Leading the Way
The ACCJ recognizes exceptional contributions for 2022 from across its three chapters
Each year, the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) honors members who have shown extraordinary dedication. On December 20, recipients were recognized in person for the first time since 2019 at a special Leadership Forum networking event, chaired by ACCJ Governor John W. Carlson III, at The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon.
“ACCJ leaders set the bar high, but are incredibly generous about sharing their knowledge and experience, and I have benefited so much from being a part of this community,” Leader of the Year Anne Smith told The ACCJ Journal. “To be recognized and to have my name officially added to the history of the ACCJ in this way is a career highlight.”
Steven Brown, who created the Ten Points on Business Dinner Series, said being named Leader of the Year for Chubu was “a great honor and quite a surprise.” He added that the most challenging part of the year was overcoming the long hiatus from in-person events forced upon the chamber by Covid-19. “In truth, I was a bit nervous about whether the presentations would be a success, but the speakers have been excellent—both entertaining and informative.”
Kansai Volunteer of the Year Naomi Iwasaki said the award was “like receiving a Christmas present. But I know I am receiving this representing the D&I Committee. Without their love and support, I would not be here today.”
Taking on the emcee role at the D&I Summit and Leadership Series “was exciting and challenging,” she explained.
The ACCJ also honored Ritchell Madikaegbu with a Special Recognition Award for her work as liaison from the US Embassy, Tokyo. Her valuable updates on women’s empowerment and leadership development initiatives—along with spearheading opportunities to connect and share best practices with other organizations supporting the committee’s shared goals—made a big difference in 2022.
“I am truly happy about the honor, and it is a reminder of the importance of the US Embassy–ACCJ partnership,” she said. “I look forward to doing my part to advance US Embassy and ACCJ priorities in Japan in 2023.”
Anne Smith
Dual roles led to Leader of the Year honors for Anne Smith, whose tireless work as vice-chair of both the Government Relations and Healthcare Committees has elevated the ACCJ’s relationships with US and Japanese government partners. She is the face of the Government Relations Committee, setting meeting agendas and running committee-hosted events, and she spearheaded several defining events of the year, including the welcome luncheon with US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, attended by more than 160 members and guests. And her work with the Healthcare Committee resulted in meetings with top-level government and industry leaders. Smith’s passionate dedication serves as an inspiration to others and the ACCJ is grateful for her impactful contributions to the chamber’s position as the voice for global business in Japan.
Akimasa Kataoka (Kansai)
Recognized for his superb leadership as co-chair of the Kansai Membership Relations Committee (MRC), Akimasa Kataoka revitalized the MRC and was a driving force behind the committee’s first in-person event in more than two years. Thanks to his efforts, the committee now has a growing membership base and many new events underway, including a young professionals mentorship program. Kataoka’s energy and commitment have created new opportunities for members to participate and get involved in the Kansai Chapter.
Steve Brown (Chubu)
As a founding member of the Chubu Independent Business Committee (IBC), Steve Brown served as the committee’s first chair. He returned to IBC leadership this year, determined to reinvigorate the Chubu Chapter, and provided exceptional leadership as co-chair. He conceived of the Ten Points on Business Dinner Series, in which experienced business leaders shared key insights that led them to success and mistakes that have proved educational. Brown’s enthusiasm and tireless efforts made these monthly events a tremendous success, reengaging members and reestablishing the solid foundation of the Chubu community, and he continues to inspire leaders in the Chubu Chapter and throughout the chamber.
Takako Onoki
Contributing endless energy and expertise to the Competition Policy Committee, Takako Onoki has made invaluable contributions, proactively organizing new speaker events and coordinating advocacy initiatives. She swiftly marshals the committee’s views on public comment opportunities to ensure that the ACCJ has a strong voice on key industry issues. As the committee’s most active member for several years, Onoki is an integral part of the committee’s leadership. The chamber is grateful for her passion and continued dedication.
Naomi Iwasaki (Kansai)
It is for her proactive and enthusiastic support of the Kansai Diversity and Inclusion Committee that Naomi Iwasaki was named Volunteer of the Year. She was critical to the success of the D&I Summit Series, where she managed the Day 2 networking session and served as emcee on Day 3. She also collaborated directly with committee leaders and the speaker for one of the popular Leadership Series speaker sessions. Iwasaki provides an important perspective during committee meetings and is an indispensable asset to leaders and members alike. Her inclusive workstyle encourages others to further participate in realizing the committee’s goals and inspires inclusive business practices.
Rafael Dantas (Chubu)
The ACCJ expresses its deepest appreciation to Rafael Dantas for his outstanding efforts in support of the Chubu Aerospace and Manufacturing Committee (AMC). He organized the Chubu Chapter’s first in-person networking event since before the pandemic, secured a venue where adequate social distancing was possible, and planned activities to facilitate networking among the participants. Due to his ingenuity and initiative, this and a follow-up event were resounding successes, resulting in three new members joining the ACCJ Chubu Chapter. Dantas’s positive energy, superb ability to organize, and strong networking skills are an asset to the entire chamber.
