Twenty-Second Conference: Kyoto/Tokyo (July 23-30, 2023)

Posted on Jul 23, 2024 - Nov 30, -0001

Photo left: Members of the USJLP Class of 2023 take one last photo together at the conference week's finale event on Saturday, July 30 at The Okura Tokyo.

The US-Japan Leadership Program enjoyed a jubilant return to Japan this past summer for it’s 22nd Annual Conference held in Kyoto, Hiroshima and Tokyo over July 23-30, 2023. The conference not only served to induct the Program's newest Class of 2023 Delegates, but also to bring together 160 of the Program's vibrant, diverse and dedicated members over the course of the 7-day event, including a festive two-day interclass reunion with USJLP Fellows at the close of the week. From the incredible level of talent and achievement in the group, the insights and revelations formed during discussions, and the intensity of the relationships built in only a few short days, the 2023 Japan Conference was a splendid reminder of the continued value and importance of Program's mission to foster life-long, trust-based relationships and deeply meaningful exchanges between current and rising leaders positioned to affect impact and change in each country.

The full week programming centered around 45 Delegates (23 Japanese and 22 Americans) representing an array of talent and backgrounds in the fields of: disaster response, sustainability, medicine, political science, public affairs, social advocacy, defense, corporate governance, journalism, law, ethics, academia, venture capital, performing arts, music, visual media, culture, psychology, entrepreneurship, non-profit, energy, business, and technology. The week provided this diverse class with a framework for building mutual trust and understanding through shared dialogues, collaborative activities, and off-site excursions unique to Japan. Click here to learn more about the USJLP Class of 2023.

Above: Class of 2023 Delegates pause for a group photo together on the steps of Kifune Shrine in the northern mountains of Kyoto on Tuesday, July 25.

Discussions were curated to both take advantage of the expertise and diverse perspectives represented among the Japanese and American Delegates, and to encourage a frank and open dialogue on pertinent issues and topics of interest to both sides, including: the future of democracy, global threats and disruptions facing the US-Japan Alliance, current challenges and opportunities unique to Japan, the intersection of education and innovation, implications and opportunities of an aging society, as well to exchange insights and views on the state of gender equality, diversity and inclusion. Additional time was devoted to a hands-on workshops to practice creative storytelling and learn how to navigate risk and uncertainty, as well as a series of personal talks that served as brief but important dives into gaining insights into Delegates’ work, and for Delegates to share personal experiences with Hiroshima. Throughout the week, both structured and unstructured time for small group and one-on-one discussions paved the way to go deeper on key ideas and questions raised in the formal sessions.

In addition to daily discourse, Delegates furthered their appreciation and understanding of Japan’s historical and cultural heritage by visiting sites in Kyoto such as Shimogamo Shrine, Ryoan-ji and Myoshin-ji temples, and through an array of unique cultural experiences including a local festival while dressed in summer yukatas, a Hiroshima okonomiyaki cooking class, guided Zen meditation, and a private tour of Japan’s most prominent rock garden. As part of the initial icebreaker the first day, Delegates engaged in a traditional Japanese drumming workshop which served to energize the group for the packed week ahead. Most importantly, the group was honored to meet hibakusha (atomic bomb survivor) Ms. Koko Kondo, whose moving talk helped prepare the group for a contemplative day in Hiroshima on Thursday, July 27.

Above: While in Kyoto Delegates enjoyed engaging with one another while taking part in special experiences such as the Mitarashi Matsuri festival at Shimogamo Shrine (photo top left); an after-hours tour of Japan's most famous Zen rock garden, Ryoan-ji (photos top and center right), a rare opportunity made possible by Rev. Daiko Matsuyama (USJLP 2015-2016); a special Kyogen (Japanese traditional theatrical play) performance by 2023 Delegate Atsushi Mizushima at Taizo-in (photo center left); kawadoko (over the river) dining in the refreshing mountainous region of Kibune, north of Kyoto (photo bottom left); a wadaiko (Japanese drumming) workshop (photo bottom center); and the chance to learn Zen meditation on the temple grounds of Shunko-in (photo bottom right), hosted and led by Rev. Taka Kawakami (USJLP 2008-2009).

