Day 1: Sat, Oct. 4, 2025
Departure to Osaka
Depart from U.S. to Osaka (Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka Itami Airport (ITM))
Japan-United States Leadership Summit
AI & Smart Cities for a SustAInable World
A Multi-City Subnational Diplomacy Conference for leaders and innovators from the U.S. and Japan — spanning government, business, and design
AI & Smart Cities for a SustAInable World
The Japan–United States Sister City Association (JUSSCA), in collaboration with California Sister Cities, the Prefectural Government of Yamanashi and the United Nations University (UNU), proudly announces the 2025 Japan–United States Leadership Summit.
This historic event, themed AI & Smart Cities for a SustAInable World, will bring together a delegation of distinguished leaders and innovators from the U.S. and Japan — spanning government, business, and design — from October 4-11, 2025.
The summit spans three key locations in Japan—Osaka, Yamanashi, and Tokyo:
Summit + World Expo (Oct. 4–11):
- Expo 2025 in Osaka
- Fuji-U.S. Leaders Summit in Yamanashi Prefecture
- Japan–United States Leadership Summit at United Nations University in Tokyo
Japan-United States Leadership Summit
AI & Smart Cities for a SustAInable World
Osaka
Oct 6
Osaka
Leaders will attend Expo 2025 Osaka, exploring cutting-edge innovations, global exhibitions, and solutions, focused on clean energy, sustainable urban development, and AI-driven advancements.
Evening party at the residence of U.S. Consul General Jason Cubas
Yamanashi
Oct 7-8
Yamanashi
The Fuji-U.S. Leaders Summit at Fuji Five Lakes will feature panel discussions on urban sustainability, led by distinguished leaders and innovators from the U.S. and Japan — spanning government, business, and design.
Learn about Japan’s clean initiatives through Yamanashi’s Green Hydrogen Plant Presentation.
Tokyo
Oct 9-10
Tokyo
The Oct. 9 and 10 Japan-United States Leadership Summit 2025 at United Nations University will bring together distinguished leaders and innovators from U.S. and Japan — spanning government, business, and design to make presentations & exchange ideas on artificial intelligence and urban innovation.
Keynote Presentations by United Nations University Rector Dr. Tshilidzi Marwala (10/10) and world-acclaimed architects Shigeru Ban (10/9) & Paul Tange (10/10).
Japan-United States Leadership Tour
6 Night Tour
Depart U.S. for Osaka on Saturday, Oct. 4, arriving on Sunday, Oct. 5.
Depart Tokyo on Saturday, Oct. 11, arriving in U.S. on the same day, Saturday, Oct. 11.
8 Night Tour
Make use of Columbus Day and extend your tour by spending up to 9 days and 8 nights in Japan while being out of the office for only 5 days
Depart U.S. for Osaka on Saturday, Oct. 4, arriving on Sunday, Oct. 5
Depart Tokyo for U.S. on Monday, October 13, arriving in U.S. on the same day, Monday, Oct. 13 (Columbus Day)
Depart U.S. for Osaka on Saturday, Oct. 4, arriving on Sunday, Oct. 5
Depart Tokyo for U.S. on Monday, October 13, arriving in U.S. on the same day, Monday, Oct. 13 (Columbus Day)
Hosts, speakers, venues & agenda subject to change
Our Schedule
Day 3:
Mon. Oct. 6, 2025
Expo 2025 Osaka
A Warm Welcome from Osaka’s Dignitaries
Embark on a guided journey through the World Expo:
Experience groundbreaking innovations and captivating exhibitions from around the globe.
Host: U.S. Consul General Jason R. Cubas
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The World Expo (sometimes referred to as the world's fair) is being held in Osaka, Kansai, Japan from April 13 to October 13, 2025 at Yumeshima Island and is projected to welcome 28.2 million visitors.
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The theme of this exposition is "Designing Future Society for Our Lives" with subthemes of "Saving Lives," "Empowering Lives," and "Connecting Lives.”
