JBA New Year’s, President, JBA Greetings, Hitoshi Ishikawa

Happy New Year!

For the support and understanding we’ve received for JBA’s various activities this past year, I sincerely wish to thank you all very much.

JBA’s Board of Directors meeting, Officer’s meeting, and the seven committees (Business and Commerce Committee, Planning and Marketing Committee, Education and Cultural Committee, Asahi Gakuen Committee, Downtown Regional Committee, South Bay Regional Committee, and the Orange County Regional Committee) all had, as you know, very positive and lively activities throughout the year, and drew more than 6000 participants for the committees’ various events. These events embodied the mission of JBA, which is to “Strengthen Ties with Local Community,” “Educational and Cultural Support Activities,” and “Membership Services,” to be enriched more than ever this year moving forward.

Last year, the business and political landscape in which JBA is inextricably tied to underwent great changes, the biggest being that of the commencement of the Trump Administration. Exhibiting unrestrained behavior during the presidential elections and betraying the predictions of the majority, it still remains to be seen how the President will lead the world’s greatest country, the United States.

Fortunately, regarding US-Japan relations, it seems there will be no extreme changes due to the personal amicable relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Abe, but under “Make America Great Again,” there is a possibility of greater corporate influence, such as voiced support for the correction of the trade deficit.

President Trump’s policies have pros and cons for America’s internal structure, and although Americans are divided over the onset of the Trump administration, Japanese companies continue to advance in American business and remain rooted in local communities regardless of the political environment—this knowledge is critical to be aware of. JBA will also aim to for “Regional integration” and continue to progress in various activities.

Another great change is the relocation of major Japanese companies to Southern California. Although it is known that California’s labor and environmental regulations are considered to uphold the highest and strictest standards in America, this can also be considered a positive factor for the advancement of Japanese companies in Southern California. JBA’s annual delegation to Sacramento in June is intended to meet with state legislators and garner support for Japanese companies to enter the US market. Due to the continued investments from the past that made job creation possible and highly positive contributions from Japanese companies to regional economies, state agencies are generally friendly to JBA.

However, there has been a recent rush of Asian countries also present and therefore this assessment is not necessarily set in stone—therefore, although we are collaborating with World Trade Center Los Angeles to create appeal for Japanese companies, continuing to raise awareness at the grassroots level will make our status and position unshakeable.

I sincerely wish with greatest sentiments that 2018 will be a wonderful year for all.