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The United States-Japan Foundation (USJF), in collaboration with the Los Angeles Dodgers, will host a special event and award ceremony on March 17, 2025, at North Hall, Keio University’s Mita Campus in Tokyo to four outstanding nonprofit organizations devoted to youth support in Japan.
The event is open to all, and we encourage everyone in the USJF network to join us.
As part of this initiative, USJF and the Dodgers will make awards to Churayui, Musubie, Vamos Together, and U.S.-Japan Council—each dedicated to supporting young people through sports and recreation. These grants mark a significant step in fostering greater U.S.-Japan cooperation in the nonprofit sector and underscore USJF’s ongoing commitment to strengthening civil society through strategic philanthropic partnerships through trans-Pacific cooperation.
This event will feature a special dialogue with Yayoi Sato, Director of Asia-Pacific Operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Kohei Itoh, President of Keio University and Vice Chair of the USJF Board of Trustees. Stan Kasten, President and CEO of the LA Dodgers, also has just joined the Board of Trustees. The discussion will explore how professional sports organizations and philanthropic institutions can collaborate to make a lasting social impact.
Event Details
Date & Time: Monday, March 17, 2025, 13:00–14:30 (Doors open at 12:30)
Venue: North Hall, Keio University Mita Campus
Address: 2-15-45 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Nearest Stations: Tamachi, Mita, Akabanebashi
Access Map: Keio University Mita Campus (Note: North Hall is #10 on the campus map)
Capacity: 230 people (First-come, first-served basis. No admissions after reaching capacity)
Language: Japanese, with some consecutive interpretation for English
Reservations: Please reserve from this form.
More Information: Please see Keio University’s announcement.
Event Outline
The ceremony will feature:
- Discussion and a Q&A session
Yayoi Sato, Director, Asia-Pacific Operations of Los Angeles Dodgers
Kohei Itoh, President of Keio University, Vice Chair of the United States-Japan Foundation - A short introduction of the USJF-supported new graduate program at Keio University
"NPO Human Resource Development Program" - USJF/Dodgers Award Ceremony of joint gift to four nonprofit organizations
Moderated by Tanaka Izumi, President of IZMiN Inc., former NHK announcer, journalist, and Keio alumna
Welcome Remarks by Yayoi Sato, Director, Asia-Pacific Operations of Los Angeles Dodgers
Address by Jacob Schlesinger, President/CEO of the United States-Japan Foundation
Presentations by each of the four grantees (3 minutes each)
For press registration, please see Keio University’s announcement.
The United States-Japan Foundation (USJF) is dedicated to strengthening ties between the U.S. and Japan through grantmaking, leadership programs, and cross-sector collaboration. USJF supports initiatives that foster innovation, education, and social impact across both nations. Learn more here.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a Major League Baseball franchise committed to excellence, both on and off the field. With a strong presence in Japan, the Dodgers have been leaders in international baseball diplomacy and community engagement. Learn more here.