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The World Expo is an international exhibition held every 5 years where nations showcase their latest and best inventions and innovations across a wide range of industries, including but not limited to technology and architecture.
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Technologies famously introduced at previous world's fairs include the elevator, the telephone, electric cars, and more.
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The official goals of EXPO 2025 are:
- To contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Achievement of Japan’s national Australia Pavilion strategy Society 5.0
- To contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Day 4:
Tues. Oct. 7, 2025
Yamanashi
Travel to Shizuoka by bullet train and then to Yamanashi by chartered bus
- Visit Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum Luncheon
- Dinner: Dinner near Fuji Five Lakes with Shizuoka Governor Yasutomo Suzuki and Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki
Yasutomo Suzuki
Shizuoka Governor
Yasutomo Suzuki
Day 5:
Wed. Oct. 8, 2025
Fuji -U.S. Leaders Summit
Yamanashi
Location: Highland Resort Hotel
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Theme: "My City, My Town"
- Panel Discussions: The Governor, together with distinguished leaders and innovators from the U.S. and Japan — spanning government, business, and design — to discuss urban challenges.
- Video Presentations: Leaders & innovators make 5-minute video presentations on initiatives
- Green Hydrogen Plant Presentation: Fuji Hydrogen Valley Research Institute at the Komekurayama Green Hydrogen Facility
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji
- Lunch & dinner
Governor
Kotaro Nagasaki
Day 6:
Thurs. Oct. 9, 2025
Tokyo
Bus to Tokyo
12:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Lunch
- Tokyo snapshot city tour
- 2:00 pm Japan-US Leadership Summit Opening at United Nations University
- 6:00 pm Welcome reception at United Nations University
Day 6:
Keynote Speaker: Pritzer Architecture Prize Laureate Shigeru Ban
Thurs. Oct. 9, 2025
Shigeru Ban is a Japanese architect who graduated from Cooper Union in 1984. As a child, he demonstrated a strong interest in architectural poetics, which influenced all of his later works. He has designed a number of iconic buildings, including the Cardboard Cathedral in Christchurch, New Zealand, and the Aspen Art Museum in the U.S. He is well known for his work in paper and cardboard architecture and also assists many humanitarian relief efforts across the globe.
In 2022, the Voluntary Architects’ Network (VAN) and Shigeru Ban Architects provided the Paper Partition System (PPS) for shelters for the increasing number of refugees staying in neighboring countries of Ukraine. This system has been used in numerous evacuation centers in Japanese regions hit by disasters, such as the Great East Japan Earthquake (2011), the Kumamoto Earthquake (2016), the Hokkaido Earthquake (2018), and the torrential rains in southern Kyushu (2020).
In 2014, he received the Pritzker Architecture Prize for his work. The Blue Ocean Dome Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka was designed by Shigeru Ban, with one of the three domes constructed entirely from laminated bamboo, another being the world’s first architectural dome made entirely from carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and the third from recyclable paper tubes.
Architect Shigeru Ban
The Tokyo Toilet
Aspen Art Museum (Aspen, CO, USA)
The Cardboard Cathredral (Christchurch, NZ)
Centre Pompidou Metz (Paris, France)
Blue Ocean Dome at the Expo 2025 Osaka
Day 6:
Thurs. Oct. 9, 2025
Former Minister for Digital Transformation Taro Kono
- Former Minister for Digital Transformation
- Former Minister for Foreign Affairs
- Former Minister of Defense
- Former Minister in charge of Digital Administrative and Fiscal Reform
- Former Minister in charge of Digital Garden City Nation Vision
- Former Minister in charge of Administrative Reform
- Former Minister in charge of Civil Service Reform
- Former Minister of State for Regulatory Reform
- Former Minister for Digital Reform
- Former Minister for Consumer Affairs and Food Safety
- Former Minister in charge of COVID-19 Vaccine Roll-out
- Former Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs
- Former Minister of State for Disaster Management
- Former Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee, the House of Representatives
- Former State Minister of Justice
- Former Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications
Reception Keynote Speaker: Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae
- Former Japan Ambassador to the United States
- CULCON (U.S.-Japan Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange) Chair
- The Japan Institute of International Affairs President
- Former Executive Assistant to the Prime Minister
- Former Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs
- University of Tokyo graduate
Day 7:
Fri. Oct. 10, 2025
Tokyo
Location: United Nations University (UNU), Tokyo
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Presentations & panel discussions with distinguished leaders and innovators from the U.S. and Japan — spanning government, business, and design
- The Japan-United States Leadership Summit will take place at United Nations University (UNU) near Omotesando and Shibuya Stations in Tokyo. UNU is a global think tank and postgraduate research institution that focuses on critical global challenges such as sustainability, peace, and development. As the academic arm of the UN, UNU is headquartered in Tokyo and operates 13 institutes across 12 countries, fostering international collaboration and policy innovation.
