahm emanuel, U.S. Ambassador to Japan CARISSA MOORE, Olympic Gold Medalist in Short Board Surfing DAVID Y. IGE, Governor of Hawaii SUSAN POINTER, Vice President of International Public Policy & Government Affairs, Amazon HIRONORI KAMEZAWA, President & Group CEO of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. GILL PRATT, Chief Scientist, Toyota Motor Corporation and CEO, Toyota Research Institute YURIKO KOIKE, Governor of Tokyo JUN SAWADA, Chairman, NTT Corporation KATRINA LAKE, Founder, Stitch Fix HIDEKI MATSUI, World Series MVP Baseball Player, New York Yankees SPUTNIKO! (HIROMI OZAKI), Associate Professor, Tokyo University of the Arts; CEO, Cradle SYLVESTER TURNER, Mayor of Houston, Texas U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL 2022 ANNUAL REPORT
THE 11TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE was held at the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel from October 27 to 28 with the theme "The Great Reconnect: Strengthening Alliances, Partnerships and Communities." As the first in-person conference since 2019, this year's event upheld the theme of bringing together leaders and communities within the U.S.-Japan relationship.  It strengthened bilateral bonds through programming that explored how the United States and Japan could work together and learn from one another to enact meaningful change and produce solutions. Prominent themes included climate and sustainability, business and government ties, diversity and empowerment, mental health and wellness, technology and next generation leadership. ▶ 2022 Annual Conference Summary ▶ Videos ▶ Photos SPEAKERS ▶ Conference Program TOKYO GOVERNOR KOIKE Yuriko shared her city's plan to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, and stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio delivered a message on the critical value of the U.S.-Japan relationship, which was read by his Cabinet Secretary for Public Affairs, Mr. SHIKATA Noriyuki. United States Ambassador to Japan
LEVERAGING SUBNATIONAL
ACTION TO SOLVE GLOBAL
PROBLEMS
GOVERNOR DAVID Y. IGE OF HAWAII  and Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston, Texas took the stage for the Public Symposium's morning plenary. Their discussion, moderated by Sheila Smith, focused on their respective efforts to lead Texas and Hawaii into a greener, more sustainable future. They also spoke candidly on their regional ties to Japan and why U.S.- Japan partnerships matter on a local level.
Alex Shibutani served as emcees during the Annual Conference.
mink! Documentary—empowering
GENERATIONS OF WOMEN ATHLETES
JAN YANEHIRO HOSTED a panel discussion with MINK! director Ben Proudfoot and Olympic surfer Carissa Moore in an event that honed in on the challenges and achievements of female athletes. Audiences then saw a special screening of the documentary MINK!, which explored the story of Patsy Takemoto Mink, as well as a special pre-recorded interview with tennis champion Ms. Naomi Osaka, who spoke with USJC Board Member Curtiss Takada Rooks about her career and aspirations as a social activist.
leadership and mental wellness
DR. STEPHEN MURPHY-SHIGEMATSU LED a discussion on issues of mental health in Japan with leaders representing diverse sectors, including Member of the Japanese Diet, Hon. MAKIHARA Hideki,  Daiko Matsuyama (Taizo- in Zen Buddhist Template), and others. Panelists addressed "leadership for mental wellness" and "mental wellness for leadership" by drawing upon insights from deep traditions in Japan, today's social dynamics and knowledge from the experts of human behavior in Japan and the United States.
X The USJC Climate & Sustainability Initiative is supported by the initiative's Founding Strategic Partner, Amazon. OUR CLIMATE & SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE is designed to put the spotlight on the climate crisis. Through virtual and in- person events and activities, we challenge bilateral leaders and change-makers to share strategies and take action.
