Irene Hirano Inouye and Senator Daniel K. Inouye envisioned the need for an organization that strengthens U.S.-Japan relations by allowing Japanese Americans to play a leading role in bringing the peoples of the United States and Japan closer together. Along with other Japanese American leaders, they founded the U.S.-Japan Council in 2009.

Since then, the Council has diversified and expanded into a premier U.S. organization bolstering ties at the people-to-people level. Its multi-sectoral and multi-generational membership spans 12 regions across the United States and Japan, and that membership has expanded beyond Japanese Americans to include Japanese and other Americans. 

The U.S.-Japan Council and U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) would like to express our appreciation to those who have served on our Board of Directors as well as our Board of Councilors.

Past Board of Directors

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS consists of leaders from across the United States and in Japan who provide their expertise in establishing and guiding the Council’s mission and activities. 

^* – Founding board member
^{^} – Held Chair position
^# – Served on multiple boards
† – Passed away

Past Board of Councilors

THE DISTINGUISHED BOARD OF COUNCILORS consists of leaders who are recognized for their life-long contributions and commitment to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations. Their expertise and guidance directs the Council’s mission and activities.

^* – Founding board member
^{^} – Held Chair position
^# – Served on multiple boards
† – Passed away