Japanese Americans Relations: A Cross Cultural Undergraduate Student Conference March 10, 2015

Greeting by Consul General Sunaga

    The program began with remarks from UNCC representatives, including mention of Japanese becoming a main language in the Department of Language and Culture Studies, with approximately 100 students majoring and nearly 70 students minoring in Japanese language this spring. They also stated that UNCC produces the most graduates with Bachelor’s degrees in Japanese language in the Carolinas. The Japanese program was introduced for the large role it plays as part of the largest college on campus, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

    CG Sunaga then spoke, mentioning that the positive and strong relationship Japan and North Carolina share reaches beyond business and economics. The school exchanges, Japanese programs, local anime conventions, and various other bonds shared with Japan prove North Carolina to be a highly important state for U.S.-Japan relations. CG Sunaga went on to explain Abenomics, along with referencing that the Japanese economy is steadily improving. He also touched on the importance of the TPP agreement and stressed that seeking solutions to domestic problems while at the same time deepening mutual understandings between relevant countries will improve relationships and build true friendships.

    Following this, the students of Osaka City University gave a presentation about the philosophy of "NINJO" seen in the management of Japanese companies based in Osaka, and about Osaka’s “OMOROI” culture which can be observed through its festivals and food. The three winners of UNCC’s Japanese speech contest then presented their speeches. Finally, Mr. Nakanishi of Houston-based Toshiba International Corporation, a subsidiary of Toshiba, introduced the characteristics of Japanese corporate management.