On April 19, a group of 23 DC members gathered at the Japanese Embassy for a luncheon with Minister and Head of Chancery Koichi Ai, Counsellor Isao Tezuka, and First Secretaries Fumiho Suzawa and Yusuke Nakayama. Minister Ai opened with a history of the Embassy and its various roles including relationship building with the Japanese-American community. Other topics of discussion with the members included current priorities in U.S.-Japan relations, ways to more effectively promote improved understanding of Japan by the American public, responses to recent events such as anti-Asian hate crimes, Ukraine and East Asia relations.
Minister Ai also shared his views on personal challenges during his career. The luncheon concluded by promises from both sides to continue efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Japan relationship.