Trust, Dialogue, and Connection: A Day-by-Day Journey Through USJLP Kyoto 2025

From July 27 to August 3, 2025, the United States–Japan Foundation convened the 26th US–Japan Leadership Program summer conference in Kyoto. With the Ace Hotel Kyoto as home base, the Class of 2025—42 Delegates (22 Americans and 20 Japanese)—immersed themselves in dialogue, cultural exchange, and community-building. This year’s Delegates reflected remarkable diversity: a fighter pilot and a mayor, artists and entrepreneurs, diplomats and policymakers, scholars and journalists, technologists and social innovators. Their backgrounds spanned government, business, academia, the arts, and social impact, united by a commitment to building trust and shaping the future of U.S.–Japan relations.

Midway through the week, the circle widened as 107 Fellows returned for Fellows Weekend, transforming the conference into a vibrant interclass homecoming. For the first time in program history, Fellows Weekend was held outside Tokyo. The devotion of Fellows traveling from across Japan and overseas infused the gathering with renewed energy and connection. This report offers a day-by-day glimpse into the flow of the week, highlighting the ideas, experiences, and relationships that defined USJLP 2025.

Above: The graduating Class of 2024–2025 Delegates at their official transition from Delegate to Fellow, celebrated during the finale event on Saturday, August 2, at Heian Jingu in Kyoto.

Arrivals and Kick-Off: Sunday, July 27

The conference opened on Sunday afternoon with registration and a warm welcome from the 22 returning second-year sempai  Delegates to the 21 new first-year kohai Delegates. This set the tone for the week and offered guidance on what to expect. Delegates then moved into rapid-fire “speed meets” with peers from the other country before enjoying a cocktail hour and Welcome Dinner.

The dinner program began with a kagami biraki sake barrel ceremony, symbolizing shared fortune and new beginnings. Programming featured remarks from the United States–Japan Foundation and brief self-introductions from each Delegate—an opening that blended tradition, celebration, and anticipation for the week ahead.

Day 2: Monday, July 28

The first full day of the conference centered on trust-building and shared vulnerability. Morning workshops, designed and led by Delegates, invited participants to share personal highs and lows as well as meaningful artifacts from home that reflected culture and identity.

Sessions throughout the day built on this foundation, inviting Delegates to exchange expertise while reflecting deeply on cultural identity, innovation, and leadership in a fast-changing world:

🔹Cultural exchange as a catalyst for innovation — an interactive dialogue on how traditions and ideas crossing borders can spark creativity, inviting Delegates to see USJLP itself as a living experiment in cultural fusion
🔹Rural futures in Japan — a panel exploring how tradition and innovation can coexist, and how rural communities can revitalize, welcome newcomers, and thrive while honoring their heritage
🔹“My Story” solo talks over lunch provided vignettes into the lived experiences, values, and identities that guide Delegates’ work in the world
🔹Urgency, opportunity, and risk in the AI revolution — a binational panel unpacking real-world insights on AI policy, security, and community impact, offering concrete guidance for responsible leadership in an era of rapid change
🔹The art of being human in an AI-driven world — a closing reflective dialogue on the qualities that make us distinctly human, using personal storytelling and small-group conversations to emphasize meaning, connection, and creativity

The evening brought a cultural immersion: a mini-kaiseki dinner at Shimogamo Saryo, a Michelin-starred tea house founded in 1856, followed by a rare after-hours access to Kiyomizu-dera at twilight. In the quiet glow of the temple, Delegates explored hidden cultural treasures and spent reflective time in spaces typically inaccessible to the public. The visit culminated in a private conversation with High Priest Eigen Onishi, who shared philosophical reflections on Kiyomizu-dera’s mission to carry Zen teachings and spiritual connection into contemporary life.

Day 3: Tuesday, July 29

The morning began with a lighthearted mixer to spark energy and connection. From there, the program shifted into deeper discussions on critical issues shaping both countries today. Built from Delegates’ own priorities and expertise, and blending presentations with small-group dialogues, the sessions invited reflection on pressing questions of governance, security, and partnership across national and local contexts:

🔹 American communities in transition — stories of adaptation and resilience in the wake of shifting national policies, highlighting lessons for future leadership
🔹 Alliance resilience in a changing world — a binational dialogue on how Japan’s demographic, economic, and security challenges are reshaping the U.S.–Japan partnership and demanding new approaches
🔹 Local leadership in global ties — a roundtable on how states, cities, and community initiatives can sustain and strengthen U.S.–Japan relations beyond the federal level
🔹 My Story talks — personal reflections on embracing difference as leadership strength, confronting political and cultural divides through refugee and immigration work, and exploring empathy as a strategic investment in building bridges
🔹 Reflecting forward on Hiroshima — an intimate dialogue on the lessons and legacy of Hiroshima, framed by voices in peacebuilding, policy, and cross-cultural leadership. The session invited open reflection on remembrance, responsibility, and what “never again” must mean today, before moving into small groups where Delegates shared how their own education, family histories, and personal encounters have shaped their perspectives—preparing the ground for the next day’s visit to Hiroshima
In the evening, Delegates shifted gears for a lively wadaiko (Japanese drumming) workshop at Konkai Komyoji Temple. Guided by professional drummers, the class emphasized rhythm, teamwork, and cultural tradition—culminating in a spirited group performance joined by RADWIMPS drummer Satoshi Yamaguchi (Delegate, 2025–26) as a surprise guest. The day concluded with a relaxed yakitori dinner at Kushikura, a refined restaurant inside a 100-year-old machiya, where Delegates reflected and recharged over charcoal-grilled specialties and Kyoto flavors.

