2015-05-14T07:48:21-07:00 2014-12-31 Paul Shishima & Co 901 Corporate Center Drive 503 Monterey Park CA 91754 990 2014-01-01 900447211 US-JAPAN COUNCIL US-J 2022236840 1819 L STREET NW WASHINGTON DC 20036 Irene Hirano President 2015-05-14 true Paul N Shishima P00185358 3232652590 2014 2016-02-25 16:41:14Z 4305926 false false X WWW.USJAPANCOUNCIL.ORG X 2008 DC See Form 990, Part III, Page 2, Line 1 Statement of Program Service Accomplishments. 23 22 22 15 0 467958 478797 4066313 3997150 64 138 -237502 -170159 4296833 4305926 2607052 1721581 0 948867 1095760 0 116424 754706 1074470 4310625 3891811 -13792 414115 4070280 4263407 550135 329147 3520145 3934260 The U.S.-Japan Council is an organization dedicated to strengthening ties between the United States and Japan in a global context. By promoting people-to-people relationships through its innovative programs in networking and leadership, the USJC serves as a catalyst to inspire and engage Japanese and Americans of all generations. Led by Japanese Americans, USJC develops the next generation of leaders committed to a vibrant and dynamic relationship. false false 2209060 TOMODACHI INITIATIVEThe USJC and the U.S Embassy in Tokyo, with support of the government of Japan, formed a public-private partnership "TOMODACHI," to support longer-term recovery of Japan following the Great East Japan Earthquake. TOMODACHI raises funds from U.S. and Japanese donors that will invest in the next generation of Japanese and Americans in ways that strengthen cultural and economic ties, and deepen the friendship between the United States and Japan over the long-term. The USJC is administering the TOMODACHI initiative which began in late 2011 and will be implemented over the next several years. The initiative will support programs in 1) educational exchanges, educational partnerships and student exchanges between the U.S. and Japan; 2) youth exchanges in arts, sports and culture; and 3) programs in leadership development. In 2014, program and event participants totaled 7,315 young people in Japan and the United States, of which 1,300 participated in cross-country exchange programs. There were 50 programs implemented in 25 locations throughout Japan and in the United States, with the largest number of participants from the Tohoku region, the area impacted by the triple disasters of 2011. From inception to the end of 2014, 23,000 young people participated in TOMODACHI programs in the United States and Japan. In 2012, the U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) was created to support the administration of TOMODACHI. The U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) is a registered Public Interest Corporation (koeki zaidan hojin) and maintains offices in Tokyo, Japan. 750941 ANNUAL CONFERENCEThe 2014 Annual Conference was held in Honolulu, Hawaii and attended by over 550 leaders in U.S.-Japan relations from throughout the United States and Japan. The Conference featured themes and topics that addressed innovative partnerships and solutions in clean energy, entrepreneurship, sustainability, education and building npo/ngo sector partnership between Japan and the U.S. The Conference also brought from Japan leaders that were working on relief and recovery efforts in the areas devastated by the 2011 disasters in Japan. The Keynote speakers emphasized the importance of strengthening business relationships between the U.S. and Japan. Breakout sessions covered topics such as Diversity and Inclusion in the Global Marketplace, Economic Development through Tourism and Events, Developing Cross-Cultural Leaders and Preparing for the United Nations 3rd World Conference in Disaster Risk Reduction Management in partnership with R3ADY (formerly Asia Pacific Disaster Risk Reduction Resiliency). R3ADY also convened a special pre-conference meeting with leaders from the U.S. and Japan and the Asia Pacific to discuss disaster resiliency initiatives. USJC is a member of R3ADY. The Conference also featured a unique Culinary Festival which brought together top chefs from Japan and Hawaii to exchange information on techniques and ingredients and create special dishes for the event. The results from the Conference was sharing of information with attendees and others nationally and internationally on current issues and topics related to U.S.