November 24th 2019 O.A.
U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference
November 2nd to 5th was the U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference held by the U.S.-Japan Council at Hollywood.
This is an annual conference held in different locations under the theme “Bold Ideas, Bolder Leadership: The Next Stage of U.S.-Japan Relations,” and this year marks the 10th year.
The U.S.-Japan Council is a nonprofit educational organization. Their HQ is in Washington DC and their mission is to develop and connect global leaders to create a stronger U.S.-Japan relationship.
Both government and nonofficial organization leaders attended the conference discussing culture, society and economic hopes for the US and Japan.
At the Main Conference, Senior Advisor of Sony Corporation, Kazuo Hirai and former US Ambassador to Japan, John Roos talked about how proprietors should be when bonding countries together.
Various topics from innovation and entrepreneurship, female leadership to the possibilities of food related project were discussed at the subcommittee meeting.
Different opinions were exchanged at the breakout session when discussing the involvement of Japanese and other Asian talents in the entertainment industry since this year’s conference was held in Hollywood.
The “TOMODACHI Initiative” started as a support for recovery of the Great East Japan Earthquake. It invests in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders through educational and cultural exchanges as well as leadership programs and about 8,000 people have participated.
Past participant also spoke about ways to make the voices of the Japanese American community heard more.
“Going home to Japan” seminar
Nippon Express, a global logistics company did a seminar entitled “Going home to Japan” on October 26th in Torrance.
It was a free seminar for individuals who either have permanent residency status or citizenship and thinking of moving back to Japan.
Attendees were given professional advice on things to be careful when moving back to Japan. This year is the 12th time for the event to be held.
First, the real estate expert advised on the timing of dealing with the house in the US, the option of either selling or renting and where to consider living in Japan.
Next, Nippon Express explained the moving process. Attendees carefully listened about the services available when getting rid of unwanted furniture and temporarily storing belongings both in the US and Japan.
Lastly, tax. What US resident and non-resident mean on tax law, the difference in the amount of tax depending on the timing of getting rid of the housing and the merit and demerit of keeping permanent residency or citizenship. The expert explained the things one should consider regarding tax before making the decision of moving back to Japan.
All experts emphasized on the importance of acting quickly.
This seminar will be held 4 times a year in LA, San Diego and Las Vegas.
JAPAN 47 ARTISANS
Japan House LA in Hollywood is having an exhibition of Japanese craft.
Works of young craftsmen selected from each prefecture are featured in this event.
Crafts using traditional techniques and materials unique to that region are displayed from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Attendees can enjoy learning the Japanese culture, climate, and how eclectic Japanese crafts are just by visiting the exhibition.
What’s unique is that every craft can be used in our daily lives.
“JAPAN 47 ARTISANS Exhibition” is held at Japan House LA in Hollywood Highland until January first. Admission is free.