EXPLORING CARBON-FREE POWER: WEBINAR
AND RECEPTIONS
ON FEBRUARY 28, USJC PARTNERED with the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR) and the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Foundation to bring together a panel of top Japanese and American experts to explore the necessary scientific, technological, business and policy advancements for Japan and the United States to achieve a carbon- free power sector. The webinar, titled "Japan's and the United States' Quests to Achieve a Carbon-Free Power Sector: Necessary Breakthroughs in Policy, Science and Technology and Business Models," was followed by in-person receptions in New York, Honolulu and Washington, DC. U.S.-JAPAN CLIMATE PARTNERSHIP: INCREASING THE AVAILABILITY OF AFFORDABLE CLEAN ENERGY ON AUGUST 29, USJC brought together multi-sector leaders to offer inspiration and practical insights into how to bridge the gap in the United States and Japan between demand and supply of low-cost renewable energy through effective engagement of key stakeholders. A special guest, Fukushima Governor UCHIBORI Masao, shared insights on decarbonization efforts in his prefecture. JAPAN REGIONAL EVENTS FOCUSED ON ESG IN PREPARATION FOR THE Annual Conference, Japan regional leaders organized two virtual events on the topic of ESG. On September 29, members heard insights from Jamie Allen (Asian Corporate Governance Association) and Kei Okamura (Neuberger Berman) on the topic of “Evolution of G Strengthens E and S." On October 13, Kyle Lawless (EY Japan Climate Change and Sustainability Services, EY Global Public Policy) presented on ESG measurement and reporting.
CSI SUSTAINABILITY ROUNDTABLE ON  OCTOBER 27, USJC convened its first in-person Sustainability Roundtable, gathering over 50 Japanese and American sustainability leaders from the corporate, finance, non-profit, academia and government sectors. USJC presented five themes: energy security's position as a top bilateral priority; the need to prevent "Japan passing" in the climate and sustainability business areas; the importance of collaboration on a "just" energy transition; the need to prioritize key technology and business opportunities to clear the way for significant capital investment; and the need for integrated solutions with cross-sector, cross-border and cross-cultural collaboration.
JAPAN-HOUSTON-TEXAS CLIMATE AND
environmental initiative: sharing best
PRACTICES
A TWO-PART SERIES HELD on November 3 and December 7 convened American and Japanese business, NPO and city government leaders in Houston to assess opportunities for building a more sustainable future together. These events were part of the USJC Climate and Sustainability Initiative and were presented in collaboration with the City of Houston, Asia Society Texas, Greater Houston Partnership, Ally Energy and Cole Chemical. the sustainable future of transportation SUSTAINABILITY WAS A THEME throughout the Annual Conference. In a panel discussion, Gill Pratt (Toyota Research Institute) shared his expertise on why the reduction of carbon emissions is essential, while Jill Blickstein (American Airlines) shared insights on plans to utilize clean energy in the airline industry. Watch the panel here.
regional women in leadership: stories of women in the south and beyond THE REGIONAL WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP (RWL) program celebrated its seventh year at the U.S.-Japan Council. On January 20, a panel discussion brought four female leaders representing multiple sectors to the spotlight. They discussed their career journeys and the challenges they faced along the way as women. Funding for RWL is generously provided by the Government of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
USJC WOMEN+ FORUM:
SUPPORTING STRATEGIC
SUCCESS
the forum focuses on
advancing women and offers opportunities to expand their networks across regions, countries and demographics to build relationships. In order to demonstrate one of the Forum's key goals, the Women+ Forum held their inaugural event on June 22, where panelists discussed their respective professional journeys and how being a non-dominant minority impacted their professional experiences. THE POWER OF WORDS: EUPHEMISMS AND THE JAPANESE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE ON AUGUST 11, USJC'S Japanese American Storytelling Program (JASP) and Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) hosted Matthew Weisbly (JACL National, Los Angeles). Mr. Weisbly led a discussion detailing the language euphemisms used to describe the Japanese American experience during World War II and the preferred terminology that more accurately describes the reality of that experience.
mental wellness trends in japanese and japanese american communities ON OCTOBER 6, USJC'S New York Region hosted an in-person discussion about mental wellness at the Nippon Club. Moderated by Council Leader Dr. Jeanette Takamura, the speakers discussed mental health trends in both Japanese and Japanese American communities.
