The 75th anniversary of the ACCJ is an important time to reflect on all we’ve accomplished, how far we’ve come, and how much more there is to achieve. As we find ourselves in a much more complex world the ACCJ must be agile and adapt if we are to continue serving our purpose and our members.

The May meeting of G7 leaders in Hiroshima has focused efforts across the ACCJ to ensure that our voice is heard—and the importance of the chamber reinforced—as Japan and the United States work to coordinate critical policies. Of particular importance are all matters digital.

The past few months have been an incredibly dynamic time for Japan and the chamber, as we have continued to be very active in its engagement with the US and Japanese governments through meetings with congressional delegates. Japan laid former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to rest, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on September 22 that Japan will fully reopen on October 11.

One of the greatest attractions of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) is our myriad activities and the vibrancy of our members. From networking to advocacy to information exchange, the ACCJ is not only the voice of global business in Japan, but a dynamic, rewarding community. The coronavirus pandemic challenged our ability to sustain our energy, but our members are resilient and resourceful. We not only adapted and maintained our inspiring event schedule and connections virtually, but we gained new skills along the way that now allow us to extend our reach and foster greater engagement as the way we interact continues to evolve.