Japan Leadership Symposium

May 30th, 2011: The Japan Leadership Symposium: “Defining a New Paradigm for U.S.-Japan Relations."

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Press Release

As Japan recovers and rebuilds from the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis in the Northeast region, it is imperative for leaders in the U.S. and Japan to assess the situation and to work together for the way forward.  The Japan Leadership Symposium brought together leaders in the U.S. and Japan to reaffirm the relationship between the two countries, not only to address present challenges, but also to ensure that Japan’s strengths are recognized worldwide. 

Photos

Full Collection of Photos from the USJC Trip to Japan

Symposium Summary

The Symposium: “Defining a New Paradigm for U.S.-Japan Relations” was held on May 30th, 2011 and attracted a crowd of 350 people.  Held at Keidanren Hall, the focus of the Symposium was on the future of U.S.-Japan relations from business and government perspectives. The Symposium was also a component of the public-private partnership agreed upon by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto after the March 11th earthquake and tsunami.

The recovery and rebuilding efforts from these events allow Japan to strengthen its relationships with the global community, including with its ally, the United States.  In his keynote speech, Senator Daniel K. Inouye stated “I look upon the disaster as an opportunity to demonstrate a strong U.S.-Japan relationship and how close our relationship truly is.  It is also a chance to help restore Japan to its greatest potential.” On the response from America and the U.S. Military’s Operation Tomodachi, Senator Inouye stressed that the U.S. will support Japan no matter what the cost, “We didn’t talk about cost of relief, because friendship has no price tag.”

Joining Senator Inouye as keynote speakers were Hitachi Chairman, Mr. Takashi Kawamura and Mitsubishi Corporation Chairman, Mr. Yorihiko Kojima.  Both acknowledged the contributions and outpouring of support from Americans. “Support from the U.S. has not only touched the victims of the catastrophe, but also all Japanese,” said Kawamura.  “The American people’s concern for the victims in Japan and also the gratitude of the Japanese people to Americans represent the individual sentiments that the people of both countries have for each other, an important source for creating a new paradigm for Japan-U.S.  relations.  The promulgation of positive U.S.-Japan relations in the world will contribute to the future of global society.”

Chairman Kawamura also described the opportunity for infrastructure in the newly rebuilt region to include leading global technology. “In principle, the economic recovery of Japan cannot occur without the recovery of the Northeast region, and such activities apply the latest and leading technology in safety, comfort and ecological city-planning,” he said.

Ms. Aiko Doden of NHK moderated a panel made up of Frederick H. Katayama of Thomson Reuters, Ms. Kumi Sato of COSMOS PR and Mr. Naoyuki Agawa of Keio University. The panelists explored global perceptions of Japan and how best to accurately convey the Japan of today and tomorrow to the outside world.  Mr. Katayama recommended that Japan open itself up to things like immigration and women in the workplace and be bold in other ways by taking risks and by not being ashamed of failure.

Ms. Sato emphasized the need for proactive dissemination of positive stories about Japan in order to flood the world with the message that Japan is open for business. “People need to understand that Japan is safe,” said Ms. Sato. “We are all here living our lives and going to work.” She suggested that the private sector take responsibility in spreading this message.

Finally, Mr. Naoyuki Agawa stressed the import role of the Japanese youth in the future of Japan, including the rebuilding process. He stated that young people are looking at Japan with new eyes, knowing that they have to do something to impact the future of their country.

Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto and Ambassador John V. Roos provided closing remarks at the Symposium, each delivering forward-thinking, hopeful messages.  The Foreign Minister described the public-private partnership recently forged with Secretary Hillary Clinton: “We agreed that both countries will address the prevention of damage caused by harmful rumors on Japanese products and concerns on Japan’s role in the global supply chain.” He continued, “We would also like to ensure that the recovery is done with the openness to the world.”

After describing moments of kindness shown by both Americans and Japanese during this time of crisis, Ambassador Roos closed by saying: “Japan will accomplish great things on its road to recovery. The steps forward will not be easy and it will be a long journey but the power, spirit and hope has inspired us all over the last 80 days and rest assured that the U.S. will be there for Japan, wherever, whenever.”

U.S.-Japan Council Board of Councilors Member Glen S. Fukushima served as Chair of the Symposium. Ms. Irene Hirano Inouye, USJC President and Mr. Thomas Iino, USJC Chairman of the Board, made remarks to introduce the Council to a predominantly Japanese audience at the organization’s first official event in Japan.

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About the U.S.-Japan Council Trip to Japan

The U.S.-Japan Council’s trip to Japan involves meetings with the Japanese business community including Nippon Keidanren, Keizai Doyukai and alumni of Forum 21 to discuss economic opportunities for collaboration.  USJC Board leadership will also meet with Ambassador John Roos and representatives from the U.S. Embassy as well as the heads of several Japanese Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). After March 11, USJC established the U.S.-Japan Council Earthquake Relief Fund to support immediate relief and the long-term rebuilding the Tohoku region.  By June 1st, the Council had raised more than $2.3 million and disbursed funds to Japanese NGOs. The trip to Japan enables Americans to meet with leaders of these organizations in order to build people-to-people relations and strategize next steps. It also allows Americans to learn more about the domestic and international efforts of Japanese NPOs and elevate the recognition of this sector.