2022 U40 SUMMIT
FORTY UNDER 40 (U40) participants traveled to Denver, Colorado to participate in the Under 40 Summit. Held May 20-21, the event explored the theme "A New Frontier" and showcased local art and organizations and included workshops on community and identity. A special fireside chat included panelists Ambassador Harry B. Harris, Jr., Consul General of Japan in Denver MIKAMI Yoichi, and USJC President & CEO Suzanne Basalla. Other panels showcased local Denver-based companies, explored cultural and ethnic identity and offered insights on Japanese American history.
IN THE ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENED一administration insights with white HOUSE’S CHRIS JOHNSTONE ON FEBRUARY 9, USJC corporate donors attended an intimate, off-the-record conversation with then-National Security Council Director for East Asia at the White House Chris Johnstone. During the "off-the-record" discussion, Mr. Johnstone highlighted the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance.
CONVENING BUSINESS LEADERS IN JAPAN
THE BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARD (BAB) convened for quarterly virtual meetings in 2022, providing a forum for industry leaders to converse and share perspectives, and allow next generation leaders including TOMODACHI alumni to learn and network with business executives. The U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) welcomed Nobu Okada (Astroscale Holdings Inc.) and Masayuki Sarumaru (YKK Corporation) as keynote speakers, among others. VENTURES ADVANCING INTO THE GLOBAL ARENA ON MARCH 19, THE U.S.-Japan Council (Japan), fabbit and the Tokyo New Business Council co-hosted an online workshop. Four Japanese entrepreneurs shared their experiences starting their respective business ventures overseas with the audience. USJC DC REGION GATHERS AT THE EMBASSY ON APRIL 19, A GROUP of 23 Washington, DC-area members gathered at the Japanese Embassy for a luncheon with Minister and Head of Chancery AI Koichi, Counsellor TEZUKA Isao, and First Secretaries SUZAWA Fumiho and NAKAYAMA Yusuke. Minister Ai briefed members on the history of the Embassy and its various roles, including relationship building with the Japanese American community.
AN INSIDER’S TAKE ON THE PELOSI
DELEGATION’S TRIP TO TAIWAN AND JAPAN ON AUGUST 25, USJC sponsors and board members gathered for an off-the-record conversation with U.S. Representative Mark Takano. USJC Board of Councilors Member Glen S. Fukushima (Center for American Progress) moderated a discussion on the pressing issues for U.S.-Japan collaboration and the role that Japanese Americans can play in the trilateral relationship between South Korea, Japan and the United States.
silicon valley japan platform (svjp) SVJP IS AN INITIATIVE OF USJC and the International House of Japan, which merged with the Asia Pacific Initiative (API) in July of 2022. SVJP aims to connect the technological dynamism of Silicon Valley with the current and future needs of digital transformation in Japan through trusting, collaborative relationships. SVJP is co-chaired by Board of Councilors Member Dr. Daniel Okimoto (Stanford University) and Council Leader James Kondo (International House of Japan), with Jon Shalowitz serving as President. SVJP's 2022 activities included both online programming and in-person events. In May, a special breakfast meeting was held at the International House of Japan with Bipul Sinha (Rubrik). That same month, members of SVJP's Entrepreneur Program visited the United States, providing an opportunity for the Japan startup founders to meet with key entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley. SVJP's Executive Roundtables brought together member CEOs with an influential U.S. technology leader for an intimate discussion via a hybrid of in-person and online formats. In July, Steve Luczo (Crosspoint Partners) discussed the disruption in the global supply chain and shared his experiences of building a stronger company through a crisis. Towards the end of the year, Ivan Zhao (Notion) shared how his strong connection to Japan influenced his design philosophy. SVJP's flagship event, the Annual Retreat in Half Moon Bay, took place in October, reuniting its corporate member community for a three-day gathering. Topics ranged from Web3 & NFTs to the future of work after the pandemic, the impact of quantum technology, and how digital technology is being used by Silicon Valley in innovative ways. The retreat featured a broad range of speakers, including  Naveed Sherwani (RapidSilicon), Hon. KONO Taro (Minister of Digital Affairs of Japan), Chris Bedi (ServiceNow) and more.