Above: Survivor and peace activist Ms. Koko Kondo (photo top, standing center; photo bottom right) accompanied the Delegates to Hiroshima on Thursday, July 27 and provided a personal tour of the monuments in Hiroshima Peace Park (photos bottom left and center) following her talk on Wednesday, July 26 in Kyoto.

Following their daytrip in Hiroshima, the Delegates traveled to Tokyo where they were enthusiastically met by 115 USJLP Fellows representing all USJLP classes since the program’s inception in 2000, many of whom flew in from locations across the globe just for the occasion. Delegates and Fellows then spent the final two days engaging in meaningful exchanges, while simultaneously strengthening and forging lifelong bonds across the network. Fellows Weekend festivities closed with a special ceremony marking the second year Delegates' graduation to their new status as lifelong Fellows of USJLP. The celebration of members' journeys will continue next summer as USJLP looks towards holding and reuniting at the 23rd Annual Conference in Seattle, WA over July 27 – August 3, 2024.

Above: The week culminated with over 300 attendees coming together to enjoy a range of special opportunities facilitated by Fellows during Fellows Weekend in Tokyo including numerous “Uniquely USJLP” small group experiences ranging from a sumo experience (photo bottom left), cha-kaiseki cooking class, a tour of the National Diet building (photo bottom middle), a formal tea ceremony (photo bottom right) and more. Discussions (photo center left) also took advantage of the range of expertise in the network and featured a keynote panel on AI (photos top left and middle) featuring Digital Minister Taro Kono (USJLP 2000) and futurist Amy Webb (USJLP 2017-2018), moderated by Kenji Kushida (USJLP 2014-2015), and the final evening featured a special performance by opera singer and 2023 Delegate Ayaka Tanimoto (photo top right) with classical pianist Makiko Hirata (USJLP 2017-2018).

Delegate testimonials about their USJLP 2023 Japan experience:

“USJLP was the first time in my life where I immediately felt 100% seen, appreciated, and comfortable in my own skin. As a gay Asian-American entrepreneur who is passionate about Japanese language, food, and culture, and somehow turned those passions into a fast-growing startup, there aren't too many people or communities out there who understand me right away. However, every single person I've met at USJLP not only understood me and what I was working on, but was genuinely excited for me and celebrated my accomplishments. USJLP is the best community in the world because you get to both level up your career and make meaningful friendships at the same time. I highly recommend anybody who has a passion for US-Japan leadership to join this program.”
– Danny Taing (USJLP 2023-2024), Founder & CEO, Bokksu

"USJLP is unique because it is a 'potential space' where we can be spontaneous, authentic, and free to exchange and explore creatively on both the individual and collective levels. It is truly a magical space! From being a part of USJLP, I gained friendships, inspiration, and the courage to take action to make the world better. My life-long journey as a USJLP fellow just started, and I am thrilled to take this journey with my amazing USJLP friends."
– Sayaka Machizawa (USJLP 2022-2023), Associate Director-APAC Lead, Science & Medicine-Digital Health Sciences, Signant Health

“USJLP is a catalyst for deeply thinking about range of social challenges that each of the countries is facing, and for making a tight-knit team across the border to tackle with such challenges.”
– Atsushi Mizushima (USJLP 2023-2024), Partner, Nishimura & Asahi

“The type of diplomacy needed now is one built on genuine care and friendship. When you care about someone you are able to do things that you didn't think were possible, including understanding how collective well-being and individual well-being can exist together. USJLP is a training ground for developing the skills and mindset to navigate the self and society. This is a life-long journey that requires friends to accompany each other on the path for great things not just for both nations, but also all of humanity.”
– Roxann Stafford (USJLP 2023-2024), Managing and Creative Director, BluePrint FTC

“USJLP expanded my understanding of the US-Japan relationship and introduced me to a range of astounding Japanese peers in the public and private sectors. The program left me so much more optimistic about what we can accomplish together.”
– John Farmer (USJLP 2022-2023), President of WeLink Cities and Chief Innovation Officer, WeLink