- Minami Aoyama is a stylish and sophisticated district, known for its upscale boutiques, contemporary art galleries, and trendy cafes. Omotesando features iconic architecture, luxury shopping, and fine dining. This dynamic setting United Nations University provides an inspiring backdrop for the summit.
United Nations University
Day 7:
Fri. Oct. 10, 2025
Japan-United States Leadership Summit
Location: United Nations University (UNU), Tokyo
Host: UNU Rector Dr. Tshilidzi Marwala
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM:
- Opening Plenary: UNU RectorDr. Tshilidzi Marwala (Tentative Topic: The Role of AI in Sustainable Cities)
- Keynote Speakers: World-renowned architects Shigeru Ban and Paul Tange
- Tribute to Sustainable Architect: Kisho Kurokawa
- County & city Initiatives: Featuring presentations by county & city representatives from California & Japan.
- Sayonara reception at U.S. Ambassador’s residence or UNU (TBA)
Host: United Nations University Rector
Dr. Tshilidzi Marwala
Day 7:
Fri. Oct. 10, 2025
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike
- Tokyo's First Female Governor: Elected Governor in 2016 and re-elected in 2020 and 2024
- Former House of Representatives Committee on Budget Director
- Former Liberal Democratic Party General Council Chairperson
- Former Minister of Defense
- Former Special Advisor to the Prime Minister for National Security Affairs
- Former Minister of the Environment and Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs
- Former Minister of the Environment
- Cairo University BA in Sociology
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike
Day 7:
Fri. Oct. 10, 2025
Keynote Speaker: Award-winning architect Paul Tange
Award-winning architect Paul Noritaka Tange graduated from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design in 1985. As the son of Kenzo Tange—one of the most world-renowned architects of the 20th century—Paul was exposed to architecture and design from a very young age. He developed his father’s passion for architecture and joined Kenzo Tange Associates, his father’s firm, where he later became president in 1997.
He has since founded his own architectural firm, Tange Associates, and risen to international prominence, designing buildings across Asia and the United States, including the Tokyo Aquatics Center for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
His father, Kenzo Tange, designed many of Tokyo’s most iconic buildings, including Tocho (the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building) and the United Nations University building.
Day 7:
Fri. Oct. 10, 2025
Tribute
Award-Winning Architect Dr. Kisho Kurokawa (1934-2007)
Dr. Kisho Kurokawa (1934–2007) was a globally acclaimed architect, humanitarian, and environmentalist. The Japanese architect, who was a student of Kenzo Tange, led the “Metabolism Movement” and made his world debut in 1960. At age 26, he advocated a shift from the “machine principle” to the “life principle” in his literary work and architectural designs, focusing on themes such as ecology, recycling, and intermediate space. His theory of “Symbiosis” became globally renowned through his book, Each One A Hero: The Philosophy of Symbiosis.
He designed three pavilions at Osaka’s futuristic World Expo 1970: the Capsule House Theme Pavilion, the Takara Beautilion Pavilion, and the Toshiba-IHI Pavilion. His major works can be found throughout the world, including the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia, the National Art Center in Tokyo’s posh Roppongi district, the new wing of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Toyota Stadium built for the 2002 World Cup, the Astana Master Plan for the New Capital of Kazakhstan, and the Eco-Media City Project Plan for Zhengzhou City, China.
