12/06/2026
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ง | ๐๐ข๐ฉ๐๐ฅ๐ก๐ข๐ฅ & ๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ฅ ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ฃ๐ง๐๐ข๐ก
Ahead of the official opening of ASPAC Niigata 2026, the Governor & Mayor Reception was held on June 10 in Niigata, Japan, warmly welcoming JCI leaders and members from across the Asia-Pacific region.
The reception was attended by JCI World President Alejandra Castillo, ASPAC Chairman Ben Mak, JCI Japan President Daisuke Kato, JCI Niigata President Ryuji Takasugi, along with numerous JCI leaders and international delegates.
In their welcoming remarks, Niigata Governor Hideyo Hanazumi and Niigata Mayor Yaichi Nakahara expressed their sincere appreciation to all delegates and shared their hopes that ASPAC Niigata 2026 will serve as a bridge for friendship, cultural exchange, and international collaboration throughout the region.
Representing JCI, World President Alejandra Castillo and ASPAC Chairman Ben Mak extended their heartfelt gratitude to the Niigata Prefectural Government, Niigata City Government, partner organizations, the Organizing Committee, and thousands of dedicated volunteers whose hard work has made this landmark event possible.
The leaders also highlighted their pride in hosting ASPAC in Japan, a nation with a rich JCI legacy and a longstanding reputation for responsibility, innovation, hospitality, and meaningful contributions to the global community.
Under the theme โBe the Change for a Brighter Future,โ ASPAC Niigata 2026 brings together more than 7,000 young leaders from across nations and territories. More than a conference, it is a call to action for every JCI member to become a catalyst for positive change and help build a brighter future for communities, countries, and the world.
The reception marked the beginning of an inspiring journeyโone where new ideas are shared, new friendships are formed, and new opportunities for collaboration emerge, reflecting the spirit of connection and development that ASPAC continues to champion.
