U.S.-Japan Council

U.S.-Japan Council The U.S.-Japan Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations. www.usjapancouncil.org

The application period for the 2027 Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD), one of the U.S.-Japan Council’s sign...
08/03/2026

The application period for the 2027 Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD), one of the U.S.-Japan Council’s signature programs, is now open! This program provides the opportunity for a select group of Japanese American leaders from across the United States to travel to Japan to engage with Japanese leaders at the highest levels in the business, government, academic, nonprofit and cultural sectors.

Application deadline: August 17, 2026. Learn more and apply here: https://buff.ly/c5pVAd0

(Photo credit: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)

Erika's first dream was to become a band leader and she made it happen, earning a music degree, an M.A. in education fro...
08/02/2026

Erika's first dream was to become a band leader and she made it happen, earning a music degree, an M.A. in education from Harvard, and even spending two years in Japan studying taiko before leading the band program at her high school in Anchorage.

But her path took an unexpected turn after she joined USJC's Emerging Leaders Program. Through these experiences, Erika connected with a wider network of leaders, discovered new possibilities beyond the classroom, and found the confidence to pursue a career that would take her all the way to Washington, D.C.

We're proud to have played a part in helping Erika expand her horizons! Read the feature here: https://buff.ly/D7cXjTV

Photo courtesy of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

n Wednesday, July 8, the USJC New York Region gathered for an exclusive VIP Reception and sneak preview of Arrested Thre...
07/31/2026

n Wednesday, July 8, the USJC New York Region gathered for an exclusive VIP Reception and sneak preview of Arrested Thresholds, a groundbreaking new exhibition by artist Taiji Terasaki at the Ki Smith Gallery. Around 40 members and friends joined the intimate gathering, enjoying sushi, yakitori, and rosé wine surrounded by incredible art.
Taiji’s innovative work relies on chemical reactions rather than traditional paint, creating deeply expressive pieces that reflect his personal story. The evening was rich with legacy: Taiji’s father Dr. Paul Terasaki was instrumental in the funding and founding of USJC, making this a deeply personal collaboration. Similarly, gallery owner Ki Smith shared his own family connection—his grandparents were artists who moved from Japan to New York to pioneer new artistic frontiers.

In an incredible show of generosity, both Ki Smith and Taiji Terasaki have agreed to each donate 10% of art sales during the exhibition to USJC, totaling an impactful 20% donation.

A heartfelt thank you to Taiji, Ki, and their incredible teams for hosting such a memorable evening of heritage, innovation, and community support!

AI can and is being used creatively to shift the narrative around social isolation and loneliness to empower humanity. S...
07/30/2026

AI can and is being used creatively to shift the narrative around social isolation and loneliness to empower humanity.

Speakers:
⭐ Tim Lomas, PhD, Psychology Research Scientist, Human Flourishing Program, Harvard University
⭐ Mizuki Oka, Professor, School of Design & Science, Chiba Tech
⭐ Katsuki Ono, Director & CEO, EqualFrontiers Inc.

Moderator:
⭐ Chiyo Kobayashi, Co-CEO, Washington CORE, L.L.C.

Register now to be part of the conversation: https://buff.ly/Evcx7dE Registration closes October 1.

The U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) hosted "Roots of Amekaji ~ Honoring a Generation of U.S.-Japan Cultural Exchange" at the T...
07/29/2026

The U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) hosted "Roots of Amekaji ~ Honoring a Generation of U.S.-Japan Cultural Exchange" at the Tokyo American Club. The event was held to express respect and gratitude to those who have contributed to the development of cultural exchange between the U.S. and Japan.

The gathering brought together more than 130 participants, including pioneers who led the popularization of American culture in Japan during the 1970s and 1980s through fashion, lifestyle, music, and magazines, as well as representatives of today's fashion and lifestyle media. It served as an opportunity to reflect on the history of U.S.-Japan cultural exchange, foster new connections, and pass this legacy on to future generations.