In addition to his work in architecture, Dr. Kurokawa sat on numerous governmental advisory boards in Japan, China, and Kazakhstan.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport Malaysia
The National Art Center, Tokyo, Japan
New Wing of the Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam, Netherlands
Nakagin Capsule Tower, Tokyo, Japan
Day 8:
Sat. Oct. 11, 2025
Return to U.S. on the evening of Sat. Oct. 11. Arrive in U.S. the same day, Oct. 11, in the morning or early afternoon.
Designed by Architect Kisho Kurokawa
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Program Purpose and Impact
The Japan–United States Leadership Summit will bring together mayors, city council members, county supervisors, city planners and designers to explore smart city innovation, architectural design, and sustainability strategies. Through visiting the international pavilions at the Expo 2025 Osaka, and presentations and exchanges with Japanese leaders at the Fuji-U.S. Leaders Summit in Yamanashi Prefecture and at the Japan-United States Leadership Summit at United Nations University in Tokyo, participants will learn proven approaches to pressing urban challenges: community safety, housing, transportation, and climate resilience. The impact will be both immediate and exponential: participating mayors will return with actionable strategies for their own communities while also contributing to a long-term platform for systemic change. The Summit model is designed to be replicable, with annual exchanges rotating between Japan and the United States.
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Diversity and Population Served
This initiative strengthens leadership across diverse California municipalities—large and small, urban and suburban, coastal and inland. We are committed to ensuring that communities historically underrepresented in international diplomacy have a seat at the table. By expanding mayoral participation, we enable a broader cross-section of California’s population to benefit from the knowledge and partnerships gained.
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Sustainability
This year marks the launch of a recurring program. Future Summits will rotate locations and leverage partnerships with governments, nonprofits, and private institutions in both countries. We are building new sister city relationships through these exchanges, and those programs will carry on the efforts.
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Innovation
This Summit introduces a new practice in subnational diplomacy: integrating smart city solutions, cross-cultural exchange, and civic leadership training into one cohesive program. It is an innovative platform that bridges government, business, and academia to foster solutions that are replicable across California and the U.S.
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Partnerships
The Summit is built on collaboration: Sister Cities International’s SoCal Chapter, JUSSCA, California Sister Cities, U.S. municipalities, U.S. Consulate in Osaka, Japanese prefectures, and United Nations University. These partnerships ensure broad impact and meaningful, ongoing engagement.
Fees
- $2,775 total cost + airfare per person for delegates traveling alone in single occupancy hotel rooms ($1,200 conference registration, includes meals & local transportation + $1,575 hotel & bullet train package)
- $2,259 total cost + airfare per person for delegates traveling with a guest and sharing a double occupancy room ($1,200 conference registration, includes meals & local transportation + $1,059 hotel & bullet train package)
- Please see the hotel and conference registration fee details below
Hotels
OSAKA
Candeo Hotels Osaka The Tower
This Guinness World Record-holding hotel (highest open-air infinity-edge public bath) offers panoramic city views, modern rooms & luxury amenities.
Osaka Airport to Hotel: Purchase Airport Limousine Bus tickets at the Airport Limousine bus counter.
Check in Sun. Oct. 5
Check out Tues. Oct. 7
YAMANASHI
Highland Resort Hotel
Sponsored by Yamanashi Prefecture Governor
The Japan-U.S. Leaders Summit will be held here. Rooms with a magnificent view of Mt. Fuji or the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park available.
Check out of hotel and depart hotel as a group by bus to Tokyo.
Check in Tues. Oct. 7
Check out Thurs. Oct. 9
TOKYO
Hotel New Otani Tokyo
The New Otani
Enjoy the expansive 400-year-old Japanese garden, elegant rooms, and central location in the heart of Tokyo.
Offers convenient subway to United Nations University.
