Membership
Becoming a USJC member means joining a network of visionary leaders committed to strengthening the U.S.-Japan relations. Members had exclusive access to a wide range of gatherings, including high-level conferences, leadership development programs, networking receptions, and community-focused events fostering collaboration in sectors including business, policy, education, and innovation.
Why Become a Member
USJC members enjoy access to members-only events, participation in member-led Affinity Groups that connect individuals around shared interests and experiences, and discounted rates for the USJC Annual Conference and select hotels.
Affinity Groups
Members are invited to participate in our Affinity Groups, which offer networking opportunities centered around an industry or other theme. Learn more here.
USJC Annual Conference
USJC members can sign up for discounted rates for the Annual Conference. For more information, please click here.
Hotel Discounts
Members enjoy discounted rates at selected hotels in Japan.
Tokyu Hotels
-Cerulean Tower Tokyu
-Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu
-Shibuya Stream
Imperial Hotel Tokyo
New Otani Tokyo
If you are a current member, please reach out to [email protected].
How to Become a Member
Membership is by invitation and nomination only. Good standing USJC members, known as, Council Leaders or Associates may nominate an individual for membership. Once you identified a potential nominator and references (you can list up to three references and references needs to be someone different from nominator), please ask your nominator to submit the official nomination form on your behalf.
Who are Council Leaders and Associates?
Council Leaders are leaders who actively contribute to shaping U.S.-Japan relations through the work of the Council. Associates are young professionals ages 18 to 39 engaged in the Council’s work.
Process
1) Identify a potential member and provide information to him or her about the Council.
2) Fill out the nomination form .
3) Once the nomination is processed, an official invitation will be sent to the nominee.
If you are a member interested in submitting a nomination, please fill out the online form below.
Membership Contribution Levels
USJC members will contribute annual membership dues based on their age group.
Associates (Ages 18-39)
- $50 – Ages 18-24
- $100 – Ages 25-39
Council Leaders (Over 40)
- $250 – Members in the Nonprofit, Government and Education Sectors
- $500 – Contributing Members
- $1,000 – Contributing Benefactors*
*Contributing Benefactors ($1000 contributions and higher) will be recognized in our USJC Annual Report.
Join a Community of Notable Members
“Throughout my career, the U.S.-Japan Council has been an instrumental partner in fostering meaningful relationships between the City of Seattle and Japan, as well as inspiring my own personal reflection on my heritage as a Japanese American. From the Japanese American Leadership Delegation program to USJC’s Annual Conference, I am grateful for the countless opportunities this organization has provided to learn from others, collaborate across borders, and strengthen bonds between the people of the United States and Japan.”
— Mayor Bruce Harrell (JALD ‘16)
Mayor of Seattle
“The U.S.-Japan Council has been instrumental to my growth—both personally and professionally. I first joined through the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) which inspired me to co-create the Advanced Leaders Collective (ALC), a USJC program that convenes mid-career and senior leaders from diverse fields committed to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations. I later had the honor of joining the Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD), where I engaged in high-level dialogues that advanced the bilateral relationship at the ministerial level.”
— Derek Kenmotsu (ELP ’15, ALC ‘23, JALD ’24)
Senior Advisor, Global Partnerships, Defense Innovation Unit
“The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) creates the space to build meaningful relationships and an incredible network of the ‘next generation’ thought leaders, decision makers and movers and shakers. The ELP program is unique in that it offers a platform for individuals to grow in their leadership and careers, and connect with prominent, distinguished leaders in U.S.-Japan relations.”
— Amy Watanabe (ELP ‘18)
Vice President, NakatomiPR
FAQ
Membership Criteria
What are the characteristics USJC seeks in new members?
- A demonstrated history of leadership (or leadership potential).
- Interest in and support of the U.S.-Japan relationship through education, professional engagement, community investment or personal interest.
- Americans with a personal connection to Japan – this includes heritage, extensive time spent in Japan such as living/studying/working in the country, marital connections, etc. (Other nationalities may also meet this description, such as Japanese Brazilians living in the United States.).
- Japanese with a personal connection to the United States– this includes heritage, extensive time spent living/studying/working in the States, marital connections, etc.
- Understanding and appreciation of the Japanese-American experience
- A contributor mindset and willingness to engage in support of USJC’s mission with time, talent and resources.
How do I become a member?
Prospective members can be nominated by a current USJC member, and supported by at least one other current USJC member. Nominators and supporters must be in good standing and are current on their annual membership renewal and contribution. One member will need to complete the nomination form here. The second member will serve as a reference. Up to three references may support a nomination.
How can I learn more about USJC?
USJC’s Membership team hosts quarterly New Member Orientations for new and prospective members to learn about USJC. Please contact us at ([email protected]) if you are interested in joining a New Member Orientation session. Upcoming New Member Orientation dates and times will be posted on our website here. Dates and times will be announced a month in advance.
What is the process for Associates to become Council Leaders?
Upon turning age 40, Associates in good standing can automatically become Council Leaders. USJC will send a notice to Associates before turning 40 to inform them of the membership category change, as well as noting the increase in membership contribution levels.
What are the contribution rates for a Council Leader?
The standard contribution rate for Council Leaders is $500 annually. Members who contribute $1,000 are recognized as Contributing Benefactors in USJC’s annual report. Council Leaders who work in the nonprofit, education and government sectors are offered a discounted rate of $250. All contributions support the Council’s operations and general programs.