Nikkei NextGen: Networking in SF Japantown
2024/11/27
Consul General Osumi welcomes participants
Mr. Furushiro introduces JCCNC’s activities
On Friday, November 22, the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco, in partnership with the Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC), the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC), and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC) held a networking event for young collegiate and professional Japanese Americans, Japanese, and friends of Japan in San Francisco Japantown.
Consul General Yo Osumi welcomed participants and expressed his hope that this chance for the next generation would create new opportunities for exchange between Japan and the United States, and for Japantown. Other speakers included JCCNC Vice President Mr. Kenji Furushiro, who spoke on JCCNC’s activities in Northern California, giving examples of the organization’s community involvement; Otsuka America, Inc. Vice President Mr. Motoyuki Sakiyama, who explained how Otsuka is bringing over Japanese products to the United States, including popular beverage Pocari Sweat, ending his remarks with a word of encouragement to the audience; and the 2022 Northern California Cherry Blossom Queen Ms. Stephanie Doi, who shared how her positive experiences in San Francisco Japantown organizations and programs have brought her closer to her Japanese heritage and the Japantown community.
Following the speaking program, participants broke out into small groups to discuss their relationship with Japan and Japantown, sharing their own experiences and ideas. Participants looked back at how Japan was part of their upbringing and looked towards the future, envisioning their relations with Japan going forward.
In total over 60 young professionals as well as graduate/undergraduate students representing over 15 organizations attended the event. Beverages were generously provided by Otsuka America, Inc. and ITO EN (North America) INC.
We are grateful to all of the partners, speakers, supporters and especially participants who made this event a great success.
Consul General Yo Osumi welcomed participants and expressed his hope that this chance for the next generation would create new opportunities for exchange between Japan and the United States, and for Japantown. Other speakers included JCCNC Vice President Mr. Kenji Furushiro, who spoke on JCCNC’s activities in Northern California, giving examples of the organization’s community involvement; Otsuka America, Inc. Vice President Mr. Motoyuki Sakiyama, who explained how Otsuka is bringing over Japanese products to the United States, including popular beverage Pocari Sweat, ending his remarks with a word of encouragement to the audience; and the 2022 Northern California Cherry Blossom Queen Ms. Stephanie Doi, who shared how her positive experiences in San Francisco Japantown organizations and programs have brought her closer to her Japanese heritage and the Japantown community.
Following the speaking program, participants broke out into small groups to discuss their relationship with Japan and Japantown, sharing their own experiences and ideas. Participants looked back at how Japan was part of their upbringing and looked towards the future, envisioning their relations with Japan going forward.
In total over 60 young professionals as well as graduate/undergraduate students representing over 15 organizations attended the event. Beverages were generously provided by Otsuka America, Inc. and ITO EN (North America) INC.
We are grateful to all of the partners, speakers, supporters and especially participants who made this event a great success.
Mr. Sakiyama speaks about Otsuka America, Inc.
Ms. Doi shares her experiences in San Francisco Japantown
Small group discussions
Participants share their thoughts
Food and drink from the evening
Group Photo
