Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle
在シアトル日本国総領事館

Sponsored by: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Organized by: U.S.-Japan Council

The 2012 Delegation will be comprised of senior Japanese American leaders who are top leaders in their professions, have had moderate to extensive experience in U.S.-Japan  relations, and will be committed to furthering the U.S.-Japan relationship upon their return.  The 2012 Delegation seeks senior leaders from the entrepreneurial, clean/green, energy and biotechnology sectors as well as senior education administrators.

OVERVIEW

The Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD) program provides the opportunity for ten Japanese American leaders from throughout the United States to travel to Japan for seven nights.  The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) represented in the United States by the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. and seventeen consulate general offices　is the  sponsor of the program.  The U.S.-Japan Council provides administration and organization for this program.

The program began in 2000 and 136 delegates have participated to date.  The trip creates an opportunity for Japanese American leaders to get to know Japan and to meet and exchange information with Japanese leaders in government, business, political, non-profit, and cultural sectors.  The trip allows Japanese leaders to gain a greater understanding about multicultural America through the experiences of a diverse group of Japanese Americans.  Upon returning, the delegation members work with former delegates, the local consulates, U.S.-Japan Council and local and national community organizations, to organize and participate in programs and activities related to building U.S.-Japan relations. 

GOALS OF THE DELEGATION PROGRAM

1. Improve understanding and strengthen long-term relations between Japanese Americans and Japan.
2. Develop and implement ongoing strategies to expand the role of Japanese Americans in advancing U.S.-Japan relations.
3. Develop a network of Japanese American leaders that will continue to advance long term U.S.-Japan relations, at the regional, national and international levels.

BACKGROUND

While the relationship between the United States and Japan is considered by many as the most important bilateral relationship in the world, the connection between Japanese and Japanese Americans is atypical and more complex than that shared by other Americans and their ancestral peoples and lands. While World War II played a major role in severing ties between Japanese Americans and Japan, the political, business, and cultural milieu that both nations face today requires a new look at the Japanese – Japanese American relationship, and its role in the future of U.S.-Japan relations.

The Japanese American Leadership Delegation program provides Japanese American leaders a unique opportunity to become acquainted or re-engaged with Japan; to meet the highest leaders in government, business and the non-profit sectors, and participate in discussions related to the role that Japanese Americans can play in addressing key issues that face both countries, now and in the future.

The first delegation was invited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to visit Japan in 2000. It included third and fourth generation Japanese Americans selected from various professional fields including the educational, cultural, philanthropic, legal and political sectors. Since the initial trip, delegations of Japanese American leaders from throughout the United States have visited Japan every year since 2002 and now number 136 participants.

Participants in this program have created an alumni network to ensure that the commitment to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations is maintained. The first national reunion/conference for alumni was held in 2007 in Honolulu and a second national reunion/summit was held in San Francisco in July 2009. A commitment to follow-up after the trip is a required part of the program.

2012 SCHEDULE

• The trip to Japan will be March 2-10, 2012
• Orientation – January 20-21, 2012 in Los Angeles – This is mandatory for all delegates that will travel to Japan. Non-participation in the orientation will disqualify an individual from traveling with the delegation.
• The itinerary will include travel to Tokyo and Sendai.
• Transportation, hotel and meals will be provided.
• Delegates are required to attend all meetings and events during the trip.

As a rule, delegates are not permitted to extend their stay. In exceptional cases, however, they may extend their stays by up to five nights at the conclusion of the official program at their own expense and at the approval of MOFA and CGP. Requests will be considered only if the extension supports the general goals of the program. As a rule, spouses and family members are not permitted to accompany delegates during the official trip.

CRITERIA & SELECTION OF THE 2012 DELEGATION

For the 2012 delegation, members will be comprised of senior leaders and executives with moderate to extensive experience in U.S.-Japan relations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will approve the final ten Japanese American leaders for the 2012 delegation. Decisions will be based upon recommendations from the local Japanese consulates and Japanese embassy and recommendations from an advisory committee comprised of selected former delegates. The 2012 delegation will include leaders who have a demonstrated interest and commitment to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations, have interest or experience in the Japanese American community, and will be committed to future efforts to strengthen linkages between the United States and Japan. Selection for the 2012 delegation will give greater consideration to individuals with extensive experience in the following sectors:

• High technology, clean & green technology, biotechnology and energy
• Business entrepreneurs
• Senior leaders in education with experience in developing and strengthening collaborations in the areas of language programs, transportation, NGO/NPO partnerships, legislative exchanges, women in leadership, or technology.

• Successful and senior leadership in one’s profession
• High level of interest or experience in U.S.-Japan relations
• Commitment to strengthening U.S. -Japanese relations in the future
• Interest in expanding the role of Japanese Americans in U.S.-Japan relations

In making the final recommendations for the delegation, criteria will also include:

• Regional distribution of the delegates
• Professional distribution among the delegates
• Gender balance among the delegation
• In principle, delegates should be 40 to 60 years of age to enable them longer term opportunities to build U.S.-Japan relations in their respective professional and community activities. In reflecting the goals of the program, priority will be given to sansei, yonsei and gosei, including Japanese Americans of multi-racial background.
• Diversity of individuals with moderate to extensive experience in Japan. Those who were previously invited to Japan by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the same program will not be eligible for consideration.

Notwithstanding, candidates who do not meet all of the above criteria may still be considered if they demonstrate extraordinary qualifications.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS/NOMINATIONS
Deadline for receipt of applications: November 29, 2011

Application should be submitted by email, fax, or mail to the local consulate office based upon the applicant’s residence (see attached for list (PDF) of consulate offices). For residents of Washington, D.C., applications should be submitted to the Embassy of Japan. A duplicate copy should also be sent to the U.S.-Japan Council office by email to Bryan Takeda, Director of Programs at btakeda@usjapancouncil.org. Please note “Application for the Japanese American Leadership Delegation” on the front of the envelope if you mail the application.

Download the application form here (PDF)

INFORMATION

OVERVIEW OF SPONSOR

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan is one of the eleven ministries of the Government of Japan’s Executive Branch, the Prime Minister’s Cabinet. The Ministry oversees a network of embassies and consulates throughout the world, managing Japan’s foreign relations. The North American Affairs Bureau sponsors a number of programs which facilitate the strengthening of Japan-U.S. relations, with the First North America Division overseeing Japanese American affairs.