MISSION: Strong U.S.-Japan relations are in our global, national and community interest. The U.S.-Japan Council promotes people-to-people relationships as crucial to the U.S.-Japan relationship. We bring together, inspire and engage Japanese Americans of all generations to work with all Americans, Nikkei and Japanese to strengthen U.S.-Japan relations.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 U.S.-Japan Council Emerging Leaders Program, an interactive, educational program designed to encourage the next generation of leaders to act as first movers, innovators and entrepreneurs in their professional fields. Accepted applicants will attend the 2012 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference, meet with leading figures in U.S.-Japan relations and learn about the key issues between our two countries. For more information, click here.
USJC Entrepreneurship Initiative
Click here to learn about the TOMODACHI Tohoku Challenge and the USJC Entrepreneur Leadership Advisory Board.
USJC TOMODACHI Tohoku Challenge (TTC): A new business competition focused on entrepreneurial enterprise-based solutions to economic challenges in the post-quake Tohoku region.
USJC Entrepreneur Leadership Advisory Board (UE-LAB): A select and exclusive group of leading Japanese and American entrepreneurs,investors and analysts with extensive experience in innovation, business start-ups and knowledge of Japan who are active in promoting entrepreneurship in Japan.
TOMODACHI Initiative
TOMODACHI is a public-private partnership that supports Japan's recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, and invests in the next generation of Japanese and Americans in ways that strengthen cultural and economic ties, and deepen the friendship between the United States and Japan over the long-term.
Earthquake Relief
Click here to visit the U.S.-Japan Council Earthquake Relief Fund.
Upcoming Events
An Afternoon with Obento, Featuring Author Debra Samuels - May 19th in Washington, DC
The U.S.-Japan Council and Debra Samuels are proud to present an afternoon with obento. Ms. Samuels will share her insights into Japanese culture through the preparation of Japanese food. Admission is free, though space is very limited. More information, and to RSVP, view the invitation here.
Upon returning from the 2012 Japanese American Leadership Delegation trip to Japan, Delegate Shannon Hori produced the following video, capturing the delegates' experience touring the Tohoku region. It features short reflections from the delegates and trip leader/USJC President Irene Hirano Inouye. See the video on YouTube.
People News
Kaz Maniwa Introduced as New Senior Vice President of the U.S.-Japan Council
After 36 years of practicing law in San Francisco, Kaz Maniwa has closed his law practice to take on a leadership role in the non-profit sector as the Senior Vice President of the U.S.-Japan Council. In his new position, Maniwa will strive to continue building a national network of Japanese Americans who are interested in furthering U.S.-Japan relations. He also hopes to develop programs in the areas of NPO sector-building, education, leadership training, entrepreneurship, business, women's issues, bio/medical, clean technology and legislative exchange. Click here to read the press release.
VISION: A vibrant Asia Pacific region through engaged and interconnected communities committed to the U.S.-Japan relationship.