The program featured remarks by Sachi Hamai, Chair of the USJC Board of Directors, and Aaron D. Snipe, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. DCM Snipe reflected on how the Ukiyoe prints he encountered at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts became the starting point for his own long relationship with Japan. Noting that "culture has the power to transcend boundaries and borders and to connect people and communities," he emphasized that cultural exchange gives the U.S.-Japan partnership its depth and durability.

The USJC NorCal community came together for our annual Summer Gathering at Spark Social, and it was a fantastic afternoo...
07/25/2026

The USJC NorCal community came together for our annual Summer Gathering at Spark Social, and it was a fantastic afternoon of connection, conversation, and fun!

A special thank you to Audrey Yamamoto for joining us to warmly welcome our newest members while reconnecting with familiar faces across the region. It was wonderful to see new friendships begin and existing relationships grow in such a relaxed setting.

With FIFA World Cup matches playing in the background, great food and lively conversations, and the perfect ending of making s’mores around the fire pit, it was a memorable celebration of our growing USJC NorCal community. We’re excited for the year ahead and look forward to seeing everyone again soon!

Congratulations to the 2026 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) delegation! These exceptional leaders will join us in Tokyo t...
07/24/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) delegation! These exceptional leaders will join us in Tokyo this October for the U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference. As part of USJC’s leadership pipeline, they will connect with senior leaders, engage in critical dialogues, and strengthen lasting U.S.-Japan ties.

Learn more about the delegation here: https://buff.ly/ggZd5BE

Why—and how—are the U.S. and Japan building the defense partnership the moment demands? Join the discussion at the 2026 ...
07/24/2026

Why—and how—are the U.S. and Japan building the defense partnership the moment demands? Join the discussion at the 2026 USJC Annual Conference.

Speakers:
Lisa Brown, VP & Chief Executive Japan, Northrop Grumman Japan
Ryo Sahashi, Professor, Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia, The University of Tokyo
Go Takizawa, Deputy Commissioner Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA)

Moderator:
Suzanne Basalla, Partner, Geodesic Capital

Register now to be part of the conversation: https://buff.ly/Evcx7dE Registration closes October 1.

We are honored to welcome Yutaka Ito of the Financial Services Agency (FSA), Japan. The 40th U.S.-Japan Council Business...
07/21/2026

We are honored to welcome Yutaka Ito of the Financial Services Agency (FSA), Japan. The 40th U.S.-Japan Council Business Advisory Board Meeting will include a keynote speech and networking dinner, and is open to USJC Members and Members of the Business Advisory Board. The BAB provides a platform based in Japan to integrate business leaders from diverse fields to expand people-to-people connections and strengthen U.S.-Japan ties.

Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
Time: 6:30pm- 8:30pm (JT)
Location: Tokyo American Club
Cost: 15,000 JPY
Registration: If you have questions about this event or would like to attend, please contact us at [email protected].

USJC Hawaii Region members, families, and friends spent a meaningful morning at Kualoa ʻIke Kaiaulu, learning about the ...
07/20/2026

USJC Hawaii Region members, families, and friends spent a meaningful morning at Kualoa ʻIke Kaiaulu, learning about the cultural significance of kalo and having the opportunity to do hands-on work in the loʻi. From pulling weeds and clearing waterways, participants worked side-by-side to support the growth of this important community resource. For many of us, the experience provided a deeper appreciation for the labor and resilience of past generations, while strengthening our connection to Hawaiʻi's land, culture, and history. After a rewarding morning of service, we gathered together to enjoy delicious Rainbow Drive-In bentos and fellowship.

A heartfelt mahalo to the Kualoa Ranch Education Center team for welcoming and educating us, Rainbow Drive-In and Chris Iwamura for the delicious food, and to all of our volunteers for your hard work and enthusiasm. We look forward to seeing you at our next event!

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Washington D.C., DC

Opening Hours

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Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm

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+12022236840

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