Fresh Perspectives
ACCJ Governor Connor Myers shares his journey to becoming the chamber’s youngest current board member.
When the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) held its election last November, Connor Myers, a member of the Young Professionals Forum (YPF), became the youngest current member of the Board of Governors. The ACCJ Journal spoke with Myers about the real-life lessons he has learned by participating in ACCJ events and running for the chamber’s governing body.
How did you become involved in the ACCJ?
I was introduced to the ACCJ in 2015 while interning at the US Embassy, Tokyo. I had the opportunity to support embassy officials at ACCJ events, assisting with tasks such as note-taking and logistics. Later, in 2019, after transitioning to a US tech company, I joined the ACCJ. I became increasingly involved through committee activities, event organization, and engaging with advocacy efforts, and in 2023 was invited to serve as a vice-chair of the Digital Transformation Committee.
What led you to run for governor?
My decision was prompted by a conversation with a member of the Nominations Committee. Before that, I honestly wasn’t sure that my qualifications were good enough and hadn’t fully considered myself for the role. But their confidence in my potential, combined with a clearer understanding of the board’s responsibilities, convinced me to give it a shot. I saw it as a chance to contribute more directly to the ACCJ’s direction, collaborate with respected leaders, and gain valuable experience.
How does the board empower young professionals?
I feel that the board views young professionals as an essential part of the chamber and the future of the US business community in Japan. Without their contributions, committees would lack the diverse viewpoints needed for innovative problem-solving, so the board places great value on their diverse perspectives and the significant energy they bring to committee work and chamber initiatives.
It’s important to provide young professionals with growth opportunities to develop into leaders. To do this, the board has approved a special individual membership rate for those under 30 and is engaged in connecting young professionals with mentors.
Do you have a memorable moment from an ACCJ event?
My most memorable moment was when I organized and moderated an event about facilitating the digital transformation efforts of the Japanese police. With the help of the US Embassy, we brought together representatives from the National Police Agency (NPA), who were interested in exploring technological solutions, to talk to ACCJ members from companies offering relevant products, services, and insights.
Based on member input, I developed a presentation that included recommendations for the NPA and case studies demonstrating the successful implementation of digital transformation for US law enforcement. I gave the presentation in both English and Japanese, as if I was doing consecutive interpretation of myself.
What do you hope to achieve as a governor?
One of my goals is to make it easier for young professionals and small company members to participate in ACCJ activities. I’d like to look closely at guidance for new members to see if there are ways to reduce friction that may be preventing participation to ensure that members get the most out of their membership.
I think the YPF will play a key role in achieving many of the board’s objectives. This year, the board is continuing its work on refining committee structures to encourage broader participation and enhance the effectiveness of our advocacy. The active involvement and innovative ideas of young professionals are crucial for the success of these efforts.
