25th Anniversary Conference: Seattle (July 27 - August 3, 2024)

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Photo left: Members of the USJLP Class of 2024 pose in front of the Seattle skyline while enjoying the ferry crossing to Bainbridge Island on Tuesday, July 30.

 

The US-Japan Leadership Program marked its milestone 25th Anniversary during the USJLP Seattle 2024 Conference held over July 27 – August 3, 2024. With 120 USJLP members representing all years of the Program reuniting at the end of the week to mark the special occasion, the 25th Anniversary Conference was an exuberant reminder of the continued value and importance of Program's mission to foster life-long, trust-based connections and deeply meaningful exchanges between current and rising leaders positioned to affect impact and change in each country.

 

For the first five days of the conference, programming centered around the 42 Delegates (23 Japanese and 19 Americans) representing the USJLP Class of 2024 comprising a wide array of talent and backgrounds in the fields of: disaster response, medicine, political science, national and local government, social advocacy, defense, law enforcement, corporate governance, human resources, journalism, law, ethics, academia, science, finance, venture capital, performing arts, visual media, culture, entrepreneurship, non-profit, energy, business, and technology. The intense conference schedule provided this diverse class with a framework for building mutual trust and understanding through shared dialogues, collaborative activities, and off-site excursions unique to the Seattle area. Click here to learn more about the USJLP Class of 2024.

Discussions were curated to take advantage of the expertise and diverse perspectives represented among the Japanese and American Delegates and encourage a frank and open dialogue on pertinent issues and topics of interest to both sides. Delegate-led workshops further enhanced opportunities for personal sharing, skill building, collaborative problem solving, and group reflection.

The week launched with a series of small group explorations into societal and cultural differences and opportunities to share professional and personal challenges. Delegates then tackled subjects such as: the multifaceted nature of poverty and material hardship in both countries, systemic challenges to social issues such as women’s advancement, corporate governance, education, and the economy, a collective vision for the next set of societal indicators beyond SDGs to guide global progress, how to create a pitch to gain support from others on critical issues, polarization, populism and aging as potential threats to democracy in both countries, and the impact of the global security environment on US-Japan relations. Following a powerful visit to the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial on July 30 where the group was able to meet with survivors of the first Japanese American community to be forced from their homes and sent to U.S. concentration camps in 1942, Delegates expanded on the history and lessons of the memorial by sharing in discussions and personal stories related to the treatment of immigrants in both countries, what it means to be Asian in America today, and the critical role of community in an increasingly fragmented world. 

Above: On Tuesday, July 30, Delegates spent a moving and meaningful afternoon at the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, a site that honors the 276 Bainbridge Islanders forcibly removed from their homes on March 30, 1942 as the first community of Japanese Americans to be interned during World War II. USJLP had the distinct honor of receiving the history of these events from 10 docents, including prominent survivor and oral historian Lily Kodama (bottom row right, standing center) who was 7 years old when she was incarcerated. During their visit, Delegates engaged in a service project to give back to the Bainbridge Island community by helping to clean up the memorial site (bottom row, left and center). USJLP is deeply grateful to the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association (BIJAEMA) for the generous arrangements that enabled this visit and to each docent who gifted our group with their time, wisdom, stories, and knowledge.

 

During their stay in Seattle, Delegates were provided with daily opportunities to converse together outside of formal discussions while participating in an array of educational and recreational activities showcasing the city's diversity and history. In addition to their visit to the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, Delegates were challenged to a "Pike Place Market Iron Chef" team-building cooking competition for dinner one evening, and on other days of the week enjoyed a sunset cruise on Lake Union and Lake Washington, a chef-led tour of a sustainable farm with the mission to preserve historic farmland on Bainbridge Island, and urban hiking in Discovery Park followed by a dockside dinner overlooking the Puget Sound.   

Above: (Top left) On Tuesday, July 30 Delegates enjoyed a splendid farm-to-table dinner and an experiential tour of the kitchen gardens with Chef Tadao Mitsui, owner of HeyDay Farm, an award-winning working farm and restaurant founded to preserve historic farmland on Bainbridge Island. (Top and center right) Delegates spent Monday, July 29 evening exploring their teambuilding, creativity, and culinary skills during an "Iron Chef" cooking competition that started at Pike Place Market and concluded with each team presenting a three-course menu and sharing what was arguably the most delicious meal of the week together! (Bottom row) The Class of 2024 marked the end of the "Delegate Days" portion of the week on Wednesday, July 31 with a reflection walk through Discovery Park (bottom left) followed by a memorable evening expressing gratitude and appreciation between the first year "kohai" and second year "semapi" cohorts (bottom right) at Ray's Boathouse, an iconic Seattle landmark and a pioneer in the sustainable seafood movement.

 

Delegates and returning Fellows spent the final two days engaging in meaningful exchanges, while simultaneously strengthening existing and forging new lifelong ties across all class years in the USJLP network. The 80 Fellows who traveled far and wide to join the Delegates in Seattle this year are a true testament to the extent of the dynamic inter-generational and inter-disciplinary connections that the USJLP network has continued to foster and sustain across the Pacific for the past 25 years. 

The week culminated with interclass festivities that included an exclusive reception at the Amazon Spheres featuring keynote remarks from Mayor Bruce Harrell, a delightful lunch reception courtesy of USJLP Honorary Advisory Board member Scott Oki and his wife Laurie Oki at their private Lake Washington residence, and an electrifying final evening at the Museum of Pop Culture featuring live performances from USJLP members and a special ceremony marking the second year Delegates' graduation to their new status as USJLP Fellows. The celebrations of members' journeys in USJLP continues next summer as the network looks toward reuniting again in Japan during the USJLP 2025 Conference over July 27 – August 3, 2025!

