JAPAN UPDATE A Glimpse at the U.S.-Japan Relationship
Thank you to those who attended the Japan-America Society of Hawaii’s “Japan Update Program” on March 1, 2019 at the Halekulani Hotel. We were honored to feature three prominent speakers: Dr. Toshihiro Nakayama, Mr. James Kelly and Mr. Paul Yonamine.
Dr. Toshihiro Nakayama, Professor, Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University; Fellow, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Area of Expertise: U.S. Politics and Foreign Policy; U.S.-Japan relations spoke about how the Japanese view President Trump’s America, and why the Japanese are “comfortable” with him. While they may not agree with his tactics, President Trump’s bold stance on international relations is something that Japan can understand and relate to. He also spoke to the geopolitical tension in the Asia-Pacific region and that for Japan, the bilateral relationship between Japan and America is critical to Japan politically and security-wise.
Mr. James Kelly, Chairman, Pacific Forum International; President, EAP Associates, LLC. Area of Expertise: Foreign Policy provided a macro view of the geopolitical climate in the Asia-Pacific region with a focus on the many issues facing Japan - tension with China and North and South Korea, population decline, U.S. Military bases in Okinawa to name a few.
Mr. Paul Yonamine, Chairman & CEO, Central Pacific Financial Corp. Executive Chairman, Central Pacific Bank, Area of Expertise: Business & Economic Development, localized the discussion by speaking about potential economic opportunities as well as challenges between the U.S./Hawaii and Japan. He also spoke about the use of technology and AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the business sector.
Ms. Barbara Tanabe, Owner, Ho`akea Communications, LLC (a public relations company) served as Moderator for the evening.
During the Q&A segment, NexGen Advisory Committee member Mr. Tyler Hiranaka posed a question to the 3 speakers about his generation’s involvement in the Japan-U.S. relations.
(L) Mr. Jerry Tsuda, Dr. Toshihiro Nakayama, Ms. Betty Brow, Ms. Toyoko Okawa, Mr. Earl Okawa and Mr. Dan Dinell
(R) Mr. John Rankin, Mr. Colbert Matsumoto, Ms. Kimberly Haruki, Mr. Wayne Kirihara and Ms. Ann Teranishi
(L) Mr. Chris Anjo, Mr. Travis Kikuchi and Mr. Jason Dang
(R) Mr. James Kelly, Dr. Toshihiro Nakayama, Mr. Steve Sombrero, Ms. Barbara Tanabe, Ms. Reyna Kaneko and Mr. Paul Yonamine
We were pleased to be able to host this program through the generosity of the Embassy of Japan in the United States of America and the support of the National Association of Japan-America Societies.