Check in Thurs. Oct. 9
Check out Sat. Oct. 11
Accommodation Subsidy:
The Yamanashi Prefectural Government is providing a subsidy to cover the 2-night stay at the Highland Resort Hotel & Spa in Yamanashi on Oct. 7 and 8, 2025. This will help to reduce the total hotel expenses to $1,450 for the 6 nights, inclusive of breakfast, service fee, and tax, making the hotel average for 6 nights $242 per person per night.
Hotel & Bullet Train Package Fees
Single Occupancy Package: $1,575 per person ($125 bullet train + $1,450 hotel) ($1450 ÷ 6 nights = Hotel Average $242 per person per night)
Double Occupancy Package: $1,059 per person ($125 bullet train + $934 hotel) ($934 ÷ 6 nights = Hotel Average $156 per person per night)
*Includes breakfast, service fee & tax
Includes:
10/5 & 10/6 Candeo Hotels Osaka The Tower: Deluxe King (Single Occupancy) or Deluxe Twin (Double Occupancy)
10/7 Hikari Shinkansen (High-Speed Bullet Train) from Shin-Osaka Station to Shizuoka Station (Green Car Reserved Seat)
10/7 & 10/8 Highland Resort Hotel & Spa (Provided by Yamanashi Prefectural Government)
10/9 & 10/10 Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower Standard King (Single Occupancy) or Standard Double (Double Occupancy)
Tour & Conference Fees
A multi-city subnational diplomacy conference, beginning with the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, going to Yamanashi Prefecture, and ending in Tokyo at the United Nations University.
Oct. 4 – Oct. 11, 2025: Japan-United States Leadership Tour (Summit + Expo 2025 Osaka)
- $2,775 total cost + airfare per person for delegates traveling alone in single occupancy hotel rooms ($1,200 conference registration, includes meals & local transportation + $1,575 hotel & bullet train package)
- $2,259 total cost + airfare per person for delegates traveling with a guest and sharing a double occupancy room ($1,200 conference registration, includes meals & local transportation + $1,059 hotel & bullet train package)
- Please see the hotel and conference registration fee details below
- Registration Fees: $1,200 tour & conference fee. Includes 1 ticket to World Expo, attendance at receptions, local transportation, and all meals (lunch & dinner on each day, with the exception of 10/6 lunch on your own at the World Expo. Note: breakfast is included with the tour’s hotels). (Hotel, airfare & the following local transportation not included. Participants will be responsible to pay $125 for the bullet train, (Hikari Shinkansen), to be paid to IACE Travel at booking, and airport transfer fees, approximately $25 each way by Airport Limousine bus, to be paid at the airport Airport Limousine Counter upon arrival in Osaka, and at the hotel in Tokyo, where you can purchase your Airport Limousine ticket upon arrival. Note: an Airport Limousine is actually a bus/coach that takes you and your luggage directly between the airport and hotel in both directions. )
- Registration Deadline: September 25, 2025 or until full
- Book your air ticket soon before prices increase and hotels sell out. Fly into Osaka (Kansai International Airport/KIX) or Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) and out of Haneda (Tokyo International Airport/HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT)
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All hotel, air, and bullet train reservations should be made through the tour’s official Travel Agent, IACE Travel:
IACE TRAVEL
Mr. Toma Aoyama
International Dept. Asia Div. (VAZ)
E-mail: taoyama@iace-usa.com
Tel: 1-310-533-6450
Web: https://www.iace-asia.com
Office Hours 9:00 am - 5:00 pm PST Monday - Friday
(excluding National Holidays) - Please note: The $1,200 tour registration fee is non-refundable after September 6, 2025
Official Travel Agent
Please make all hotel, air, and bullet train reservations through the tour’s official Travel Agent, IACE Travel.
