U.S.-Japan Council

Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the devastating fires in Los Angeles. We are profoundly grateful to the brave firefighters, first responders, and volunteers who are working tirelessly and risking so much to protect lives and communities. 🧵⬇️

Linkedin: buff.ly/sP79dVp Facebook: buff.ly/8JTAb8L Instagram: buff.ly/LZQZ4Tc

Dear Friends, We are concluding our presence on Twitter/X. We encourage you to stay connected with us through our other platforms, where we will continue sharing updates on USJC initiatives, events, and stories that strengthen the U.S.-Japan partnership. See you there!

While growing the 🇺🇸🇯🇵 partnership of today, we’re also cultivating the partnership of tomorrow through the many education and leadership programs supported by the U.S.-Japan Council. Appreciated the meeting with @USJC President & CEO Audrey Yamamoto and other board members to hear how we can continue to develop the next generation of custodians of the 🇺🇸🇯🇵 relationship.

AMB Mori met with Audrey Yamamoto & Fred Katayama of the US-Japan Council (@USJC). We are proud to collaborate closely to nurture leaders who will serve as vital bridges between 🇺🇸🇯🇵 & discover & support Japanese Americans making significant impact in their communities.

USJC member Riley Masunaga was featured in a front-page story by The Japan Times on March 30. “We all have an idea that it's valuable and meaningful to talk about failure, but there are very few opportunities to actually do so,” said Masunaga. Read here: buff.ly/IGaGxie

Members enjoyed a special omusubi-making workshop with Miki Yamada from WARAI MUSUBI ∞, where they fostered deeper connections and set a positive tone for the months ahead. 🌸🍙

USJC Japan Region held its Hanami Picnic event at Komazawa Olympic Park on March 30, welcoming spring in the company of our vibrant community.

This historic event highlighted how baseball serves as a cultural bridge, strengthening international relations through a shared love of the game.

On March 18, the Silicon Valley Japan Platform united key leaders from its member companies for the highly anticipated LA Dodgers vs Chicago Cubs matchup in the Tokyo Dome.

The USJC Southeast Region held its annual gathering in Jacksonville, Florida. It was a special opportunity for our Southeast members, TOMODACHI Sumitomo Scholars, and Watanabe Scholars across different states to connect. Read more at the link below: buff.ly/WC0mobL

Take me out to the ball game! 🎶A Japan Times article highlighting Americans’ journey to Japan for MLB’s Tokyo Series featured USJC member Matt Fuller and his 6-year-old son, Isaiah, as the top picture. buff.ly/g8W79W7

...and for the generous donations from committee members Rona Tison, Marc Iyeki (ALC '23), and Terry Suzuki. Wishing everyone good fortune in the new year!

Thanks to USJC NY & Vicinity region co-chairs Julie Azuma (JALD '13) and Darin Arita (ALC '23) and USJC NY & Vicinity committee members Spark Nakamura (ALC '24), Haruka Kokaze, and Mari Iwahara (ELP '21) for spearheading this event... (cont.)

On February 4, the USJC New York Regional Committee hosted their annual Setsubun Soirée at Tenri Cultural Institute, aimed at "warding off demons and ushering in good fortune."

The group also explored local history through a visit to the Japanese American Museum of Oregon. This ELP Steering Committee was led by Kristin Alm and Aki Shibuya — many thanks for their leadership!

The ELP Steering Committee had a great retreat in Portland last weekend, complete with productive meetings and a dinner with Consul General Todoriki and Portland Region members.

@Dodgers @usjf_ Additional support is being provided by The Hamai Group, The J. Morey Company, Sycamore Tree Capital Partners, and the Sakanashi Family, in loving memory of Mark Sakanashi, who believed deeply in the potential of Altadena’s youth.

The initiative is made possible through generous support from @dodgers and @usjf_.

We are proud to announce the launch of Kibou (Hope) for Los Angeles, a cross-cultural program empowering youth in Altadena, California through lessons in resilience, leadership, and community rebuilding: buff.ly/JxiaWgt Photos here from past Kibou for Maui programs.