THE U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL'S EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM (ELP) identifies, cultivates and empowers a new generation of Japanese American leaders. Emerging Leaders participate in leadership education, design and implement original USJC programming, and develop powerful, lifelong personal and professional friendships. A new cohort of leaders aged 24-35 is selected annually to become USJC Associates and join program alumni in strengthening the U.S.-Japan relationship for future generations of leaders. Each class has become engaged with and made meaningful contributions to USJC and the ELP community. The 2022 program brought together 14 young Japanese American professionals for a series of virtual and in-person engagements. The cohort participated in a leadership orientation program and networked with senior Japanese American leaders. Throughout the year, alumni organized events to allow members of the ELP community to connect with each other, including the Kaiwa Series program to learn leadership skills from role models. The ELP alumni organized the U40 Summit in 2022, where nearly 70 USJC Associate members aged 40 or younger gathered in Denver for a weekend of leadership training and networking. Meet the 2022 cohort and learn more. ELP50 TAKING PLACE FROM OCTOBER 25-26, the ELP 50 gathered 50 ELP alumni to experience Japan and connect with Japanese business, government and NPO leaders. Spearheaded by outgoing USJC Board Chair Paul Yonamine and alumnus Steve Sakanashi, the strategic program strengthened the political, cultural, economic, and personal ties between young Japanese American and Japanese leaders.
359 TOTAL PROGRAMS SINCE INCEPTION THE TOMODACHI INITIATIVE is a public-private partnership between the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, with support from the Government of Japan. Born out of support for Japan's recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, TOMODACHI invests in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders through educational and cultural exchanges as well as leadership programs. "The TOMODACHI Initiative has opened me up to the opportunities in the world, and I want to pass that on to the next generation." —RIMPEI TAKAHASHI, TOMODACHI ST. LOUIS- ishinomaki grassroots exchange program '15 building the tomodachi generation: MORGAN STANLEY AMBASSADORS PROGRAM SIX AMERICAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS and eight of their Japanese counterparts spent two weeks in Washington, DC studying civil society and cross-sector partnerships. The students then worked together to address social challenges in both Japan and the United States utilizing that knowledge.
alumni leadership program
THE TOMODACHI ALUMNI LEADERSHIP
PROGRAM seeks to empower future leaders of the United States and Japan to continue to develop leadership skills, cultivate regional communities, network and remain involved in U.S.-Japan relations on a grassroots level. This integral part of TOMODACHI had been made possible with the generous support of Prudential since 2013. tomodachi sumitomo corporation SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM ON JULY 1, THE TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program held a special ceremony for returning and outgoing Japanese students. This program provides assistance to high-achieving university students with financial need to enable them to study abroad for one year.
