Message from USJC President Irene Hirano Inouye
As we begin 2018, I extend a very Happy New Year on behalf of the U.S.-Japan Council. Our thanks to our many supporters and partners for making 2017 a very productive year for USJC. We look forward to an exciting year ahead and hope you will join us at many upcoming programs and events.
You will find below a message from Phyllis Campbell, the incoming Chair of the Board of Directors. We are grateful to have Phyllis assume this important leadership role. She has been on the Board for the past six years and served most recently as Vice-Chair of the Board. Phyllis brings extensive leadership experience in the corporate and nonprofit sectors. She is the Chair of JP Morgan Chase & Co., Pacific Northwest, serving as the firm’s most senior executive in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. She previously served as CEO of the Seattle Foundation and the U.S. Bank of Washington, and serves on several corporate boards.
Phyllis succeeds Dennis Teranishi, who served as Chair for the past three years. I want to thank Dennis for his leadership. He traveled extensively on behalf of USJC and was a strong supporter of many USJC programs and events. Dennis brought strong business and nonprofit executive experience in leading the Board of Directors and working with staff. He will continue as a member of the Executive Committee, with two years remaining on his Board term. Dennis succeeded Tom Iino, Founding Chair. USJC is fortunate to have such great leaders as current and former Chairs of our Board.
We also thank five leaders who completed their second term as members of our Board of Directors at the end of 2017. Each provided substantial leadership during their tenure. Royanne Doi served most recently as Chair of the Nominating & Governance Committee and was Chair of the 2015 Annual Conference Tokyo Host Committee, Dayne Kono served as Chair of the Membership Committee, Gary Moriwaki served as Chair of the Development Committee, Allen Okamoto was Chair of the Northern California Region and Chair of the 2016 Annual Conference Silicon Valley Host Committee, and Wally Tsuha served as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. Each of these Board members contributed to USJC’s significant accomplishments over the past several years.
The Board has been committed to term limits, enabling new leaders to serve on the Board. To ensure that we retain the experience of Board members completing their terms, USJC has established a “Legacy Council,” which is chaired by Founding Chair Tom Iino, and comprises former Board members who continue to support and contribute to the organization.
I am extremely grateful for the tremendous Board leaders who serve USJC – they are dedicated, committed and bring extensive experience and expertise. We look forward to working with our Board of Councilors, Council Leaders, Associates and our many supporters to make 2018 our most productive and impactful year yet!
Irene Hirano Inouye
President, U.S.-Japan Council
Board Updates
Greetings from New USJC Chair Phyllis Campbell
Dear Friends,
I hope you had a wonderful holiday season, and that your year is off to a good start.
I am honored to start 2018 as USJC’s new Chair. I will be building upon the success and strong leadership of Dennis Teranishi, who led USJC as Chairman for the past three years. Under his vision and steady hand, USJC has solidified its strong role in U.S.-Japan relations. The warm spirit of aloha that Dennis brought was especially valuable in USJC’s focus on people-to-people relations.
As the new Chair, I am committed to further increasing the number and diversity of our members and supporters in the United States and Japan. Our new regional structures have been very effective, and members throughout our two countries have been hosting programs and events centered on a wide range of issues. We will be strengthening those structures further in 2018, most notably with the Japan-Texas Economic Summit, which will take place in Houston in May.
Women’s leadership remains an important topic. USJC’s Board of Directors now consists of more women than men, and I am proud to be the first woman Chair of USJC. We will continue to exchange best practices on women’s leadership through various networking and mentorship programs.
We are also committed to fostering leaders. We will continue to support young leaders through the TOMODACHI Initiative, which now has a vast network of alumni. In the coming year, we will also establish the Leadership Institute, which will build upon the success of our many programs to amplify the effectiveness and voice of leaders in U.S.-Japan relations. As the Chair of the Leadership Institute Task Force, I am looking forward to bringing this project to fruition.
Searching for new ways of cooperation between our two countries will continue to be an important theme. We will continue to support the development of the Silicon Valley Japan Platform, further strengthening innovation and collaboration between the United States and Japan. The 2018 USJC Annual Conference, which will be held on November 8 and 9 in Tokyo, will examine topics that include sustainability, innovation and philanthropy.
To enable all the above activities, working with our very capable staff and you, I will also strengthen the organizational and financial infrastructure of USJC. Thank you very much to all of our members, supporters and sponsors for your continued support.
I look forward to working with you, and hope to see you at many of our activities!
Phyllis Campbell
Chair, U.S.-Japan Council
USJC Welcomes New Board Members
We are proud to welcome the following individuals to the USJC (US) Board of Directors:
- David M. Boone
President, Government Strategic Business Unit, APTIM - David Kenji Chang
Portfolio Manager, Tyvor Capital, LLC - Kazuhiro Gomi
Member of the Board of Directors, NTT Communications Corporation; President & Chief Executive Officer, NTT America, Inc.
