US-Japan Council

strengthens U.S.-Japan relations through people-to-people connections

Founded by Japanese Americans in 2009, the U.S.-Japan Council strengthens U.S.-Japan relations through people-to-people connections. Through our U.S.-Japan Leadership Institute, we build a pipeline of global leaders across sectors and generations committed to a strong and enduring partnership. Through signature convenings, leadership programs, and initiatives, we cultivate and connect leaders to address key bilateral issues. Our vibrant community of 1,200 members across the United States and Japan is a dynamic professional network that fosters deep connections and drives meaningful impact.

Relationships Interlocks Giving Data

Leadership & Staff

Dennis Teranishi Chairman and CEO of the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR)

• Immediate Past Chair, USJC

Takeshi Niinami

• Chairperson, Board of Councilors

Kathy Matsui Chief Japan Equity Strategist, Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

• Board of Councilors, Vice Chair

Colbert M. Matsumoto Founder and Past Chairman, Tradewind Group

• President's Advisory Board

Jill Naomi Tokuda US Representative from Hawaii

• Honorary Councilor

Mazie Hirono US Senator from Hawai (2013-present); former US Rep from Hawaii (2007-2013)

• Honorary Councilor

Paul Yonamine Chairman Emeritus of Central Pacific Bank

• Founding Board Member, Board Of Councilors*

Yoh Kawanami Director of Customer Resources, Operations, Hawaiian Electric

• Board Member ('16→?)*

Katrina Lake CEO, online shopping service Stitch Fix

• Position

Daniel Inouye US Senator and Representative from Hawaii

• Past Board of Councilors (past)

Board Members

Ann Teranishi Chairman and CEO, American Savings Bank

• Board Secretary

David Morimoto Vice Chairman & Chief Operating Officer at Central Pacific Bank

• Board Member

Margaret Cummisky Managing Director, Federal Government Relations Hawaiian Airlines

• Board Member

Katrina Lake CEO, online shopping service Stitch Fix

• Board Member

Mark Okada Co-founder/Chief Investment Officer Highland Capital Management, L.P

• Board Member, Vice Chair

Irene Hirano Inouye President U.S.-Japan Council

• Founding Board Member (past)

Donors

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Bain & Company, Inc. Business consulting company

• Diamond Sponsor · 250,000 USD

Kathy Matsui Chief Japan Equity Strategist, Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

• Platinum Sponsor · 100,000 USD*

Deloitte LLP One of the "Big Four" US accounting firms

• Platinum Sponsor · 100,000 USD

American Airlines, Inc. Airline

• Platinum Sponsor · 100,000 USD

Amazon.com, Inc. Online retail giant

• Platinum Sponsor · 100,000 USD

Island Insurance Foundation charitable arm of Island Insurance

• Platinum Sponsor · 100,000 USD

ORIX Corporation A Japanese diversified financial services group

• Sapphire Sponsor · 50,000 USD

NEC Corporation Electronics company; Japan's first venture seeded by foreign capital, established by U.S. firm Western Electric Company

• Sapphire Sponsor · 50,000 USD

MUFG Americas Holding Corporation Formerly UnionBanCal Corporation

• Sapphire Sponsor · 50,000 USD

Google Inc. American multinational technology company; specializes in Internet-related services, products

• Sapphire Sponsor · 50,000 USD

Members

Lori Teranishi Founder and CEO, IQ 360

• Council Leader

Lauren Nahme Principal and managing director at iQ 360

• Council Leader

BJ Kobayashi CHAIRMAN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & A FOUNDER, Blacksand Capital

• Council Leader

Michelle Leon-Guerrero Chief People Officer, ProService Hawaii

• Council Leader

Alexander Heatherington Federal/State Government Relations and Public Advocacy

• Associate Member

Sterling Higa Consultant

• Associate Member

Marisa Escalante Director, Events & Special Projects, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii

• Associate Member

Nadia Holt Associate Director, Community Impact, Chamber of Commerce o Hawaii

• Associate Member

Paul Kosasa President and Chief Executive Officer of MNS, Ltd., doing business as ABC Stores

• Council Leader

Miscellaneous Relationships

Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICTHR) independent, not-for-profit, applied research and development center incorporated in Hawaii

• partner

Paul Kosasa President and Chief Executive Officer of MNS, Ltd., doing business as ABC Stores

• Speaker ('25)*

Updated 4 days ago

Types	Organization, Other Not-for-Profit, Industry/Trade Association
Start date	2009
Website	https://www.usjapancouncil.org/mission-and-purpose/
Aliases	USJC

Wikipedia: U.S.-Japan Council