The U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) held its Board of Councilors & VIP Reception on May 28, 2026, at Hotel New Otani, Tokyo. The evening brought together approximately 40 senior leaders from the USJC Board of Directors, Board of Councilors, and prominent sponsors for substantive dialogue and exchange, anchored by a keynote address by Aaron D. Snipe, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reception opened with welcoming remarks from Ernest Higa, Chair of the USJC Board of Councilors, who affirmed the growing importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance in a rapidly changing global landscape and noted that USJC’s work serves as the foundation for passing this vital partnership on to future generations. Sachi Hamai, Chair of the USJC Board of Directors, emphasized that USJC’s progress is made possible only through the strength of its entire collective network. She further expressed her commitment to working together with everyone to continue creating the spaces where cross-cultural bonds are forged and sustained for the next generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DCM Aaron D. Snipe delivered the keynote address, describing the U.S.-Japan alliance as the strongest it has ever been. He outlined Embassy Tokyo\u2019s strategic priorities, highlighting urgency in modernizing deterrence, diversifying supply chains, and advancing economic and technological cooperation. Reflecting on his own experiences as an American student in Japan, he noted the long-term trend of decline in the number of Japanese students studying in the U.S., calling for a reimagining of exchange initiatives to better meet today\u2019s needs. Following his remarks, DCM Snipe participated in a Q&A session with attendees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the keynote, USJC President and CEO Audrey Yamamoto expressed sincere gratitude to all attendees for their continued support and engagement. Audrey shared a strategic update on USJC\u2019s direction, outlining plans to deepen the Council\u2019s impact and broaden its leadership pipeline in Japan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n