IACE TRAVELMr. Toma Aoyama
International Dept. Asia Div. (VAZ)
E-mail: taoyama@iace-usa.com
Tel: 1-310-533-6450
Web: https://www.iace-asia.com
Office Hours 9:00 am - 5:00 pm PST Monday - Friday (excluding National Holidays)
Presentations atUnited Nations University
Thurs. Oct 9 Presentations
- 2:00 pm Japan-US Leadership Summit Keynote Speaker World-Acclaimed Architect Shigeru Ban
- 3:00 pm Delegate presentations
- Speakers will be granted a total of 7.5 minutes of presentation and Q&A time at the podium in the United Nations University Elizabeth Rose Conference Hall
- There will be 5 groups of presentations based on the following topics. Participants may choose from one of the 5 topics below on which to speak:
- What successful initiatives has your community incorporated that you believe have enhanced the lives of residents? From your perspective, what were some of the factors that made it successful, and how did they come about? In what areas are you looking to make improvements?
- What are some of the most effective ways for community leaders to bring people with differing opinions together in order to arrive at mutually agreeable solutions?
- How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) be used effectively and responsibly in towns, cities, and counties to improve efficiency and standards of living, especially as they relate to the unhoused, safety, and lifestyle of communities?
- Introduce a design challenge and solution for 21st-century cities
- Introduce an innovative solution for the 21st century.
- 5:00 pm: Former Japan Minister for Foreign Affairs & Minister of Digital Transformation Taro Kono
Fri. Oct 10 Presentations
- 10:30 am Japan-US Leadership Summit Welcome from United Nations University Rector Dr. Tshlidzi Marwala, JUSSCA Representative & U.S.-Japan Foundation Representative
- 10:50 am Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike (Tentative)
- 11:15 pm Keynote Speaker: World-renowned architect Paul Tange
- 12:15 pm Tribute to Sustainable Architect: Kisho Kurokawa
- Dial Service CEO Yuri Konno
- Kisho Kurokawa son, Mikio Kurokawa
- 12:30 pm Lunch
- 2:00 pm Opening Plenary: UNU Rector Dr. Tshilidzi Marwala (Tentative Topic: The Role of AI in Sustainable Cities)
- 2:45 pm US-Japan Leadership Program Representative
- 3:00 pm County & city initiatives:
- Each delegate makes a 7-minute presentation introducing their city or county, including audio/visual presentations and Q&A
- 4:30 pm TBA
- 5:00 pm Sayonara Reception
Leadership
- Ambassador Shigeo Yamada, Honorary Co-Chair of JUSSCA, is the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and a former Director-General of the Comprehensive Foreign Policy Bureau.
- Vacant, Honorary Co-Chair of JUSSCA
- Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki, Honorary Vice Chair, previously served as Japanese Ambassador to the U.S. and now leads the Yasuhiro Nakasone World Peace Institute.
- Shin Koyamada, JUSSCA Chairman, is founder of the Koyamada International Foundation, actor from The Last Samurai and a global leader in nonprofit initiatives.
- Anthony Al-Jamie, JUSSCA President is also Chair of California Sister Cities and President of Sister Cities International SoCal Chapter
- Ambassador James P. Zumwalt, Vice Chair, is a former senior U.S. diplomat to Japan and recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun.
- General Ichiro Bansho, Vice Chair, brings senior defense and security expertise from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces.
- Ambassador Haruhisa Takeuchi is former Ambassador of Japan to Singapore & Israel
- House of Representatives Ichiro Aisawa is former Chairman of several Standing Committees of the House of Representatives
- Karen Kelley is former U.S. Consul General in Osaka/Kobe
- Doug Erber is former President of the Japan America Society of Southern California and a recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays
- David Bracey, JUSSCA Executive Director, is Secretary of California Sister Cities and Treasurer of Sister Cities International SoCal Chapter
- Rika Kawahara, JUSSCA Deputy Executive Director
Past Members:
- Ambassador Rahm Emmanuel, Past Honorary Co-Chair of JUSSCA is the former U.S. Ambassador to Japan and the 23rd Chief of Staff to the President of the United States
Frequently Asked Questions
Expo 2025 Osaka
Schedule
Food
Travel