tomodachi toshizo watanabe leadership program FROM AUGUST 10 TO 20, 14 Japanese high school students from all over Japan visited California as part of the inaugural TOMODACHI Toshizo Watanabe Leadership Program. Made possible by a generous endowment of $10 million from The Toshizo Watanabe Foundation, the program seeks to offer participants educational insights into Japanese American history, engagement with local communities and leadership training. The program included visits to institutions such as the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), the Terasaki Institute, California Institute of Technology, Japanese American National Museum (JANM), and the Holocaust Museum LA, among many other places. “Today marks the end of the program, but we would like to take what we gained and put it into future use. After we return to our respective homes, we pledge to demonstrate and pass on what we learned." —sakura kinjo, tomodachi toshizo watanabe leadership program participant “Being a Watanabe Scholar has meant everything to me on this exchange. I met many other friends through the TOMODACHI Initiative and the USJC Annual Conference, which has changed the course of my future… I feel more confident and optimistic about my future. This could not have been done without the kindness and efforts of the Watanabe Scholarship Team." —ASHLEY CUNNINGHAM, U.S. WATANABE SCHOLAR 2022-23
TOSHIZO WATANABE STUDY ABROAD 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. For the 2022–23 year, scholarships were awarded to 23 Japanese students and 17 American students, which included 34 undergraduate and six graduate students. As part of the scholarship program, 12 American scholars also gathered in Tokyo to attend the Next Generation Summit at the 2022 Annual Conference.
FOLLOWING TWO YEARS OF virtual events, the 2022 Next Generation Summit took place for the first time in an in-person and virtual hybrid-style setting. Held under the theme of "the Next Age of Leadership," over 100 participants attended, including TOMODACHI alumni, Watanabe Scholars, donors, supporters and guests. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel offered special remarks encouraging alumni to keep working together for a strong U.S.-Japan relationship and never give up on being better leaders for a better tomorrow. A special session on the power of storytelling, represented by the Japanese American Storytelling Program, was held at the Google office in Shibuya. "Since its Fall 2020 launch, JASP has delivered 120 personal storytelling presentations to more than 3,000 university students in Japan - the next generation of leaders.  Audience feedback demonstrates that JASP's Nikkei stories change lives.  Many sincere thanks to the USJC for allowing me to travel on this highly rewarding and personally transformative journey which has enabled me to gain a deeper understanding of my own Nikkei identity." japanese american storytelling program (Jasp) DURING ITS SECOND FULL year of operation, the U.S.-Japan Council's Japanese American Storytelling Program (JASP), led by Council Leaders Steve Sugino and Jim Minamoto and Storytelling Coach Patrick Newell, completed 60 presentations. Thirty JASP speakers from diverse USJC Regions, including Japan, Hawaii, California, Texas and New York, delivered personal stories with positive messages to an audience of over 1,800 university students in Japan including Okinawa, Akita, Hiroshima, Kumamoto, Tohoku, Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto and Tokyo. —COUNCIL LEADER JIM MINAMOTO
THE U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL COMPRISES members and supporters in the United States and Japan 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 and thought leaders. “I’ve always thought, 'If people in Japan knew what Japanese have accomplished in America, they would be so happy and proud.'  USJC gives us a chance to share our stories." —LORI MATSUKAWA (RETIRED JOURNALIST AT KING TV, JALD ‘05) There are 5 other members based outside of the U.S. and Japan. the great reconnect: strengthening alliances, partnerships and communities FRIENDS OF THE COUNCIL
USJC MEMBERSHIP IS DIVIDED INTO 12 regions, spanning the United States and Japan. Regions engage local communities through networking activities and educational events. Presented at our Annual Conference, here is an overview of what regions accomplished in 2022 and what they hope to achieve in 2023. "What fascinates me the most about USJC is the collective diversity of the Japanese American experience—across regions, generations, industries and personal histories—brought together by mutual curiosity and a passion to connect. It's a privilege to be a part of such a vast and colorful community." —mari iwahara (jigsaw at google, elp '21) AFFINITY GROUPS AFFINITY GROUPS are member-led initiatives, connecting leaders through discussion-based networking opportunities built around shared interests, professional fields, identities and more.
HIGHLIGHTS
strengthening mental WELLNESS THROUGH CROSS-CULTURAL U.S.-JAPAN INSIGHTS MORE THAN 120 individuals attended the first Mental Wellness Affinity Group event, which was held virtually on May 26. Led by Gerald Hane, the panel commemorated Mental Health Awareness Month with an exploration of key issues related to mental health in both the United States and Japan.

