Ai Asakura

Ai Asakura is an Alumni Manager who is responsible for leading and executing TOMODACHI Initiative programs. She moved to the United States after graduating high school in Japan. She holds a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Additionally, she has more than 10 years of experience working in sales at IHG and Hilton hotels in Minnesota and Kentucky as well as five years of experience working as a translator for a Japanese automotive company in the United States. Ai utilizes her experience from working in the hospitality industry, and for a U.S.-Japan bicultural company to promote programs for the next generation, and she hopes that the the programs will strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and Japan. She served as a mentor for the TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program in 2017, 2019 and 2021. Originally from Fukuoka, Ai is also a member of the U.S. Japan Society of Fukuoka, the Fukuoka Returnees Club, and a Fukuoka Convention and Visitors Bureau Welcome Supporter. She is also a Curriculum Advisor for the University of Wisconsin-Stout.