Program areas at USJC
Usjc's general education program includes the annual conference, climate & sustainability initiative, japanese american leadership delegation (jald), emerging leaders program, women in leadership, regional programs in the united states and Japan, networking and outreach activities, and communications.the 2022 annual conference was held in tokyo october 27-28 at the cerulean tower tokyu hotel. The title was, "the great reconnect: strengthening alliances, partnerships, and communities." Speakers included prominent government, business, and civil sector leaders. Over 700 people attended.climate and sustainability initiative - usjc's key initiative spotlights the climate crisis, convening leaders and change makers to share strategies and take action. In february, usjc partnered with other organizations to examine the quest by the united states and Japan to achieve a zero-carbon energy sector. It followed up by co-hosting in-person talk+networking receptions in three u.s. cities to explore innovative solutions to the climate crisis. In a webinar usjc hosted in august, multi-sector leaders discussed how to boost the availability of affordable clean energy in Japan. In october, usjc convened its first in-person sustainability roundtable in tokyo. Dozens of japanese and american leaders from various sectors discussed energy security and the need to ensure a "just" energy transition, among other things. In november and december, usjc held a two-part series in houston to assess opportunities for japanese and american leaders to build a more sustainable future together.japanese american leadership delegation program (jald) - the program provides 10 japanese american leaders the opportunity to travel to tokyo to engage with japanese leaders across sectors. In 2022 the program was once again postponed due to covid-19; the cohort met in los angeles for two-day program to continue their preparation. Emerging leaders program (elp) - elp identifies, cultivates and empowers a new generation of japanese american leaders. In its 14th year, the 2022 program brought together 14 young japanese american professionals at the usjc annual conference in tokyo, Japan. The cohort participated in a leadership orientation program and attended the annual conference. Throughout the year, alumni organized events to allow members of the elp community to connect with each other, including the kaiwa program series to learn about leadership. Elp50 - in 2023, 50 alumni of the elp gathered at the 2022 annual conference to connect with their japanese counterparts. A diverse cross-section of japanese american leaders with representation from every elp class since the program's inception in 2011, the participants had opportunities to meet with some of the most influential japanese and japanese american leaders today.women in leadership - usjc organized several virtual programs to support advancement of women's leadership in the united states and japan.membership activities - the usjc convened activities in 12 regions that provide opportunities for japanese and americans to come together for networking and educational events that included speakers on various topics. Regional networks also provide potential collaboration within and between 12 regions located in the united states and Japan. In 2022, usjc regions hosted 95 meetings and events and the Council convened a number of affinity group gatherings. The in-person members forum in tokyo on october 27 hosted nearly 300 members and supporters.government briefings - usjc holds several government briefings each year for invited guests. The virtual events feature key policy makers in a fireside chat format discussing what went on behind the headlines. Past speakers include u.s. rep. mark takano and then national security Council east asia director christopher johnstone. Communications - usjc maintains an informative website and social media presence in english and japanese providing information on programs, member news, current events and important u.s.-japan topics. Usjc puts out a newsletter that informs sponsors about the key points made by speakers in its government briefing series. Usjc also publishes a bi-weekly electronic newsletter and issues regular press releases about programs and events in Japan and the silicon valley.
The silicon valley Japan platform (svjp) is an initiative of the usjc and the asia pacific initiative (api), which merged into the international house of Japan in july 2022. Svjp aims to connect the technological dynamism of silicon valley with the current and future needs of digital transformation in Japan through trusting, collaborative relationships. In 2021, svjp continued with online programming that aimed to engage current and future corporate members and the svjp community. Towards the end of the year, svjp hosted two hybrid events. In november, svjp's flagship event, the annual retreat, took place with high-level executives from their corporate member community traveling to kyoto for a two-day meeting. Svjp introduced a newsletter which serves as a platform for svjp community members to learn more about svjp programming themes. It provides a mix of news, interviews, and deep dives into key topics surrounding business, technology and Japan.
The tomodachi boeing keio sfc entrepreneurship seminar 2022 for high school and university students included a range of seminars, group activities, presentations and travel to the u.s. to further explore entrepreneurship around the theme of wellness.tomodachi toshizo watanabe leadership program - usjc received a $10m endowment to establish this program. In august 2023, fourteen japanese high school students from all over Japan visited California as part of the inaugural tomodachi toshizo watanabe leadership program. The program, which aims to create the next generation of leaders, allowed participants to explore a wide range of topics including different leadership styles, the history of discrimination, and the role of a community. The program included a visit to institutions such as the university of California los angeles (ucla), the terasaki institute, California institute of technology, japanese american national museum (janm), and holocaust museum la, among many other places.watanabe endowed scholarships - the program provides financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students for a semester or year-long study abroad program. Due to the pandemic, some of the scholarships were unable to be realized or were deferred. On-line leadership programming was made available to the scholars to supplement their schooling.