2018 Consuls General & Japanese American Leaders Meeting

Overview

CG-JA participants at the Ambassador’s Residence in December 2015

The Annual Meeting of the Ambassador, Consuls General and Japanese American Leaders (CG-JA) is sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and organized by the U.S.-Japan Council and the Embassy of Japan. The purpose of the meeting is to bring leadership together from both sides of the Pacific to discuss how to collaboratively work together to ensure a stronger U.S.-Japan relationship. Consistent with the U.S.-Japan Council mission, building strong enduring “people-to-people” relationships among Japanese Americans and Japanese leaders has been the goal of these meetings throughout the years.

2018 Meeting

The discussion focused on several key issues for the Japanese government and regions across the United States, including strengthening regional ties, public diplomacy and bilateral exchange programs. Participants shared their views on the U.S.-Japan relationship one year into the current U.S. presidential administration, the importance of partnering with other communities on issues of mutual interest, exploring new opportunities for programs that build goodwill between the two countries (the TOMODACHI Initiative, KAKEHASHI Project, etc.) and more. USJC Board Member Yuko Kaifu was a special guest and presented on the current status of JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles and its mission to promote public diplomacy and cultural exchange.

Irene Hirano Inouye (left) recognizes Ambassador Sasae as an Honorary Japanese American

Following the meeting, Ambassador of Japan Kenichiro Sasae hosted a lunch at the Union League Club of Chicago for the Japanese American leaders, Consuls General and Honorary Consuls General. After the Ambassador’s speech, USJC President Irene Hirano Inouye gave remarks. As a special token of appreciation for his years of service and friendship to the Japanese American community, she presented the soon-departing Ambassador with a certificate recognizing him as an Honorary Japanese American.

The CG-JA meeting is an annual collaborative effort between the Embassy of Japan and the U.S.-Japan Council. This year, the discussion was co-chaired by Irene Hirano Inouye and Takuya Sasayama, Minister and Head of Chancery at the Embassy of Japan.

Background

Previous meetings have occurred in:

  • February 2003 in Los Angeles
  • January 2004 in Washington, DC
  • November 2005 in San Francisco
  • June 2007 in New York City
  • January 2009 in Washington, DC
  • February 2010 in Washington, DC
  • February 2011 in Washington, DC
  • October 2012 in Seattle, WA
  • November 2013 in Washington, DC
  • October 2014 in Washington, DC
  • December 2015 in Washington, DC
  • January 2017 in Washington, DC

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