members forum
ON OCTOBER 27, COUNCIL members convened in Tokyo to kick off the Annual Conference with the 2022 Members Forum. After several years of exclusively virtual programming, it was especially meaningful for Council Leaders, Associates and friends to reconnect in person as well as welcome our newest members to the community. Members heard updates and announcements on the year's programming and activities, as well as a look ahead into 2023. Programs that took the spotlight included the Emerging Leaders Program, the U40 Summit, the ELP50 program and the Japanese American Storytelling Program. Members also celebrated the Council's wide-reaching Regions and Affinity Groups, and spent the evening networking.
summer fun in northern California ON  JULY 16, THE  Northern California region gathered to soak up some summer sun at Spark Social in San Francisco. USJC members and their families were welcomed by Regional Co-Chair Jackie Funasaki, played icebreaker bingo games, and made s’mores at a fire pit. With attendees joining from Sacramento, San Jose and Santa Cruz, the NorCal regional members enjoyed being able to see everyone in person after a long time.
JAPANESE MONSTERS WITH THE
MIDWEST REGION
THE MIDWEST region's "Bento Talks" series returned on May 24 after a long hiatus. Author and academic William Tsutsui, Midwest USJC's resident Godzilla expert, taught attendees about Japan's famous yokai — demons, monsters and even mascots — during a special abbreviated version of his “Japanese Monsters” course at the Japan Information Center (JIC).
MEDITATION IN HAWAII
ON AUGUST 31, A small group of USJC Hawaii regional members got together at Chozenji Temple to reset, recalibrate, refocus and prepare for the second half of the year. Over the three-hour program, participants were introduced to basic practices and mindsets that help develop the courage and sound strategy needed to navigate uncertainty, today and in the future. Activities included zazen (seated meditation), Japanese martial and fine arts, and discussion.
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.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Paul K. Yonamine, Chair, Executive Chairman, Central Pacific Bank; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Central Pacific Financial Corp. Suzanne Basalla, President and CEO, U.S.- Japan Council
board members
David Kenji Chang, Finance Committee Chair; Investor and Advisor Sachi Hamai, Former County Executive Officer, Los Angeles County Yuko Kaifu, President, Japan House Los Angeles Eiichiro Kuwana, President and Founding Principal, Cook Pine Capital LLC Brad Miyake, City Manager, City of Bellevue Joshua Morey, Nominating & Governance Committee Chair, President, The J. Morey Company, Inc. Susan Morita, Vice Chair; Partner, Arnold & Porter Tasha Yorozu, Secretary; Managing Attorney, Yorozu Law Group, PC David Nishida, Treasurer; Chief Operating Officer, ORIX Corporation USA Norman Nakasone, Retired Senior Vice President, Central Pacific Bank Andrew Ogawa, Managing Partner and Founder, Quest Venture Partners Mark Okada, Investment Committee Chair; Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Sycamore Tree Capital Partners L.P. Yoko Otani, Audit Committee Chair; Partner, Straterix Inc. Curtiss Takada Rooks, Program Development Committee Chair, Associate Dean, Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, Loyola Marymount University Kazuhiro Gomi, Development Committee Chair; President and CEO, NTT Research, Inc. Todd Guild, Senior Advisor to Vice Chairman, Suntory Holdings Limited Scott Sato, CEO, Tricor Japan Yoshiteru (Terry) Suzuki, President and Chief Executive Officer, ORIX Corporation USA Ann Teranishi, President and CEO, American Savings Bank Rona Tison, Executive Vice President, Corporate Relations and PR, ITO EN (North America), Inc. Minoru Tsumura, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP William Tsutsui, University President and CEO, Ottawa University
BOARD OF DIRECTORS (JAPAN)
BOARD OFFICERS
Suzanne Basalla, Representative Director; President and CEO, U.S.-Japan Council
BOARD MEMBERS
Takashi Ohde, Advisor, Gakushuin Women's College Institute of International Studies Henry Seiichi Takata, Representative Director Representative Director, Syn Tech Japan Co., Ltd. Steve Sakanashi, Director of Marketing & Global Strategy, Matchbox Technologies Norie Iwamoto, Internal Auditor Director, Assurance-Technology, Media, and Telecom, Pricewaterhouse Coopers Arata LLC Miyuki Tani, Executive Director, Morgan Stanley Capital K.K. Jenifer Rogers, General Counsel Asia, Asurion Japan Holdings G.K.