-Japan relations, to discuss strategies for greater collaboration, and to further the USJC's initiative, TOMODACHI, a public-private partnership to support educational exchange for young American and Japanese to learn about each other's country through travel, language and specialized programs.As part of the Annual Conference, USJC organizes a leadership development program, TOMODACHI EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM (ELP) for young Japanese American professionals, under the age of 35, who express an interest in being involved in US-Japan relations in the future. The ELP are convened at the time of the USJC Annual Conference and receive leadership training and an opportunity to meet and network with senior American and Japanese leaders. In 2014, the ELP included twelve individuals from around the country who were selected by a Committee and were joined by alumni from the former ELP. 634280 107949 GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAMSASIAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP DELEGATION (AALD)In November 2014, the USJC launched a program modeled after the Japanese American Leadership Delegation which selected five elected state officials from diverse Asian American multicultural backgrounds and different regions of the country. The Delegates traveled to Japan for one week to meet with Japanese political and government leaders, business executives and non-profit leaders to exchange ideas as well as create networks that can mutually benefit the U.S.-Japan relationship. The Delegates spoke about their experiences at a Symposium held in Tokyo co-sponsored by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation and the USJC, organizer of the AALD program. The AALD program was held in collaboration with the National Asian Pacific American Caucus of State Legislators and the National Conference of State Legislatures. Four of the five elected state officials had never visited Japan. The opportunity provided them a broader understanding of the U.S.-Japan relationship and fostered connections among diverse political, government, business and civil society leaders.JAPANESE AMERICAN LEADERSHIP DELEGATION PROGRAMThis program provides the opportunity for Japanese American leaders from throughout the United States to travel to Japan at the invitation of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The USJC administers the program annually. The program began in 2000 and creates the opportunity for Japanese American leaders from throughout the United States to build relationships with Japanese leaders in the government, business, political, non-profit and educational sectors. The program also provides an opportunity for Japanese leaders to gain a greater understanding about multi-cultural America through the experiences of a diverse group of Japanese Americans. The 2014 Delegation traveled to Fukuoka and Tokyo. The Delegates met with the Prime Minister, Governor of Fukuoka, major business associations, a member of the Imperial Family, and educational leaders. Each year, three Delegates participate in a Symposium hosted by the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership and the USJC. The 2014 Symposium was held in Fukuoka and co-sponsored by the American Consulate in the region. Upon their return from this one week trip, Delegates work with program alumni, local Japanese consulates, and the USJC to implement programs and activities to further build regional U.S.-japan relations. There were 10 members of the 2014 program and to date 173 have participated in the program. JAPANESE CONSUL GENERALS and JAPANESE AMERICAN LEADER'S ANNUAL MEETING AND PROGRAMSThe meeting brings together Japanese American leaders from sixteen regions in the U.S. with the sixteen Japanese consul generals, Japanese Embassy officials, and Japanese government officials from Tokyo to discuss how to collaboratively work together to ensure a stronger U.S. - Japan relationship at the regional and national level. The meeting develops recommendations to further regional efforts to engage greater involvement in U.S.-Japan relations. The USJC serves as the organizer of this Annual Meeting. The 2014 meeting was held in Washington, D.C. in November 2014 and included eighteen Japanese American leaders. WOMENS LEADERSHIPThe USJC has developed several programs to support the government of Japans goal of advancing women in Japan. The USJC hosted a panel presentation in Washington, D.C., Delivering on the Promise of Womenomics in March 2014. In September 2014, the USJC participated in a World Assembly for Women in Tokyo hosted by the Prime Minster of Japan bringing together women leaders world-wide with leaders in Japan to discuss strategies for advancing women in Japan.GOVERNORS CIRCLEThe USJC has worked with Prefectural Governors in Japan to promote bilateral economic collaboration between U.S. states/regions and Japanese prefectures. In July 2014 the USJC collaborated with the Stanford University Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center to convene a two-day Japan Governors Meeting in the Silicon Valley, California. Governors from six Japanese prefectures and business leaders from their regions met with leaders in the Silicon Valley to explore collaborations for the future. Over 200 people participated in the Meeting which is part of an on-going collaboration