Heartfelt Thanks
Leading the chamber has been a rewarding experience.
On December 11, I wrapped my final signature event as ACCJ president. The spectacular evening—An Evening of Connection and Appreciation—was our year-end gala and a meaningful occasion to reflect on a year marked by notable achievements and shared progress. Focused on the theme of gratitude, the gathering offered a special opportunity to celebrate the collective efforts of our members, whose continued support is fundamental to advancing the chamber’s mission.
It has been an honor to serve as president for the past two years. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all our members and leaders who drive the chamber’s accomplishments. I had the privilege of sharing these successes during the State of the Chamber address, which I delivered at the ACCJ Ordinary General Meeting on October 27.
Year of Advocacy
We designated 2025 as a year of advocacy for the ACCJ. The United States and Japan have affirmed a new golden age of relations, underscored by the US–Japan Strategic Trade and Investment Agreement, concluded in July.
Our many meetings with US and Japanese government officials, legislators, and business leaders demonstrate the ACCJ’s role as a trusted resource for stakeholders on both sides of the Pacific.
I also just returned from a successful DC Doorknock. The meeting we had with policymakers in Washington during the first week of December reinforced the vital voice the ACCJ has on key issues impacting US–Japan relations.
The arrival of US Ambassador to Japan George Glass has been an incredibly positive addition to the US–Japan dialogue, and he has been a valuable partner and friend to the ACCJ.
In addition to An Evening of Connection and Appreciation, we hosted several other successful signature events in 2025, including welcoming more than 450 attendees to A Night of Stars and Stripes, our Fourth of July celebration. Special guests included Ambassador Glass and Ambassador William E. Grayson, commissioner general of the USA Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai and the ACCJ Person of the Year.
Voice across Japan
It’s also been an honor for me to connect with ACCJ members in Chubu and Kansai, and I thank our chapter leaders for their contributions.
During the time I spent at our Chubu Chapter, I attended the recent Champagne Ball and had meetings with Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura, Central Japan Economic Federation Chairman Satoru Katsuno, and Nagoya Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Tadashi Shimao.
In Kansai, I took part in the Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Summit and the impactful dialogues on the importance of agency and getting D&I back on track. And at Expo 2025, we held important events, including Empowering Well-being in the Workplace and Osaka to Orbit.
Across all chapters, we also renewed our focus on collaboration with other chambers of commerce, including through the popular Young Professional Speed Networking events and multinational mixers.
Throughout the year, the Board of Governors has focused on delivering exceptional member value, improving efficiency, and optimizing the ACCJ’s operations. These efforts led to the chamber reaching its highest number of Corporate Sustaining Members ever in December at 97.
The Path Ahead
We have achieved a great deal during this year of transformation. Thank you again to my fellow board members, leaders, and members for your dedication, energy, and support in contributing to the chamber and advancing the strong US–Japan alliance.
I’m honored to hand over the reins to incoming ACCJ President Eric John, and I congratulate him and all the new board members. I look forward to seeing the chamber continue to evolve, innovate, and thrive under their leadership.
I wish you all a joyful and prosperous New Year, and look forward to participating in the ACCJ’s continued growth.