(AS OF DECEMBER 2022) 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 OFFICERS (U.S.)
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.
BOARD MEMBERS
Naoyuki Agawa, Professor Emeritus, Keio University Gerald Curtis, Burgess Professor Emeritus of Political Science, Columbia University His Excellency Ichiro Fujisaki, President, Nakasone Peace Institute; Former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the U.S. Dr. Hiroyuki Fujita, Founder & CEO, Quality Electrodynamics; Chief Technology Officer, Canon Medical Systems Corporation, MRI Division Glen S. Fukushima, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress Honorable Colleen Hanabusa, Attorney and Former Member, U.S. House of Representatives, State of Hawaii James Higa, Managing Partner, Offline Ventures Toshiaki Higashihara, Executive Chairman and CEO, Hitachi, Ltd Kazuo Hirai, Senior Advisor, Sony Group Corporation Jennifer Hirano Yosuke Jay O. Honjo, CEO and Founder, ITO EN US Group Masami Iijima, Counselor, Mitsui & Co., LTD. Noriyuki Inoue, Chairman of the Board & Chief Global Group Officer, Daikin Industries, Ltd. Ken Inouye, Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Administration, University of Hawai'i West O'ahu His Excellency Ryozo Kato, Former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the U.S. Ambassador Masaharu Kohno, Director, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.; Former Special Representative of the Government of Japan for the Middle East and Europe; Former Special Envoy of the Government of Japan for the Middle East Peace His Excellency KONO Taro, Minister for Digital Transformation, Cabinet Office of Japan Hiroko Kuniya, Journalist, Goodwill Ambassador for Japan, UN Food and Agriculture Organization Kanetsugu Mike, Chairman, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. Tsuyoshi Nagano, Chairman of the Board, Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. Dr. Daniel Okimoto, Director-Emeritus, Shorenstein APARC; FSI Senior Fellow and Professor Emeritus of Political Science, Stanford University Kentaro Okuda, President and Group CEO, Nomura Holdings, Inc. John Onoda, Principal, iQ 360 W. Douglas Parker, Chairman, American Airlines Group, Inc. Gill Pratt, CEO, Toyota Research Institute; Chief Scientist and Executive Fellow for Research, Toyota Motor Corporation Susan Roos, Partner and CAO, Geodesic Capital His 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 and Plenipotentiary of the U.S. to Japan Isao Takashiro, Chairman and CEO, Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd. George Takei, Actor, Hosato Enterprises, Inc. Dr. Keith Terasaki, Chairman, Terasaki Family Foundation Toshizo Watanabe, President, Toshizo Watanabe Foundation Akio Yamaguchi, General Manager, IBM Japan Kristi Yamaguchi, Founder, Always Dream Foundation Roy Yamaguchi, Chef and Restaurateur, Roy's Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, 2012 Nobel Laureate; Director, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University
HONORARY MEMBERS
Honorable George Ariyoshi, Former Governor, State of Hawai'i His Excellency Yasuo Fukuda, Former Prime Minister of Japan Honorable Mazie Hirono, United States Senate, State of Hawai'i His Excellency KONO Yohei, Former Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan Honorable Doris Matsui, United States House of Representatives, State of California Honorable Mark Takano, U.S. House of Representatives, State of California
BOARD OF COUNCILORS
(JAPAN)
BOARD OFFICERS
Kathy Matsui, Chair; General Partner, MPower Partners
BOARD MEMBERS
Daniel Fujii, President & CEO, Trust Capital Co., Ltd. William Ireton, Head of Production (Japan), Sony Pictures International Productions Merle Aiko Okawara, Chairman, DELSOLE Corporation