with regional leaders from Japan that began in 2010 by USJC.REGIONAL PROGRAMS IN JAPANIn 2014, the USJC sponsored and participated in several programs in Japan to promote greater empowerment and leadership of women in Japan. In May 2014, USJC co-hosted a Women in Business Summit in Tokyo with the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan with over 700 attendees. Top American and Japanese government and business leaders spoke at the Summit. The Council also hosted a Culinary Event in May 2014 which highlighted the USJCs culinary initiative to create connections through chefs and restauranteurs. REGIONAL PROGRAMS IN THE U.S.The USJC holds regional programs in the U.S. throughout the year to provide opportunities for Japanese and Americans to come together to hear speakers and explore areas of potential collaboration in their respective regions. In 2014, programs were held in Boston, Denver, New York, Chicago, Honolulu, Portland, Seattle, Silicon Valley and Los Angeles. These programs included a special initiative on regional culinary diplomacy events which was featured in Honolulu and Houston, Texas.OTHER NETWORKING AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIESIn addition to regional programs, the USJC holds various outreach and membership activities bringing together USJC members in various parts of the country with regional leaders involved in promoting strong U.S. - Japan relations. Through developing regional networks of business, civic, and governmental leaders, the USJC assists in the dissemination of information on current topics related to U.S. and Japan and fosters dialogue in area of mutual interests. The USJC also fosters business networking in key regions in the U.S. including Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco and Honolulu by fostering networks of Japanese Chambers of Commerce in the U.S. and Japanese American leaders in these regions. Regular educational programs and networking events are held to deepen business and personal relationships. An Annual Meeting of that brings together the regional business networks is held at the time of the USJC Annual Meeting. In Japan, the USJC began a Business Advisory Board, which is a group of business leaders in Japan with experience in the United States who are supportive of the USJCs mission and goals. In November 2014, 70 business leaders gathered to launch the Advisory Board which will convene quarterly to hear from leading experts on current topics related to U.S.-Japan relations and to enable Board members to exchange information on current topics with each other.The USJC's mission of building people-to-people relationships at the government and political sector includes bringing together elected officials and governmental officials from the U.S. and Japan to work together on areas of mutual interest. The USJC hosts members of the Japanese Diet who visit Washington, D.C. and other cities in the U.S. to connect them with key governmental and political leaders. The USJC also meets with U.S. officials to provide information on issues affecting U.S.-Japan relations. 3594281 true true false false false false false false false false true false false false false false true false false true true true false false false false false true false true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false true 9 0 false 22 false false false true JA false false false false false 0 false false false false false false false false false false X 23 22 false false false false false false false true true false false true true true true true true true true false CA X X X IRENE HIRANO 2022236840 1819 L STREET NW SUITE 200 WASHINGTON DC 20036 Thomas Iino Chairman 8.00 0.00 X X 0 0 0 Gary S Moriwaki Vice Chairman 5.00 0.00 X X 0 0 0 Henry Y Ota Vice Chairman 2.00 0.00 X X 0 0 0 Dennis Teranishi Vice Chairman 5.00 0.00 X X 0 0 0 Michael Hirai Treasurer 4.00 0.00 X X 0 0 0 Susan Morita Secretary 2.00 0.00 X X 0 0 0 Phyllis Campbell Director 2.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Royanne K Doi Director 4.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Tracey Doi Director 2.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Atsuko Fish Director 3.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Ernest M Higa Director 3.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Robert K Ichikawa Director 2.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Fredrick H Katayama Director 5.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Dayne Kono Director 2.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Colbert M Matsumoto Director 4.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Moni Miyashita Director 2.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Jill Nishi Director 2.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Allen M Okamoto Director 2.