Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs included USJC in their most recent “Think of Okinawa’s Future in the United States” (TOFU) program, involving high potential high school and college students from the island. President & CEO Suzanne Basalla shared her career activities involving U.S.-Japan base relations in Okinawa, as well as the strategic value of people-to-people connections – especially among young people – for a strong alliance.
Suzanne also hosted USJC Associate Lynn Miyahira (ELP ‘14) in a fireside chat, where she spoke of her family’s heritage ties to Okinawa and how they have shaped her leadership, career, and relationship with Okinawa and the rest of Japan. Suzanne and Lynn were grateful to participate in this important program and meet key future leaders of the relationship.