Japanese American Leadership Delegation
The U.S.-Japan Council coordinates the annual Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD) program, which is funded by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP). Applications are solicited each fall, and Japanese American candidates showing demonstrated leadership in their professions, involvement in Japanese American community activities and an interest in U.S.-Japan relations are selected from across the United States.
2010: 10th Anniversary Year
This year marked the 10th Anniversary of the Japanese American Leadership Delegation program, which promotes the value of sustained people-to-people relationships as a critical factor in assuring the long-term success of U.S.-Japan relations. The delegation went on an 8-day trip to Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo where they met with foremost Japanese leaders from the Parliament, the Foreign Ministry, the U.S. Embassy, and business.
During the week, delegation members also met with Her Highness Princess Takamado, Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada, State Secretary Koichi Takemasa, Ambassador John Roos, and leaders from Nippon Keidanren, Kankeiren, Keizai Doyukai, and Forum 21.
Themes that were explored during the week’s discussions included leadership, diversity in the workforce, globalization, economic challenges, and philanthropy. The role of Japanese Americans in promoting closer bilateral relations was a prominent part of each of these discussions.
Three members of the delegation presented at a Leadership Symposium in Tokyo on March 3rd with the theme "Leadership: Values in Career, Community and Culture," organized by the Japan Foundation CGP, co-organized by the U.S.-Japan Council and supported by the Tokyo American Center and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This year's thirteen delegates are from cities across the US, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland, Seattle, Honolulu, Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C. They represent the highest levels of leadership and accomplishment in business, government, education and philanthropy, and also in the Japanese American community. Delegates include CEO’s, other senior executives and members of the Obama Administration.
The Japanese American Leadership Delegation, founded in 2000, is led by Irene Hirano, President of the U.S.-Japan Council.
JALD Program Overview
Over 120 Japanese American leaders have participated in the JALD program since its inception in 2000. The program aims to recruit a cross-section of Japanese American leaders in the United States to encourage their deeper understanding and involvement in U.S.-Japan relations.
During the trip, the JALD delegation visits three cities in Japan: the modern and ancient capitals of Tokyo and Kyoto, and a third city or prefecture, which in recent years have included Osaka, Fukuoka and Okinawa. They meet with senior government officials and politicians, business leaders and scholars.
Delegates share their views about the significant roles Japanese Americans can play in addressing challenges facing the U.S. and Japan in presentations and discussions. These exchanges provide an important opportunity for Japanese leaders to gain a clearer understanding of the United States’ rich multicultural heritage and the contributions Japanese Americans have made.
The JALD program was coordinated by the Japanese American National Museum from 2003-2009. The 2010 Delegation marks the program’s 10th anniversary, with the U.S.-Japan Council taking over as program coordinator. The USJC will also encourage and help support activities for the growing JALD alumni group.
Application Information
Each year, ten to thirteen Japanese American leaders are selected for the Japanese American Leadership Delegation. Decisions are based upon recommendations by the Japanese Embassy and Consulates, and an Advisory Committee review comprised of former JALD delegates and lead by USJC President Irene Hirano. For more information, visit the Connecting Japan website or contact Bryan Takeda, the USJC West Coast Program Director, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
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