NexGen Summer Update
As you know, JASH’s mission is and continues to be bridging the U.S.-Japan relations through the unique perspective of Hawaii. To ensure this important work continues, one of JASH’s initiatives has been to cultivate the next generation of leaders. Over the past year the JASH NexGen Advisory Board made up of JASH young leaders, have been hard at work planning and producing events such as the Taste of JASH regional cuisine food series featuring our sister state relationships with Japan; the upcoming inaugural JASH Virtual Natsumatsuri on August 13 (see SAVE THE DATE) and participating in panel discussions and talk story session to discuss topics such as leadership, character building, generational gaps and other major topics.
It has been a fruitful and fulfilling journey and through the NexGen initiative we are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. John Rankin and Mr. Tyler Hiranaka as JASH Board Directors. Mr. Rankin and Mr. Hiranaka will sit on the JASH Board for a two year term and help shape the future of JASH. CONGRATULATIONS John and Tyler!
John Rankin is the Founder and President of Hapa Travel LLC, a boutique destinationmanagement company specializing in group travel to Hawai`i which he started in 2018. Previously he served as Destination Manager at Expedia for over 8 years managing Expedia’s local partner accounts and sales teams. He has also lived and worked in Tokyo for 6 years. He is a graduate of the University of Washington and the Hogan Entrepreneurship Program at Chaminade University. John is a member of JASH’s NexGen Advisory Board and the U.S.-Japan Council’s Emerging Leaders Program and is a summer school teacher at Iolani School.
Tyler Hiranaka is the Owner of Le Jardin Royaux, a fine jewelry sales and design company specializing in brand creation and design which he started in 2017. Tyler is active in the community and served as the JCI Honolulu State President in 2018 and Asian American Jaycees Charter President from 2014-2016. As JCI Honolulu State President, he chaired and hosted the first major international JCI project in Hawaii since 1997 focusing on sustainability. In addition, he has established new local chapter relationships with JCI Japan as well as other Asia Pacific JCI organizations. He is a graduate of Kapiolani Community College. Tyler is a member of JASH’s NexGen Advisory Board and continues to play an active role as a member of JCI Honolulu.
The JASH Natsumatsuri is an event that has evolved from the very successful Taste of JASH regional cuisine series . Through the leadership of Co-chairs Mr. Toby Tamaye and Mr. John Rankin along with the talented Natsumatsuri Committee, the inaugural Virtual Summer Festival is scheduled for August 13, 2020, from 6pm-7pm. Stay tuned for more information! You don’t want to miss this inaugural virtual event!