“I found and proudly belong to a community of friends and allies that I didn't know that I needed. I now have a place to return to for both good and bad days, knowing that I will be embraced for both occasions. USJLP now holds a special place in my heart that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I will continue to return to this special place for lifelong friendship, connections, inspiration, and encouragement.”
– Kozue Sawame (USJLP 2023-2024), President, JWLI Ecosystem, Fish Family Foundation

“John Steinbeck once said that we often spend so much time planning for a trip not to realize that the trip really plans us. This to me encapsulates my experience with USJLP. My trip started in Seattle, Washington in '22 and ended in Tokyo, Japan in '23. Over the course of a year and meeting two delegate classes, my perspective on US-Japan relations significantly expanded. I gained a family of global changemakers and grew so much personally. I leave the program a better leader ready and equipped to make our world a better, stronger and inclusive place for generations to come.”
– Jean Accius (USJLP 2022-2023), President & CEO, CHC: Creating Healthier Communities

"USJLP is a community that never fails to inspire and energize me - through the positive change that delegates and fellows are striving to create, to how humble and kind humans they are. USJLP makes me feel welcome and at home, but also challenges me to ask myself what more I can do to give back to the world. Knowing USJLP delegates and fellows are out there working for change everyday, inspires me to keep taking on the global and daily challenges!"
– Yuko Hirose (USJLP 2022-2023), Economic and Enterprise Recovery Policy Specialist, United Nations Development Programme

“USJLP is so unique because it is simultaneously super high-level and also independent from government and political agendas. It allows for true relationship building in a free, fun, and intellectually stimulating environment that simply does not exist elsewhere. Probably the most important thing I've gained is a new network of highly accomplished and caring friends who I can go to for basically anything, be it professional advice, a good laugh, or a favor. With the majority of the group being in their late 30s or early 40s, it seems like this is a period in our lives when making new connections is a little harder. So, this new network has been a real gift for me.”
– Chad Cannon (USJLP 2022-2023), Composer / Producer, Invisible Sea Productions

“USJLP is a large family unit [where I have gained] friends and mentors and the opportunity to meet many women leaders. The fact that women leaders, who are still few in Japan, can get together in Japan and the U.S. to share different careers and common concerns and understandings [is what makes USJLP unique].”
– Sachiko Koyama (USJLP 2022-2023), Director, Aoyagi

“As we have come to be called leaders in society and organizations, we are increasingly forced to interact with new people we meet who also carry each other's organizations on their shoulders. At USJLP, however, all participants can be individuals. There will be few opportunities in the future to deepen relationships that transcend positions and borders without regard for profit or loss, as we did when we were college students.”
– Daisuke Furuta (USJLP 2022-2023), Editor-in-Chief, Japan Fact-check Center

“USJLP is a change maker's 'school trip' - laughs, smiles, tears, sorrows and lots of learnings. Like you had it in your childhood, you will experience unforgettable and life-changing one week with colleagues. It is very unique and special.”
– Hana Hayashi (USJLP 2023-2024), Founder & CEO, Down to Earth, Inc.

“USJLP is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make the deepest of friends in Japan/US. These friendships become the foundations for so many more possibilities that we can't even image.”
– Tricia Wang (USJLP 2022-2023), Co-Founder, Sudden Compass

“USJLP serves as both a testament to friendship and a foundation for future collaboration.  Through USJLP, I've secured mentors, friends, and potential collaborators, enriching my perspective on careers, social dynamics, personal life, work motivations, and the significance of immersing in sports, arts and culture. With participants from a plethora of fields and diverse accomplishments, the program reinforces the idea that success is multifaceted and truly self-defined.”
– Masa Haraguchi (USJLP 2022-2023), Research Fellow, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University

“USJLP brings together young, brilliant, diverse field leaders from both countries [and is] a great community to foster great friends who inspire each other and provides chemical reactions multiply to increase experiences. I have received inspiration and motivation to continue challenging myself to achieve my goals from leaders in various fields that I would not normally know.”
– Kotaro Kitahara (USJLP 2023-2024), Commander, Maritime Office, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force