Aside from Phyllis Campbell (Chair, JPMorgan Chase & Co, Pacific Northwest) now becoming Chair, Susan Morita (Partner, Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP), Tomoko Kizawa (Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP) and Dennis R. Sugino (Founder, Kansa Advisory LLC) are now Vice-Chairs. Tasha Yorozu (Managing Attorney, Yorozu Law Group, PC) is now Secretary & Engagement Committee Chair. We would like to thank the outgoing Members of the USJC (US) Board of Directors Royanne Doi, Dayne Kono, Gary Moriwaki, Allen Okamoto and Wally Tsuha.
Inaugural Meeting of the Legacy Council
USJC’s Legacy Council includes members of the Board of Directors and select members of the Board of Councilors who completed full terms of service on the Board. It was established to recognize the invaluable contributions of Board members, past, present and in the future, and to encourage previous Board members to remain active leaders at USJC.
Members of the Legacy Council convened for the first time at the 2017 Annual Conference to discuss how it will support USJC’s activities, the current Board and senior leadership. The following are the members of the Legacy Council:
- Tom Iino, Chair
- Royanne Doi*
- Sho Dozono
- Mike Hirai
- Robert Ichikawa
- Fred Katayama
- Dayne Kono*
- Colbert Matsumoto
- Moni Miyashita
- Gary Moriwaki*
- Allen Okamoto*
- Henry Ota
- Paul Niwa
- Susan Onuma
- Wally Tsuha*
- Jan Yanehiro
*Joined the Legacy Council on January 1, 2018
TOMODACHI ELP News
The following article is part of a year-long series by members of the 2017 TOMODACHI Emerging Leaders Program (ELP).
Reflection from Kimberly Haruki (ELP ’17)
I can’t believe that it’s only been a couple of months since we participated in the USJC Annual Conference, which spanned just a few days. The community is so strong that it seems as though these relationships have been lifelong.
Professionally, I was most challenged and energized by USJC President Irene Hirano Inouye’s remarks about tri-sector (business, nonprofit and government) leadership, and the increasing importance for leaders to collaborate across sectors. This was a check point in my own development as a young leader. I have been thinking about the ways in which I can be more impactful in my organization, PacRim Marketing Group, and in the industries and Asia-Pacific markets we serve. At YWCA Oahu, where I am a board member, I have also been more involved in evaluating issues and developing strategies for legislative advocacy surrounding the YWCA mission: eliminating racism and empowering women.
Personally, I was most moved and motivated by fellow ELP. In one session, we were asked to share how being Japanese American affects our leadership style. The discussion on identity, being honest, and feeling safe with each other proved to be both an introspective and shared experience that immediately brought us together. I was also awestruck seeing ELP alumni share personal stories as part of the Annual Conference program, and enjoyed hearing how they were guided by Japanese values. Looking back, I see that these cultural connections helped make our friendships more meaningful.
Lastly, the magic in being part of the 2017 ELP was being able to travel with other Emerging Leaders, U40 Associates and Council Leaders to Washington, DC, learning about topics inside and outside the Beltway. During our trip, we had many opportunities to casually converse and get to know each other. I especially enjoyed the small gathering and meal hosted by Margaret Cummisky, Managing Director of Federal Government Relations at Hawaiian Airlines and 2004 JALD alumna, as part of the offsite Networking Dinners. I’ll never forget the larger-than-life servings of Italian food spread across our entire table, and the laughter and company we shared.
I am excited and proud to be an ELP alumna. I look forward to meeting more USJC colleagues and supporting Hawaii regional programs and U40 initiatives in the near future.
Thank you to Irene Hirano Inouye, (now Former) Chairman Dennis Teranishi, Senior Vice President Kaz Maniwa and Program Manager Allison Murata for your leadership. To our sponsors who made this opportunity possible, your generosity will always be remembered, and we look forward to showing our appreciation through our engagement and leadership with USJC. Here’s to continuing the momentum in 2018 and beyond!
Announcements
Watanabe Scholarship: 2018 Applications Now Open!
Applications for the 2018-19 U.S.-Japan Council Toshizo Watanabe Endowed Scholarship Program are available now! This program provides financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students for a semester or year-long study abroad program in either the United States or Japan. A generous endowment gift of $10 million from Mr. Toshizo (Tom) Watanabe to USJC makes it possible to award scholarships to students for whom study abroad would not be possible without financial support. Beginning this year, scholarships will be awarded to both American and Japanese undergraduate students who are pursuing international study in either the United States or Japan.
For information on eligibility, timeline and application requirements, please see the FAQ sheet. To apply, please visit this page.
In Memoriam
We are very saddened that Hiro Ogawa, Member of the Board of Councilors, has passed away. He was the Chairman of CAI International, a transportation finance and logistics company that he founded. He co-chaired the Development Committee of the 2016 USJC Annual Conference in Silicon Valley, and along with his late wife Betty, was a generous supporter of USJC over the years. He hosted several USJC events at his beautiful home in Silicon Valley, including a reception that was held in conjunction with the 2014 Governors’ Meeting. We extend our deepest condolences to Hiro and Betty’s sons, Council Leaders Andrew Ogawa and Marcus Ogawa, and their family.
