On January 24, prominent Japanese American leaders selected by their respective Consuls General from across the United States participated in a discussion with Japanese government leaders as part of Ministry of Foreign Affairs’s annual meeting of the Ambassador, Consuls General and Japanese American Leaders (CG-JA) in Washington, DC.
The discussion focused on several key issues for the Japanese government and the U.S.-Japan relationship, including enhancing relationships with the broader local communities and strengthening efforts to connect with Japanese American communities in more distant areas. Participants shared their experiences about successful, collaborative initiatives that have made a meaningful impact on communities, promoted friendship and cooperation, and spread cultural awareness and sensitivity. They also discussed the value of strong relationships between regional consulates and leaders in the Japanese American community and the importance of investing in local communities and the next generation of leaders.
Following the meeting, the Ambassador of Japan YAMADA Shigeo hosted an evening reception for the Japanese American leaders, Consuls General and honorary Consuls General, during which he gave remarks reflecting on the importance of the annual gathering and of the U.S.-Japan bilateral partnership. On the evening prior to the meeting, USJC organized a welcome dinner for the Japanese American leaders and hosted a working meeting the following morning.
The CG-JA meeting is an annual collaborative effort between the Embassy of Japan and the U.S.-Japan Council. This year, the discussion was co-chaired by Suzanne Basalla (USJC President and CEO) and KAIHARA Kentaro (Director, First North America Division, MOFA, Japan). This was the first meeting since the last one was held in 2020.