Above: Starting the morning of Thursday, August 1, Delegates were joined by returning Fellows for Fellows Weekend, an annual tradition that serves as festive two-day interclass reunion. Highlights included an opening reception at the Amazon Spheres featuring rousing remarks on the importance of bold leadership from Mayor of Seattle Bruce Harrell (top row, left and right) and jubilant reunions among past cohorts including Fellows representing the USJLP Class of 2002-2023 (pictured center row, left) Hiroshima and Nagasaki Peace Ambassador and author Rev. TK Nakagaki, former NASA astronaut Dan Tani, and Lahaina Jodo Mission leader Maya Hara. The week culminated on Friday, August 2 with a keynote panel and all-room discussion on "American Democracy in Turmoil: What it Means for the U.S., Japan, and the World" (center row, pictured center) moderated by United States-Japan Foundation President and CEO Jake Schlesinger featuring CNN's John Berman (USJLP 2015, 2018), Stanford's Kiyoteru Tsutsui (USJLP 2006-2007), political appointee and business strategist Andrew Byrnes (USJLP 2015-2016), climate diplomat Lolita Jackson (USJLP 2010-2011), and the Washington Post's Bina Venkataraman (USJLP 2023-2024). That afternoon the group was generously received at the private residence of entrepreneur and philanthropist Scott Oki (pictured center row left, standing second from the right), who was instrumental in conceptualizing and launching USJLP back in 1999. The anniversary celebrations concluded with an electrifying evening at the Museum of Pop Culture featuring live performances from USJLP members (bottom row, center) including opera singer Ayaka Tanimoto (USJLP 2023-20204, pictured bottom row left), recognition and remarks from classes celebrating a milestone reunion year, and a meaningful ceremony marking the second year Delegates' graduation to USJLP Fellow status (bottom row, right).

 

“The US-Japan Leadership Program brings together extraordinary people from both countries and gives us the chance to learn from each other and to have rare, deep, beautiful experiences together in the US and Japan. It’s truly a community of leaders that inspire each other, something not so easy to find once you leave the early stages of your life and career.” 
– Bina Venkataraman (USJLP 2023-2024), Columnist & Editor-at-Large for Opinion Strategy and Innovation, The Washington Post

 

“Becoming a part of this community brings truly valuable meaning to your life. You are surrounded by incredibly diverse people, which greatly broadens your perspectives and viewpoints. At the same time, you will find like-minded peers, which accelerates the realization of your own aspirations!”
– Daichi Konuma (USJLP 2023-2024), Co-Founder and CEO, CROSS FIELDS

 

“Fostering genuine human connection is what makes USJLP unique. Deep human understanding and connection with people who are committed to tackling social issues, sharing ideas, and bridging resources makes USJLP program special. This program brings together thoughtful leaders from both countries, creating a unique environment for deep dialogue and collaboration across various fields. The program's structure encourages open and honest discussions, fostering an environment where different perspectives can be shared, explored, and respected. This has not only broadened my understanding of critical issues affecting both the U.S. and Japan but has also deepened my appreciation for the cultural and historical ties that bind our nations. ”
– Stephanie Acosta (USJLP 2024-2025), Program Officer, El Paso Community Foundation

 

“It is difficult to express my invaluable experience at USJLP.  The word "life-changing" is far from sufficient. In addition to the truly amazing content of the intense official program, what I appreciated the most was being able to make trustworthy and respectable friends at this age, and being able to have genuine, heartfelt conversations with them.  Meeting people from the same generation, whom I would never have encountered without USJLP, involved in government, private sectors, NPOs, academia, or the arts, and carrying the weight of their respective fields in both Japan and the United States has become an irreplaceable asset to me.  Listening to my classmates who are tackling social issues with all their wisdom and strength, striving to make society a better place, has deeply moved me.  At the same time, I reaffirmed my resolve to do my best at my own position so that, when I reunite with these USJLP classmates someday, I can proudly share my experiences.”

– Tomoaki Nakano (USJLP 2019, 2024), Captain; Senior Aide / Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

 

“USJLP is not a usual networking group. It is a true family. We bond and help each other to make the world a better place.”

“A superb program. I can't think of a better way to gain in-depth knowledge about an important friend and allied nation, and join a cross-cultural network that is authentic, highly engaged, and engaging.”
– Rye Barcott (USJLP 2023-2024), CEO and Co-Founder, With Honor

 

 

“This program is by far one of the most transformative experiences. The first year I was opened to new ideas and ways of thinking. The second year I felt exceedingly supported by a wonderful network of deep thinkers, practitioners, and cheerleaders for the work I hope to achieve next.  ”
– Jessica Grounds (USJLP 2023-2024), CEO, Corporate Directors Forum; Co-Founder, Mine The Gap; Co-Founder, Running Start 

 

 

“USJLP is a diverse community of leaders dedicated to promoting innovation, collaboration and peace between the US, Japan and the world. In just one week, I have made new friendships that will last a lifetime and gained fresh insights from industry experts about the most pressing issues across our cultures. If you love to build genuine connections, learn from community and have fun while you're at it, look no more than the USJLP community!”

– Cosmo Fujiyama Ghaznavi (USJLP 2024-2025), Partner, The Management Center