Member News
Five Council Leaders Recognized by the Government of Japan
Congratulations to Member of the Legacy Council Colbert Matsumoto, who received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette last month from the Government of Japan (pictured below). He was recognized for strengthening and promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the United States in the fields of economic and scientific technology.
Four other Council Leaders also received decorations as part of the 2017 Autumn Conferment. In San Francisco, Member of the Legacy Council Allen Okamoto and Council Leader Gary Mukai received decorations for their work in promoting regional exchange and educational exchange, respectively, between the two countries. Council Leaders Paul Watanabe and Kerry Hada received decorations in Boston and Denver for their contributions to U.S.-Japan relations as Japanese American leaders. We congratulate these five leaders!
Upcoming Events
Righting a Wrong: Japanese Americans and World War II
When: Ongoing through December 8, 2018
Where: National Museum of American History
In February, 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.
Luncheon Presentation on Japan-Texas Economic Summit
When: January 19, 2018 at 11:30am
Where: BBVA Compass Bank in Austin, Texas
USJC Board Member, Chair of the Japan-Texas Economic Summit and President & CEO of Cole Chemical Donna Fujimoto Cole will hold a luncheon presentation to talk about the upcoming summit. The event will be hosted by BBVA Compass Bank, Cole Chemical, and the Japan-America Society of Greater Austin (JASGA) on January 19.
RSVP is required by Wednesday, January 10.
U.S.-Japan-Israel Innovation Summit: Emerging Partnerships & Opportunities
When: February 5, 2018
Where: Silicon Valley (TBC)
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) Asia Pacific Institute and USJC, in partnership with The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP) and IJ Advisors Ltd. (IJA), will hold an event to discuss U.S.-Japan-Israel trilateral opportunities in emerging technology sectors, venture capitalist investment and public-private partnerships. Japanese and Israeli government and business speakers will share their stories of successful partnerships, as well as the opportunities and innovation in Silicon Valley that have led to breakthrough technologies and services. Industries may include AI/robotics, cybersecurity, FinTech and more. A networking reception will follow the event.
U.S.-Japan-Israel on the Global Stage: Opportunities for the Olympic and Paralympic Games
When: February 6, 2018
Where: Japanese American National Museum
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) Asia Pacific Institute and USJC, in partnership with The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP), will hold an event to discuss U.S.-Japan-Israel trilateral collaboration in connection to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. With Japan hosting the Games in 2020 and Los Angeles hosting shortly after in 2028, existing partnerships and future ones will shape the success of both events. Speakers will include government officials and industry experts from all three countries who will explore areas of collaboration in emerging technology, security, public-private partnerships and more. A networking reception will follow the event.
For more information and to register, please visit the event page.
Hold These Truths
When: February 23 – April 8, 2018
Where: The Arena Stage
“Hold These Truths” is a play based on the true story of Gordon Hirabayashi, the American son of Japanese immigrants who defied an unjust court order to uphold the values on which America was founded.
JWLI Spring Applications Now Open
Applications for the Japanese Women’s Leadership Initiative (JWLI) Spring Program are now open! JWLI looks forward to reviewing applications from enthusiastic women leaders in Japan. For more information, please visit this page. JWLI is led by USJC Board Member Atsuko Fish and supported by USJC.
Registration Now Open for the Japan-Texas Economic Summit!
Registration is now open for the Japan-Texas Economic Summit, to be held at the Marriott Marquis Houston from May 7 to 9, 2018. Following the highly successful Japan-Hawaii Economic Summit in 2017, the Japan-Texas Economic Summit will bring together business leaders, investors, state and local officials, and economic development organizations from across the Lone Star State and Japan. Texas is a leading destination for foreign direct investment from Japan, and we will welcome government and business representatives from the Government of Japan and prefectures throughout the country to explore further opportunities to strengthen the relationship between Japan and the state of Texas.
Join us for what will be a momentous step forward in the Japan-Texas economic partnership! Please visit the event page to see more details and to register.
Opportunities
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.
TOMODACHI Program Manager (Tokyo)
Working under the direction of the Director of TOMODACHI Programs, the Program Manager is responsible for developing, executing, managing, monitoring and evaluating TOMODACHI programs, including managing relationships with implementing organizations. The Program Manager will work with individuals from the U.S.-Japan Council, the U.S. Embassy, TOMODACHI Initiative sponsors, and other key TOMODACHI team members in the implementation of this mission.
Click here for more information about the position.
TOMODACHI Program Coordinator (Tokyo)
The TOMODACHI Program Coordinator is responsible for providing administrative support in the development, coordination, and execution of TOMODACHI Initiative programs, directly assisting the Program Director and Program Manager, and collaborating with leaders, external stakeholders and other experts. The Program Coordinator will serve as the principal liaison between implementing partners and external constituencies on day-to-day programmatic issues.
Click here for more information about the position.