2019 Japanese American Leadership Delegation
Congratulations to the following individuals, who were selected to participate in the 2019 Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD)! They will visit Tokyo and Kumamoto Prefecture from March 1 to 9, 2019, after attending a pre-trip orientation in Los Angeles from February 1 to 2. For more information on JALD, please visit the program’s webpage (bios of the delegates will be posted soon).
- Andrew Fujimoto (Meridian, ID)
CEO, Ameriben - Joy Goto (Fresno, CA)
Chair and Professor of Chemistry, California State University, Fresno - Mark T. Nakagawa (Springfield, VA)
Program Manager, Department of Defense - Kyle Nakamoto (Dearborn, MI)
Data Scientist, Ford Motor Company - Kurt Osaki (Honolulu, HI)
President/CEO, Osaki Creative Group - Vickie Sakurada Schaepler (Gering, NE)
Coordinator, Japanese Hall and History Project, Legacy of the Plains Museum - Mariko Silver (Bennington, VT)
President, Bennington College - Bryce Suzuki (Phoenix, AZ)
Office Managing Partner, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP - Britt Yamamoto (Seattle, WA)
Founder and Executive Director, iLEAP - Kelly Yamasaki (Denver, CO)
Principal, OZ Architecture
Announcements
Supporting Those Affected by the Japan Floods
Japan recently experienced what is considered the worst weather disaster the country has faced in 36 years. The floods and landslides in western Japan in July led to severe damage, most notably in the Ehime, Hiroshima and Okayama Prefectures. Hundreds of people lost their lives, many suffered damages to their homes, and many more were left without water.
The U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) and our friends at other U.S.-Japan related organizations offer heartfelt thoughts to all who are affected. Many in the U.S. have strong ties to the Ehime, Hiroshima and Okayama communities through people-to-people programs and exchanges. Many Japanese Americans also have family ties or personal connections to the region.
USJC, the Japanese American Citizens League, the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC), the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i and the United States-Japan Foundation have established the Japan Flood Friendship Fund (JFFF) to aid those who are affected. 100% of the contributions will go to relief efforts through our network of nonprofit organizations that are working on the ground.
Thank you to those who have donated. Over the past seven years since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, we have worked with a number of local nonprofits in Japan. Based on this experience and our research about their current activities in the flood-affected regions, we have selected three organizations to disburse these funds to: Civic Force, Japan Platform and Peace Boat. The fund will remain open, and we thank you again for considering a donation to JFFF.
Thank you to those who have donated. Over the past seven years since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, we have worked with a number of local nonprofits in Japan. Based on this experience and our research about their current activities in the flood-affected regions, we have selected three organizations to disburse these funds to: Civic Force, Japan Platform and Peace Boat. The fund will remain open, and we thank you again for considering a donation to JFFF.
Please consider donating through the form here. If you would prefer to pay by check, please make your check payable to the U.S.-Japan Council and mail to:
U.S.-Japan Council
Attn: Japan Flood Friendship Fund
1819 L Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
If you have any inquiries or would like to partner with us, please write to [email protected] or call 202-223-6840.
Member News
Atsuko Fish and Anne Morse Honored by the Government of Japan
Congratulations to USJC Board Member Atsuko Fish, who received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette from the Government of Japan. Emperor Akihito presented Ms. Fish with the award in a ceremony at the Imperial Palace on November 7. Ms. Fish was recognized for her contribution to the advancement of women’s leadership in Japan through the Japanese Women’s Leadership Initiative. In honor of the conferment, Ms. Fish announced the establishment of the Women’s Social Change Fund to further advance women’s leadership in Japan.
Council Leader Anne Morse also received a decoration as part of the 2018 Autumn Conferment. Dr. Morse was recognized for her contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the United States through fine arts.
Hiroyuki Fujita Appointed Honorary Consul in Cleveland
On November 28, Member of the USJC Board of Councilors Hiroyuki Fujita was named Honorary Consul of Japan in Cleveland. Honorary Consuls are appointed to protect the welfare of local Japanese residents and promote cultural exchanges in regions where the Government of Japan has no office established. Dr. Fujita was appointed because of his wide range of knowledge and experiences and his deep understanding of Japanese society.
Mark Fukunaga Chosen as 2018 CEO of the Year
Congratulations to Council Leader Mark Fukunaga, who was chosen as 2018 CEO of the Year by Hawaii Business magazine. Mr. Fukunaga is the Chairman & CEO of Servco Pacific Inc. and CEO of Servco Pacific Capital. He is recognized for excellent customer service, high employee satisfaction and constantly reinventing the company.
Upcoming Events
Righting a Wrong: Japanese Americans and World War II
When: Ongoing through December 8, 2018
Where: National Museum of American History (Washington, DC)
Last year, the National Museum of American History opened an exhibit to mark 75 years since Executive Order 9066 authorized the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. On display are artifacts, photographs and stories collected from Japanese American families. There will also be public programming throughout the year related to this exhibit.
For more information on the exhibit, please visit the official website.
JWLI Spring and Fall Applications Opening Soon
Spring Program Dates: April 16, 2019 – May 10, 2019 (tentative)
Fall Program Dates: October 7, 2019 – November 1, 2019 (tentative)Applications for the Japanese Women’s Leadership Initiative (JWLI) Spring and Fall Programs are opening soon! Online applications will open on December 15, 2018 and close at 9pm on January 31, 2019 (ET). JWLI looks forward to reviewing applications from enthusiastic women leaders in Japan. For more information and to apply, please visit the JWLI website. JWLI is led by USJC Board Member Atsuko Fish and supported by USJC.
Opportunities
Membership Engagement & Regional Coordinator
The Membership Engagement & Regional Coordinator will have primary responsibility for the administrative and operational support of activities relating to the engagement of members, including membership and regional activities. Duties will include leading operational membership activities, database management, monthly reconciliation of membership and donor contributions, and supporting the Director of External Relations in the implementation of regional events and activities.
Click here for more information about the position.
Intern (Washington, DC)
The intern will provide support for Programs and Communications on a part-time or full-time basis. Duties will consist of program and event coordination and support, website/social media support, organization of and attendance at special events, outreach and communication, writing and translation (if able). This is an excellent internship for those hoping to gain experience in the programmatic, digital and strategic marketing and/or nonprofit fields. USJC’s internship program offers outstanding opportunities for college students, graduate students and graduates who are interested in U.S.-Japan relations.
Click here for more information about the position.
TOMODACHI Marketing & Communications Manager (Tokyo)
The Marketing & Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic communications program to develop the profile and brand of the TOMODACHI Initiative among a diverse audience and stakeholders, including senior corporate executives, government leaders, program participants, donors, press and the general public. The Marketing & Communications Manager will work closely with teams within the TOMODACHI Initiative in the implementation of this mission, as well as with the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.
Click here for more information about the position.