Dr. Tracy Tsuetaki joined the 2015 Japanese American Leadership Delegates (JALD) Trip to Japan as the first delegate from North Carolina

    The Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD) 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 in the business, government, academic, non-profit and cultural sectors. The trip also allows Japanese leaders to gain a greater understanding of multi-cultural America through the experiences of a diverse group of Japanese Americans. Upon their return, delegates collaborate with program alumni, the local Consulates-General, the U.S.-Japan Council (USCJ), and local and national community organizations to continue strengthening ties between the U.S. and Japan.

    This year, Dr. Tracy Ken Tsuetaki was selected to represent the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta. He is the first delegate selected in the history of the program from North Carolina and is an Operating Partner with Symphony Technology Group. Total 10 delegates were selected from those recommended by the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. and other 16 Japanese Consulates-General offices in the United States.

    The 2015 trip to Japan occurred on March 6-14 in which delegates visited Hiroshima and Tokyo. In conjunction with the sponsorship of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the USJC*, based in Washington DC, provides administration and organization for the program.

    “The experience was ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ and I am indebted to our local consulate, MOFA and the USJC and all those who spent time to ensure the delegation learned from key Japan business, government and cultural leaders”, stated Dr. Tsuetaki. The delegation of 6 women and 4 men were lead by the wife of the late Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye and President of the USJC, Ms. Irene Hirano Inouye. In addition, the delegation represented 9 different US states and included first, second, third, and fourth generation Japanese-Americans.

    Dr. Tsuetaki had an opportunity to meet key government leaders including members of the Diet, Hiroshima Governor Yuzaki, and Prime Minister Abe. In addition, he participated in a number of business leadership meetings with Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the Keidanren and Keizai Doyukai. The delegates also met with selected future leaders of Japan associated with the Forum 21 group.

    Dr. Tsuetaki visited many cultural sites including the Hiroshima Castle, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Tsukiji Market while in Japan.

    “I see many opportunities in the future to continue to build good relationships between Japan and the US going forward. In particular, I feel there are initiatives to support economic growth and trade between Japan and our local region including the state of North Carolina”, says Dr. Tsuetaki. A number of key initiatives were discussed with the delegation in Japan, including economic growth agendas as referred to as the “three arrows” of Abenomics. The aging population, declining growth trends, immigration, women leadership in the workplace, and student exchange programs were among those discussed.

    I would highly recommend any Japanese American taking advantage of future sponsorship in this program. “I am humbled and honored to been selected this year and will continue to provide continuing support and leadership to strengthening ties between Japan and the US” stated Dr. Tsuetaki.

    * The USJC is a non-profit educational organization of Japanese American Council Members that contributes to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations by bringing together diverse leadership, engaging stakeholders and exploring issues that benefit communities, businesses and government entities on both sides of the Pacific. http://www.usjapancouncil.org/

Photos courtesy of Dr. Tsuetaki and US-Japan Council