JALD, contributing to the strong Japanese American relationship and learning the diversity of Japanese-Americans.
This is the 17th year for the program. Every year a limited number of Japanese-Americans are selected from all over the nation as leaders to visit Japan. They are given the opportunity to meet with well-known members of the political, economic, educational field, as well as meeting with members of non-profit organizations and other cultural sector leaders. The US-Japan Council is in charge of the operation and management of the program. This year, there will be 11 participants visit Tokyo and Kanazawa from March 3rd to the 11th. During their time in Japan, they will meet and exchange ideas with Japanese dignitaries regarding “strengthening the relationship between Japan and the US,” “having Japanese-Americans take on bigger roles,” and “building a network for Japanese American leaders.”
Before their departure, the JBA Business and Commerce Committee held a dinner party on February 4th. Right before the dinner started, we asked Business and Commerce Committee chairman Mr. Hitoshi Ishikawa his expectations towards JALD. Mr. Ishikawa said, “With the Trump administration starting, I believe that the amicable relationship between Japan and the US will become even more crucial. I hope that this year’s JALD members will be able to have a proper understanding of Japan and bring that knowledge back. It is that is a very important role they have. JBA will also support them fully and hopefully this support system will allow the Japanese and American relationship to stay strong during this administration.”
At 6 pm, the dinner party began. JBA president, Mr. Satoshi Okawa took the stand first. “Since this program started in 2000, there have been over 200 JALD participants who have visited Japan to contribute to the continuation and strengthening of the Japanese American relationship. It has been 56 years since JBA was established and now there are over 500 companies that are members. It has created over 80,000 job opportunities in Southern California. The reason Japanese companies can do well here is all because of the Japanese American community’s support. I hope to show appreciation with this dinner as well as wish a successful visit to Japan.”
After the speech, there was a short video explaining the history of JBA, then a speech from The Honorable Consul General of Japan Akira Chiba. “This program is a great opportunity for the JALD participants to get in touch with their heritage. I imagine they will form many friendships during their time in Japan but I also hope they can feel the ‘omotenashi,’ hospitality culture we have in Japan ‘welcomes you back.’ Enjoy your homecoming!”
Next on stage was President of the U.S.-Japan Council Ms. Irene Hirano Inouye, she will lead the JALD participants. “This year’s JALD have all been to Japan before. However, this is a great opportunity for them to see and understand the political, economic, and social side of Japan. This program has people from 1st generation to 5th generation, so they have a wide diversity when it comes to Japanese-American culture. With this program, I’m confident that they will not just have a better understanding of Japan, but also about the Japanese American society and it’s diversity.”
After each leader was introduced, Mr. Dennis Sugino, the newest board member of the U.S.-Japan Council came to the stage. He thanked JBA for hosting the dinner party and made a toast. “I hope your visit to Japan will be a wonderful experience, Kanpai!”
2017 Japan visitation Japanese-American LeadersDavid Boone : President, CB&I (Chicago Bridge & Iron) Federal Services / Alexandria, VA
Jason Fujimoto : President & COO, Hawaii Planning Mill, Ltd. / Honolulu, HI
Sawako Gardner : Judge, 10th Circuit Court, Portsmouth District Court State of New Hampshire / Portsmouth, NH
Roy Hirabayashi : Co-Founder and past Executive Director, San Jose Taiko / San Jose, CA
Leslie Ito : President & CEO, Japanese American Cultural and Community Center / Los Angeles, CA
Lynn Nakamoto : Associate Justice, Oregon Supreme Court / Salem, OR
Patrick Oishi : Judge, King County Superior Court / Seattle, WA
Ken Russell : Commissioner, District 2, City of Miami / Miami, FL
Michael Takada : Chief Executive Officer, Japanese American Service Committee / Chicago, IL
Wendy Takahisa : Executive Director, Office of Community Relations, Morgan Stanley / New York, NY
Gary Yamashita : Chief Executive Officer, Sakura Square, Denver, CO
Voices of the 2017 Japanese American leaders visiting Japan
“I used to work at the Chicago location of a Japanese bank and I currently work at a NPO that helps the activities of Japanese Americans. I had a strong connection with Japan since my time at the bank, but that was a long time ago and now the relationship between Japanese and Japanese-Americans is very different. Regardless, the importance of the relationship is the same. Through this program, I hope to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.”
“I live in a small town in New Hampshire so there are not many opportunities to see Japanese people. So this program is a very rare and important chance to come together with other Japanese-Americans and have a wonderful experience while forming friendships. With this experience, I would like to learn what I could do to further develop the relationship between the two countries. “
“We Japanese-Americans have the great responsibility to be the bridge between the two countries and to strengthen the Japanese American relationship. I believe we have a special place that allows us to be a positive influence in building this relationship. I’m a 4th generation Japanese-American and my Japanese is limited, but I still relate to much of the Japanese culture and understand the importance and benefits of strengthening the relationship. I hope to use my understandings in this program and contribute to the development of the Japanese American relationship. “
