Last week, Claudine, our Executive Director at JASC, had the honor of attending Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s speech to the joint session of Congress in Washington, DC. Invited by Colorado Congressman Jason Crow, District 6, Claudine witnessed a momentous occasion that showed the strong relationship between Japan and the U.S.

Prime Minister Kishida captivated the audience with his eloquence, passion, and the breadth of topics he covered. His speech not only highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations but also emphasized the pivotal roles they play in shaping global affairs.

Claudine encourages everyone to read the U.S.-Japan Joint Leaders’ Statement, which was released at the end of the visit here. You will see about 3/4 of the way down, this paragraph (underline added):

Fortifying People-to-People Ties

People-to-people exchanges are the most effective way to develop the future stewards of the U.S.-Japan relationship. In this regard, we recognize the achievements of exchange programs between our two countries, including the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme, KAKEHASHI Project, the Japan Foundation’s programs, and the U.S.-Japan Council’s TOMODACHI Initiative, and commit ourselves to providing more opportunities to meet today’s needs, including through enhanced subnational exchanges on critical issues such as climate and energy. We also recognize the important role civil society has played in strengthening the U.S.-Japan relationship over the past 170 years, including the 38 Japan-America Societies across the United States, the Asia Society, and the 29 America-Japan Societies across Japan.

Claudine extends her heartfelt gratitude to our JASC members’ contribution to strengthening the Colorado-Japan relationship. Each person does their part, and it makes a big difference. The strong friendship and alliance between the U.S. and Japan, and the leadership roles that both of our countries play in the world, are extremely important right now. Seeing the wheels of skilled diplomacy working in our nation’s capitol was inspiring.

Welcome, Maho! We are thrilled to have you join us at JASC.

In a heartwarming display of international camaraderie, two officials from the Yamagata Prefecture Government, Yutaro Shida and Mayuko Ogata, embarked on a journey to Boulder, Colorado, to delve into the heart of American culture, learn the English language, and foster connections. Over a few months, they engaged in various cultural exchanges that transcended borders, furthering their education and building friendships.

The initiative was not only about learning the nuances of the English language but also about immersing themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Boulder’s cultural scene. Ms. Ogata studied volunteerism and was able to give a presentation at a local high school to share about Yamagata and Japanese culture. Mr. Shida was able to learn about economic situation in the State of Colorado and the City & County of Denver. They also managed to join the events hosted by JASC, which proved instrumental in bridging the gap between two distinct yet interconnected communities.

However, in the last few weeks before they leave, they met with Consul-General Yoichi Mikami of the Consulate General of Japan in Denver, Colorado State Government officials, and JASC staff and board members at a luncheon that provided a platform for open discussions on potential collaborations in various sectors, from business and education to cultural exchange platforms. The discussion ensured that Shida Yutaro and Mayuko Ogata sustained the impact of this cultural exchange long after their return to Japan.

As the Yamagata officials bid farewell, the shared experiences, the laughter, and the cross-cultural understanding fostered during their time in Colorado served as a foundation for a deeper and more meaningful friendship between Yamagata and Colorado. Through events like these, we are reminded of the cultural exchange in building bridges and fostering a sense of global community - one that transcends geographical boundaries and enriches the lives of those involved.

If you’re inspired by this cultural exchange and intrigued by the beauty of Yamagata, consider planning your journey to this captivating region. Learn more about travel to Yamagata here, and discover the rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural wonders that await you in this gem of Japan.