People News Archive

U.S.-Japan Council Member Receives Award from Bill and Melinda Gates

The Microsoft Alumni Foundation named Densho Executive Director and U.S.-Japan Council Member Tom Ikeda as one of three recipients of the 2011 Integral Fellows Award. The award honors former Microsoft employees making a meaningful difference. The criteria for the $25,000 award were innovation, entrepreneurship, effectiveness, collaboration and integrity. Bill and Melinda Gates presented Mr. Ikeda with the award in November. Click here for more information.

Senator Daniel Inouye Remembers Pearl Harbor

December 7th marked the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. In an interview with National Public Radio, USJC Board of Councilors Member Daniel K. Inouye shared his experiences. Witnessing the events in Hawaii moved Sen. Inouye to serve his country in the U.S. Army, where he became a highly decorated veteran and an inspiration for future Japanese Americans. His interview is available on NPR's site here.

Judge Shunji Yanai Named President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea

His Excellency Shunji Yanai, U.S.-Japan Council Board of Councilors member and former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States, has been elected President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. Judge Yanai, a member of the Tribunal since 2005, is the sixth judge and first Japanese national to be named to the post. His three-year term began on October 1, 2011. Foreign Minister Koichiro Genba of Japan has hailed Judge Yanai's appointment as "our country's crucial contribution to the international community." The U.S.-Japan Council congratulates Judge Yanai on his latest recognition in an illustrious career of promoting peaceful international relations.

Senator Daniel K. Inouye Issued Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers

This week, the Honorable Daniel K. Inouye received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flower s, among the highest honors awarded by the Japanese government. The U.S. Senator (D-HI) and USJC Board of Councilors member was presented with the award on October 3rd by Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki, at the Ambassador's Residence in Washington, D.C. Senator Inouye is the seventh American and first foreigner of Japanese descent to be given the honor. The Japanese government issued the Order in recognition of the Senator's contribution to peace and goodwill between the two countries.

ARIGATO

On September 7, 2011, the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, alongside other Japanese organizations, held a public appreciation event – ARIGATO – to express gratitude for Southern Californians’ outpouring of assistance and support in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011. The ARIGATO event took place at the JACCC’s Noguchi Plaza.

"A common adage says that tough times reveal true friends. I’m so glad that 3.11 – as the Great East Japan Earthquake has come to be known – has demonstrated that the United States, and especially Southern California, is an exceptional friend of Japan"

- Consul General Junichi Ihara

Senator Inouye Sworn in for his 9th Term

On January 5th, 2011 Senator Daniel K. Inouye was sworn in for his ninth term in the U.S. Senate. Vice President Joe Biden administered the oath of office. Senator Inouye, who serves on the U.S.-Japan Council Board of Councilors, will retain his position as the longest serving Senate incumbent. Hawaii News Now carried the story and provided the Senator's reflections,

"As I begin my ninth term, I'm reminded of how excited I was in 1963, when the people of Hawaii first entrusted me with the responsibility of representing them in the United States Senate. That excitement and anticipation is still alive, however, this is also a moment of reflection and memories."

Fellow Japanese American, Representative Colleen Hanabusa was also sworn in and Representative Mazie Hirono began serving in her second term.

Teri Takai becomes Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense

On November 7th, Ms. Teri Takai will step into her new role as the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense. Most recently, Takai served as CIO for the state of California. While in California, Ms. Takai befriended USJC Member Miyoko Sawamura. “As the State Chief Information Officer, Teri Takai has elevated California's IT profile. A consummate leader and professional, Ms. Takai will bring vision and dedication to successfully serve as the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense," said Ms. Sawamura who works for the California Department of Public Health. Takai has also been named one of Government Technology's Top 25 "Doers, Dreamers and Drivers." The U.S.-Japan Council congratulates Ms. Takai.

Roy Yamaguchi Named Board Director for New Corporation for Travel Promotion

Mr. Roy Yamaguchi was recently named a Board of Director for the New Corporation for Travel Promotion, a newly formed non-profit organization that promotes tourism to the United States. Mr. Yamaguchi currently serves on the U.S.-Japan Council Board of Councilors with Senator Daniel K. Inouye. Senator Inouye is very supportive of Mr. Yamaguchi's recent appointment: “I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Roy Yamaguchi on his confirmation as a member of the Board of Directors for the Corporation for Travel Promotion. I know him personally and I can say without hesitation that he will fulfill his responsibilities with great distinction. Roy took his love of local food and blended it with the best of the Asia-Pacific Rim to create a Hawaiian fusion cuisine that has inspired a following in the 33 U.S. cities that are home to his restaurants." Click here to read this story in the Washington Examiner.

Dennis Teranishi Receives Foreign Minister's Commendation

Mr. Dennis Yoshita Teranishi has received the Foreign Minister's Commendation for 2010 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Teranishi, who currently serves on the USJC Board of Councilors, was presented with the award on August 11th. Each year the award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting understanding and cooperation between Japan and foreign countries. Mr. Teranishi is currently the Vice-Chairman and CEO of Hawaiian Host, Inc. and Vice-Chairman of the Pacific International Center of High Technology Research (PICHTR). Continue reading this story in the Hawaii Herald.

Secretary Norman Mineta's Portrait Unveiled

The portrait of former U.S. Transportation and Commerce Secretary, Norman Mineta, was installed on Monday, July 26th at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. Secretary Mineta served in Congress for over twenty years and was the first Asian Pacific American to hold a presidential cabinet post. Currently, Secretary Mineta is the Vice Chairman at Hill & Knowlton in Washington, DC. He is also on the Board of Councilors for the U.S.-Japan Council. Earlier this month, he spoke at a luncheon co-hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations and the U.S.-Japan Council. Congratulations to Secretary Mineta as he celebrates the installation of his portrait.

Dr. Paul Terasaki Donates $50 million to UCLA's Life Sciences

Dr. Paul Terasaki, who is on the U.S.-Japan Council Board of Councilors, made history with his $50 million donation to the UCLA College of Letters and Science. UCLA recognized the generous donation by naming a new, state of the art facility, the Terasaki Life Sciences Building.

Mr. Peter Rouse Appointed White House Chief of Staff

The U.S.-Japan Council congratulates Mr. Peter Rouse on his recent appointment to White House Chief of Staff. He is the first Asian-American to hold the position. USJC is pleased to see an American with Japanese ancestry serve at the highest level of the executive branch.

To read more about Mr. Rouse click here or click on the links to watch the videos.

Wally Yonamine Honored

Hawaii-born Wally Yonamine passed away at the age of 85 on Monday. During his sporting career he was the first Asian American to play in the NFL and was the first American to play professional baseball in Japan after World War II. "Most people remember him for his accomplishments on the diamond, but our family, we have a great deal of respect for him for what he's done off the diamond," said his son and USJC Board Member Paul Yonamine. Communities on both sides of the Pacific are honoring him this week. Read more about Wally Yonamine in Rafu Shimpo or watch the video below.