As a drum roll for the Annual Conference in Tokyo in October, the Shin-Issei Affinity Group is holding a three-part series of virtual networking sessions. Hosted by USJC Council Leader and Shin-Issei Steering Committee member Tatsuki Tomita (NorCal), the first event took place on Thursday, August 18, drawing the largest crowd since the group started organizing quarterly networking events in January 2021. Forty-some members across the U.S. and Japan got together and enjoyed discussion on the theme of “How Can We Better Represent Japan at a Micro-Level?”
Participants were invited to read an article and watch a short clip prior to the session, and exchanged perspectives in breakout rooms on how they provide more nuanced views on modern Japan in their communities.
On Thursday, September 22, Council Leader and Shin-Issei Committee member Vince Okada (Hawaii) will lead a discussion with a theme Looking at Japan through a social work lens. To register, click here. The final installment of the series, titled “Struggles and Joys of (Re)building a Career Outside Japan,” will take place on Thursday, October 20, with Council Leader and Shin-Issei Steering Committee member Yuko Watanabe (PNW, ELP ’17) as moderator. An invitation is forthcoming.
In the meanwhile, to inquire about the Shin-Issei affinity group, please contact [email protected], or one of the steering committee members: Aya Iwasuji (NoCal), Ichiro Sekimitsu (HI), Masami Tyson (TN), Tatsuki Tomita (NorCal), Toshiki Masaki (MI), Vince Okada (HI), Yuko Watanabe (WA), and Yumi Higashi (NY).
Thank you to Yumi Higashi-Ho and Ichi Sekimitsu for the photo and write up!