U.S.-Japan Council

USJC Board Co-Chair Kathy Matsui sat down with Ambassador Rahm Emanuel at the Annual Conference for the morning plenary session, “Charting a New Era: Reflections and Aspirations for the U.S.-Japan Partnership.” Ambassador Emanuel offered valuable insights on the bilateral partnership, stressing that no matter the leadership changes in the United States, “the relationship between the United States and Japan is firm, as the relationship between both peoples are firm, and by supporting people-to-people and university-to-university connections at the government level, we can make this relationship even stronger.” Click below to view the full session. https://buff.ly/3OlZkDE

Members and friends of the DC region gathered on November 18 for a very special tour of the Library of Congress to view collections related to the history of U.S.-Japan relations. The tour was led by Mari Nakahara, the Library’s curator of architecture, design and engineering, who showed the group historic drawings and photos of DC’s cherry blossoms among other documents connecting both countries. Thank you to Council Leader Yuka Hayashi (Progressive Policy Institute) for sharing these photos from the event!

The U.S.-Japan Council was honored to have Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado share remarks on the special friendship between the United States and Japan as part of the opening plenary at our Annual Conference in Tokyo on October 31. View her remarks below. #USJCAC24

It was incredible to see so many TOMODACHI Initiative alumni and emerging leaders gather at the Next Generation Launchpad Workshop ahead of this year’s Annual Conference. Participants gained leadership and strategic networking skills that will help drive the future of U.S.-Japan relations. Thank you to Will Tian (TOMODACHI alumnus) for photographing the event! #USJCAC24 #TOMODACHI

From communication styles to fostering diversity, "Cultivating World Class Talent: The Changing Face of Leadership" brought together five incredible women business leaders for a candid discussion on the challenges and accomplishments of their global leadership journeys between the United States and Japan. Moderated by Kathy Matsui (MPower Partners), the panel included Miyoko Demay (Former President, Tiffany & Co. Japan | Outside Director & Member of the Board, Nintendo Co., Ltd.), Teiko Kudo, (Director and Deputy President, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation – SMBC Group.), Eriko Sakurai (Former President, Dow Japan and Korea) and Junko Watanabe (Board Member, Deloitte Global | Deputy Chair, Deloitte Asia Pacific). #USJCAC24

"It's a good opportunity to develop new, innovative technology." At our recent Annual Conference, USJC President & CEO Audrey Yamamoto asked NTT's Executive Chairman Jun Sawada what challenges his company is facing in the new era of U.S.-Japan relations. Mr. Sawada shared his thoughts on meeting demands while being mindful of energy consumption, saying greener energy technology will open the new era. #USJCAC24

"Yatte Minahare" was the motto of Suntory Holdings Limited's founder, Shinjiro Torii. The phrase means dream big, take challenges and never give up. As part of the U.S.-Japan Council's Annual Conference in Tokyo, Suntory's Representative Director, President & CEO Tak Niinami encourages young people to have the courage to pursue their ambitions - as well as people of older generations! Watch this clip from the panel "Business Visionaries: Navigating the New Era of U.S.-Japan Relations," featuring a discussion with Mr. Niinami and NTT's Executive Chairman, Jun Sawada, moderated by USJC President & CEO Audrey Yamamoto. #USJCAC24 #USJapan

Welcome to our newest members who joined us at the New Member Orientation on October 30! We are always thrilled to expand our USJC family and continue our mission to build stronger relationships between the U.S. and Japan. #USJCAC24 #USJCAC

I’m beyond grateful to everyone who was part of making this year’s U.S.-Japan Council’s Annual Confernece in Tokyo such an incredible gathering, including our insightful speakers, generous sponsors, and 700+ attendees (with nearly half from the U.S.). Highlights included welcoming remarks from Her Imperial Highness, Princess Takamado, an engaging interview with Ambassador Emanuel and Kathy Matsui, fireside chats with numerous CEOs of global companies including Tak Niinami of Suntory, Jun Sawada of NTT, and Miki Tsusaka of Microsoft Japan, an inspiring panel discussion with our TOMODACHI Initiative alumni, and finale performance from Paris 2024 Olympic athlete Shigekix. I look forward to hearing about all the connections that were made between leaders at every level from the U.S. and Japan that will ensure our global partnership is as strong as possible as we enter a critical new era of U.S.-Japan relations. Special thanks to our board of directors for their support and our teams in the U.S. and Japan for all of their hard work and dedication. Otsukaresama deshita! #USJCAC24

Congratulations to U.S.-Japan Council and Audrey Yamamoto for another successful conference in Tokyo last week. I had an honor to have been selected for the second cohort of the USJC Advanced Leaders Collective along with other leaders from across the U.S. and Japan. Though our time spent together is short, the program left an ever-lasting impact on me, and I will cherish this community for a very long time. Huge thanks to Craig Ishii and Derek Kenmotsu for creating and running the program. Also, I couldn't help but notice the very first three speakers kicking off the conference were all women: the emcee Rika Nakazawa 中澤里華, Princess Takamado, and USJC President Audrey Yamamoto. I am proud to be a part of an organization that not only cares but also takes action on women's leadership and diversity.