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Susan J Onuma Director 2.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Walace K Tsuha Director 2.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Jan Yanehiro Director 2.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Paul Yonamine Director 4.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 IRENE HIRANO President 32.00 0.00 X 208406 0 0 Laura Winthrop Abbot Exec Dir-Tomodachi 40.00 0.00 X 141000 0 0 Suzanne Basalla Exec VP & COO 40.00 0.00 X 151500 0 0 Ler Lee Tan Finance/Admin Dir 40.00 0.00 X 121153 0 0 622059 4 false true false 0 142700 336097 478797 Education Revenue 1300029 1300029 Tomodachi Initiative 2697121 2697121 3997150 138 138 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Exchange Adjustment 900099 -170159 -170159 Foreign Currency -170159 4305926 3827129 1545925 1545925 0 175656 175656 0 208406 193127 9300 5979 0 741009 537923 123618 79468 0 146345 112686 20488 13171 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33692 25943 4717 3032 0 7663 5901 1073 689 0 0 57847 44542 8099 5206 9940 7653 1392 895 0 0 0 0 5040 3880 706 454 8238 6344 1153 741 events and programs 777172 777172 TOMODACHI program services 99443 99443 Bank/Payroll fees 18751 14438 2625 1688 Printing and Publications 13658 10517 1912 1229 43026 33131 6023 3872 3891811 3594281 181106 116424 1537690 1170535 60533 285598 2208893 2199615 228178 565238 0 0 0 0 13777 20825 42050 20454 21209 21596 0 0 0 0 0 4070280 4263407 519635 310147 30500 19000 550135 329147 X 265943 1258342 3254202 2675918 3520145 3934260 4070280 4263407 414115 X false true X true false X 874252 4633706 7745895 4642193 4333247 22229293 0 0 0 0 874252 4633706 7745895 4642193 4333247 22229293 0 0 22229293 155 2914 621 64 138 3892 0 155 2914 621 64 138 3892 0 50 25705 25755 874457 4636620 7772221 4642257 4333385 22258940 0.99870 0.99840 0.00020 0.00020 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 22326 8809 13517 6556 5345 1211 13168 6300 6868 21596 4550402 244476 244476 4305926 4305926 4136287 244476 244476 3891811 3891811 true East Asia and the Pacific 2 5 Program Services tomodachi initiative 175656 2 5 2 5 175656 175656 Asia & pacific Tomodachi 16815 wire trnsfr Asia & pacific Tomodachi 76022 wire trnsfr Asia & pacific Tomodachi 82819 Wire Trnsfr 3 false false false false false false false Ayusa International 1819 L STREET NW suite 200 Washington DC 20036 942833355 713804 0 TOMODACHI initiative Program Svcs EIL 809 United Nations Plaza New York DC 20036 030370771 389967 0 TOMODACHI initiative Program Svcs Japan-Amer Student Conference 1819 L STREET NW suite 200 Washington DC 20036 511155779 15000 0 TOMODACHI initiative Program Svcs Mercy Corp 1819 L STREET NW suite 200 Washington DC 20036 911148123 333154 0 TOMODACHI initiative Program Svcs NAJAS 1819 L STREET NW suite 200 Washington DC 20036 132996432 69000 0 TOMODACHI initiative Program Svcs The Washington Center 1819 L STREET NW suite 200 Washington DC 20036 521019820 25000 0 TOMODACHI initiative Program Svcs 6 0 X X false false false false false false false false false false IRENE HIRANO President 208406 208406 Suzanne Basalla Exec VP & COO 151500 151500 Form 990, Part VI, Line 11b: Form 990 Review Process Copies of the form 990 are distributed to all board members prior to filing. A detailed review and approval is conducted by a committee selected by the board. Form 990, Part VI, Line 12c: Explanation of Monitoring and Enforcement of Conflicts The organization has a conflict of interest policy that is signed annually by each board member. A summary report is submitted to the Board of Directors annually for review and approval. Form 990, Part VI, Line 15a: Compensation Review & Approval Process - CEO, Top Management Compensation is determined by disinterested directors of the executive committee and is based on a review of reliable comparability data and a decision as the reasonableness of the compensation. A record of the deliberation, decision and persons involved are maintained in the organization's corporate minute book. Form 990, Part VI, Line 15b: Compensation Review and Approval Process for Officers and Key Employees Compensation is determined by disinterested directors of the executive committee and is based on a review of reliable comparability data and a decision as the reasonableness of the compensation. A record of the deliberation, decision and persons involved are maintained in the organization's corporate minute book. Form 990, Part VI, Line 19: Other Organization Documents Publicly Available The governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial statements are available to the general public upon request. They are also available at the organization's office during regular business hours. The audited financial statements are posted on the organizations website each year.