The U.S.-Japan Council is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit educational organization 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. The Council cultivates an international network of members, and collaborates with other organizations and institutions to develop programs that allow members to engage with their counterparts in the United States and Japan. The Council promotes people-to-people relations as crucial to a strong U.S.-Japan relationship. 

The Council was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Washington, DC with staff in California, Hawaii and Tokyo. In 2012, the U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) was created to support the administration of the TOMODACHI Initiative, and in 2013, it became a Public Interest Corporation (Koeki Zaidan Hojin). The U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) maintains an office in Tokyo, Japan. 

Why U.S.-JAPAN?

The U.S.-Japan relationship continues to demonstrate its relevance and fundamental role in the Asia-Pacific region. The partnership between the U.S. and Japan is a driving force behind economic growth, while the security alliance maintains peace and stability in the region. Built on shared values such as innovation and resiliency, the contemporary U.S.-Japan relationship continues to evolve and develop new frontiers for collaboration.

Why Japanese Americans?

Japanese Americans have a distinct connection to Japan, emanating from a shared heritage, upbringing and history. Recognizing this special tie, the U.S.-Japan Council encourages Japanese Americans to engage in local, regional, national and international activities that contribute to U.S.-Japan relations. Japanese Americans are uniquely positioned to impact government policy, business decisions and civil society activities by providing expertise and recommendations to counterparts in the United States and Japan. U.S.-Japan Council programming not only brings together distinguished Japanese Americans professionals, but also engages the next generation of Japanese American leaders to ensure an even brighter future.

Mission

The U.S.-Japan Council is a Japanese American-led organization fully dedicated to strengthening ties between the United States and Japan in a global context. By promoting people-to-people relationships through its innovative programs in networking and leadership, the Council serves as a catalyst to inspire and engage Japanese and Americans of all generations. It develops the next generation of leaders committed to a vibrant and dynamic relationship.

Vision

They envision a vibrant and dynamic U.S.-Japan relationship, strengthened by the increased diversity of leaders committed to the relationship, and increasing positive and productive cooperation that benefits both countries and the Asia-Pacific region.