A New Chapter in Wisconsin-Japan Relations
JASWI Launch Event Highlights Opportunities for Collaboration
The Japan America Society of Wisconsin (JASWI) held a successful launch event on February 27, bringing together key business leaders and representatives from Japanese and American companies operating in Wisconsin. The event, hosted at the Consul General’s Official Residence in Evanston, IL, showcased JASWI’s commitment to fostering strong economic, educational and cultural ties between Wisconsin and Japan.
During the dinner, JASWI’s Executive Director Kerry Clark and Board Chair Andrew Seaborg presented the organization’s business plan and outlined proposed events and initiatives for the coming year and beyond. They emphasized the benefits of corporate membership, highlighting how JASWI aims to connect and support companies in the Japanese business community as well as help US-companies that want to enter or grow their business in the Japanese market.
The event featured an impressive guest list, including executives from companies such as Kikkoman Foods, Komatsu Mining Corporation, Toshiba America Energy Systems, Yaskawa America, Inc., IRIS USA and Exact Sciences Laboratories. Representatives from law firms Michael Best & Friedrich, Foley & Lardner LLP and Mayer Brown LLP were also present, along with leaders from organizations like the Wisconsin Technology Council, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) and JETRO Chicago.
Attendees engaged in meaningful discussions, exploring how JASWI can support their businesses, how to create more synergies in the US-Japan business community in Wisconsin, and what programs and benefits would be most valuable. This interactive dialogue provided valuable insights for JASWI to tailor its offerings to meet the needs of its members and the broader business community.
The presence of Consul-General Jun Yanagi and other representatives from the Consulate-General of Japan underscored the importance of this initiative in strengthening US-Japan relations. As JASWI moves forward, it is poised to play a crucial role in facilitating business connections, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding between Wisconsin and Japan.
