Professional Background

For 38 years, Ralph was actively involved in significant Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) related business development projects such as the Japan–U.S. Biotechnology Initiative, which has sent more than 500 representatives from North American life sciences companies, universities, and research institutes to Japan. Ralph had direct JETRO leadership responsibilities in working with numerous Midwest state governors, local government leaders and their economic development professionals in assisting them how to support and develop relationships with Japanese companies. In his five years serving as Chief Executive Director of JETRO Chicago (2017 - 2022), Ralph oversaw JETRO’s activities designed to facilitate trade and investment between Japan and 12 Midwest states served by JETRO Chicago. He was the first foreign person to be appointed to the leadership role of a JETRO office.

Education

Ralph studied at The University of Chicago. His professional Japan focused education was serving as the deputy to; Washio Tomoharu, former Executive Vice President of JETRO and; as deputy to Shindo Tatsuhiro, Executive Vice President, JETRO and former Japan Ambassador to Uruguay.

Connection to the JASWI Mission

In August 2022, Ralph received Japan's Foreign Minister's Commendation for his promotion of economic relations between Japan and the United States. In April 2023, Ralph was made a recipient of the Government of Japan’s, The Order of the Rising Sun with Gold and Silver Rays.

Personal Interests

Ralph is a disciple of Ohno Taiichi's Ten Principles of work and a practitioner of the teachings of agricultural philosopher Ninomiya Sontoku's Hotoku mindset (repaying virtue). He is also a student of film director Ozu Yasujiro, especially the art of Ozu's scenes depicting Japanese family dynamics.  Ralph's future interest is to experience the six gardens of the Adachi Museum of Art in Yasugi, Shimane Prefecture to closely observe their master gardeners at work.

Fun Fact

With the spirit of Hotoku, Ralph is a keen enthusiast for growing perfect Japanese vegetables like Komatsuna, Shishito, P-Man, Shiso (Red and Green), and Mizuna.  To enhance the umami of his homegrown shishito peppers, he gently grills them with some Kikkoman soy sauce for the perfect flavor.