The first day of the Annual Conference featured Members Forum, bringing the USJC community together. As members gathered in the reception hall and ballroom, the sound of lively conversations and laughter filled the halls. Mistress of Ceremony, Japan region co-chair and 2024 host committee member Sarah Bader kicked off the day joyously and members received a warm reception from Deputy Mayor Kaoru Matsukawa, welcoming all to Shibuya.
The morning session featured opening remarks by USJC President & CEO Audrey Yamamoto (JALD ‘23). She emphasized the importance of people-to-people connections in forging a future together for U.S.-Japan relations and recognized the active engagement of members that form the firm foundation of USJC.
Participants were treated to a video honoring the 15 year journey of USJC followed by a panel titled “15-Years of USJC Impact: Stories from Members” traced the path that led the organization to its success today.
USJC members and program alumni including Board of Directors members Dianne Fukami (JALD ’09), Josh Morey (ELP ‘16), Sachi Hamai and Mark Okada (JALD ‘23) were joined by President’s Advisory Board member Donna Cole (JALD ‘06), Council Leader Rob Ohno (JALD ‘23) and Associate Courtney Taira (ELP ‘19) as they shared their journey of growth within USJC and celebrated the organization’s 15th anniversary.
Following lunch, USJC regions shared their remarkable progress. New York & vicinity region committee member Mari Iwahara (ELP ‘21) and NorCal & Nevada Region Co-Chair Michael Sera (ALC ‘24) highlighted the USJC regions and events. They shared with members a special video featuring remarks from regional leaders as well as exciting regional events from across the United States and Japan.
Members continued to share their exemplary work in several iconic USJC programs. ELP Steering Committee Chair Yuga Cohler (ELP ‘19) and 2024 U40 Summitt Chair Aki Shibuya (ELP ‘21) provided an update on the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) and shared news regarding the U40 Summit that was hosted at Seattle in late April of this year. Hawaii region chair Emi Au (ALC ‘23) and Yumi Clark (ALC ‘23) spoke about the Advanced Leaders Collective (ALC). Jose Keichi Fuentes (JALD ‘06) and Debra Nakatomi (JALD ‘09) shared their eye-opening experiences with the Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD).
Josh Morey recognized current board members for their invaluable contributions and welcomed new board members. Led by USJC Board of Directors Japan member Ayako Kameda, members extended thanks to the 2024 Host Committee. USJC Board of Directors member Ann Teranishi and Tyler Tokioka (JALD ‘15) introduced the 2025 Host Committee and announced Hawaii as the location for the 2025 Annual Conference.
Members Forum ended with a heartening message from Audrey Yamamoto and Sarah Bader, recognizing the hard work of the USJC staff and thanking members for their engagement, all of which will continue to act as the beacon for USJC for many years to come.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the regional and program leaders for all their hard work. Congratulations on the amazing successes our leaders accomplished this year!
More photos can be found here.
Credit for the written text goes to Lisa Wang.