USJC'S LEGACY COUNCIL INCLUDES members of the Board of Directors and select members of the Board of Councilors who completed full terms of service on the Board. It 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 Phyllis Campbell, Chair, Pacific Northwest Region, JPMorgan Chase & Co. Donna Cole, CEO & President, Cole Chemical and Distributing, Inc. Royanne Doi, Outside Director, Gojo & Company Inc. Tracey Doi Sho Dozono, President, Dozono International 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 Kawahara, Partner, Atsumi & Sakai Tomoko Kizawa, 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. Moni Miyashita, Chief Strategy Officer, Valo Health Gary Moriwaki, Partner, Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP Jill Nishi, CEO, Philanthropy Northwest 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, President/CEO, Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR) Wally Tsuha, President, Tsuha Foundation Jan Yanehiro, President, Jan Yanehiro, Inc. THE USJC COMMUNITY WAS SADDENED to lose the Honorable Norman Y. Mineta, who served as Vice Chair until his passing on May 3, 2022. Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Secretary Mineta served on the USJC Board of Councilors since 2010. He was a longtime member and supporter of the Council.
THE U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL (U.S.) AND 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 the Council's many educational and networking programs. PLATINUM SPONSORS American Airlin aratani foundati ındation Delo bitte. iにTITLE SPONSORS Island Insurance ＦＯＵＮＤＡＴＩＯＮ
THE TOSHIZO WATANABE FOUNDATION
SIGNATURE SPONSORS
Amway Japan Airport Terminal
      | Haneda  | ANDREW & MARCUS OGAWA THE PACIFIC BRIDGE COMPANIES JOHN & SUSAN ROOS SCOTT SATO RYOTA SEKINE & FAMILY ● Sumitomo Corporation Enriching lives and the world

CONTRIBUTING BENEFACTORS

SILICON VALLEY JAPAN PLATFORM
APAMAN Co., Ltd. East Japan Railway Company Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. Japan Post Co., Ltd. Mitsui Fudosan NEC Corporation Rubrik Sansei Technologies, Inc. ServiceNow Shinkin Central Bank Toyota Research Institute Woven Planet Holdings, Inc. Zoom Video Communications, Inc.
TOMODACHI INITIATIVE
Please refer to the 2021 TOMODACHI Annual Report or http://usjapantomodachi.org/about-us/donors/ for a list of TOMODACHI Strategic Partners, Sponsors and Supporters.
WE EXTEND OUR DEEPEST GRATITUDE to Mr. Toshizo (“Tom”) Watanabe (above) and his wife for their generous contributions that enable The Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship Program and the TOMODACHI Toshizo Watanabe Leadership Program, and Mr. Michael Lerch (below) for his incredible gift toward the TOMODACHI Initiative and foundational support for U.S.- Japan Council operations. THE COUNCIL OFFERS SINCERE THANKS to outgoing Board members Royanne Doi, Yuko Kaifu, Kathy Matsui, David Nishida, Norman Nakasone, Scott Sato, Paul Yonamine and Tasha Yorozu. We look forward to the continued leadership of Ms. Matsui, Mr. Sato and Mr. Yonamine as they take on new Board responsibilities.
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 the Council's mission and organizational goals. www.usjapancouncil.org contact@usjapancouncil.org WASHINGTON, DC HEADQUARTERS 1819 L Street, NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20036 Tel: (202) 223-6840 TOKYO OFFICE New Otani Garden Court 12F 4-1 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo, JAPAN 102-0094 Tel: (+81)(0)3 4510 3400 www.facebook.com/usjapancouncil @USJC I #USJC www.linkedin.com/company/usjapancouncil ] @usjapancouncil www.flickr.com/photos/USJC/ www.youtube.com/USJapanCouncil