Reuters Widget

JALD Orientation, More US-Japan

Had a great (though intensely packed and nonstop) weekend seeing the JALD Orientation through. Excited for the 2011 Delegation and what they will be experiencing.

Also thoroughly enjoyed going to the Consul General Ihara's residence for the JALD dinner on Friday and meeting more JBA folks at their hosted reception on Saturday evening.

In other news, an interesting article I found via Google Alerts, on US-Japan relations and the realization that the alliance is much more than about a base. Plus a good quote from Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell about how important Japan is and how much relations with them are overlooked or underestimated. (At least, that's how the quote is used in this context. One never can be too sure with media.)

Find the article, here.

January 2011

It's going to be a busy year.

The end of 2010 was mostly filled with JALD preparations - finishing up travel and hotel arrangements for the selected delegates and getting ready for Orientation, which happens at the end of this month.

Meanwhile, this week we are hosting a special members' reception here in Los Angeles at Roy's Restaurant in Downtown. Some unfortunate news though - Norm Mineta and Minister Mabuchi, who were both supposed to be in town for the HSR Seminar happening Friday - both cannot make it, due to work duties and cabinet reshuffling/Tokyo duties, respectively.

Being flexible is difficult. But USJC will deal with it appropriately, as it always has and always will. I am positive things will still go smoothly.

Have yet to read Seiji Maehara's speech regarding US-Japan.

And just got news that it all works out nicely for this Thursday's reception. I knew it would. Now etiquette-wise, at least all attendees at the highest levels are on the same plane.

2011 will hold some exciting prospects for the Council though, undoubtedly. The end of January is the JALD program kickoff with Orientation. Next month is the CG-JA Meeting in DC which should be exciting but is kind of off to a late planning start this year. March has a lot in store for JBA and USJC activities, including JBA's 50th Anniversary and the Japan trip for the Delegates. Lots to look forward to!