Day 4: Wednesday, July 30

The third day took Delegates beyond Kyoto for a profound day of learning, remembrance, and reflection in Hiroshima. Traveling together by shinkansen, the group began with a hands-on cooking class in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a beloved local specialty, blending teamwork, culture, and flavor as a warm entry point to the day.

The afternoon turned to history and lived testimony. Delegates had the rare privilege of hearing directly from Koko Kondo, one of the youngest survivors of the atomic bombing and a lifelong advocate for peace and nuclear disarmament. With candor and compassion, she shared her family’s story and her own lifelong mission of reconciliation, underscoring the moral responsibility carried by new generations of leaders.

From there, the group visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, moving quietly through its exhibits of survivor testimonies, artifacts, and panoramic depictions of the devastation. The experience invited Delegates to consider both the human toll and the global implications of nuclear warfare. Some chose to reconvene afterwards in a reflection session with Ms. Kondo, while others spent time in personal contemplation at Peace Memorial Park.

The day concluded with the shinkansen ride back to Kyoto, where Delegates shared quiet conversation over bento dinners and returned with perspectives shaped by a day of history, testimony, and reflection.


Day 5: Thursday, July 31

The Delegates’ final full day together before Fellows arrived offered a blend of introspection, creativity, and cultural immersion, building on their shared experiences and expanding into new realms of possibility. The day began with an optional Zen meditation session at Shunko-in Temple, led in English by Rev. Taka Kawakami (USJLP 2008–2009), Head Priest of Shunko-in, grounding participants in mindfulness before the day’s conversations.Back at the Ace Hotel Kyoto, sessions used both dialogue and hands-on collaboration to explore cross-cultural perspectives—examining how storytelling, trust-building, and innovation can reimagine a civic future shaped by the blended strengths of the U.S. and Japan:

🔹 Building trust across divides — an exploration of how leaders in government, media, and science earn, repair, and sustain trust in today’s polarized world, paired with small-group workshops to practice actionable techniques
🔹 Innovation across cultures — a candid look at what drives or hinders innovation in Japan and the U.S., spanning creativity, policy, entrepreneurship, and social norms, followed by an interactive exercise imagining new everyday practices that could help shape better societies
🔹 My Story talks — personal reflections ranging from transforming waste into art and hope, to overcoming hardship through resilience, to reframing the past as a catalyst for change
🔹 City of Possibility design challenge — a capstone collaboration in which Delegates became “city planners” of USJLP-TOPIA, designing visionary approaches to essential services that fused the best of U.S. and Japanese civic imaginationIn the late afternoon, Delegates departed for an after-hours visit to Ryoan-ji Temple, where they experienced the world-renowned Zen rock garden in contemplative stillness, guided by Chief Priest Rev. Yuko Matsuyama and Rev. Daiko Matsuyama (USJLP 2015–2016). The day concluded with cocktails in the garden and an elegant shojin-ryori dinner hosted by Rev. Daiko Matsuyama at Taizo-in Temple. The meaningful settings of the day, guided by Fellows of the Program, gave Delegates space to integrate their experiences while setting the stage to warmly welcome Fellows for the weekend ahead.

Day 6: Friday, August 1

Fellows Weekend—USJLP’s interclass homecoming—marked the transition from the intimate Delegate portion of the week to the broader community gathering. The morning began with a breakfast social and mixer, a warm welcome from the Fellows Advisory Council, and brief Delegate introductions meant to spark curiosity and connection. Sessions throughout the day highlighted USJLP’s impact and future direction:

🔹 USJLP Journeys: Personal Stories of Impact and Connection — members reflected in small groups on moments, memories, and sounds that capture what the program has meant in their lives, laying the groundwork for a creative project to honor the community’s legacy
🔹 Shaping the Future: Philanthropy, Innovation, and the USJLP Network — Fellows and USJF leaders explored philanthropy, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration in Japan and the U.S.
🔹 Tariffs and Trade — featured remarks by Wendy Cutler, USJF Trustee and Asia Society Policy Institute Vice President, offering insider perspectives on U.S.–Japan trade and economic relations
🔹 Envisioning the Future of USJLP — an interactive strategy session where members co-created bold ideas for the next decade, with outputs feeding into a formal proposal for USJF’s Board
🔹 Thematic Table Talks — Delegates hosted breakout conversations for focused peer-to-peer exchange across topics and sectors

The day concluded with an evening of celebration and connection at Funatsuru, a historic riverside venue hosting the Fellows Weekend Opening Reception. Over cocktails and a standing buffet dinner, members enjoyed the artistry of Nishiyama Sake Brewery, with owner Momoko Nishiyama and brewer Ms. Naruse sharing tastings and stories that paired centuries of craftsmanship with the spirit of cross-cultural exchange.

Day 7: Saturday, August 2

The final full day of the conference brought the USJLP community together for a mix of timely insights, creative collaboration, and shared exploration across Kyoto. The morning opened with rapid-fire Member Spotlight Talks, where seven Fellows offered three-minute “inside scoops” on trends shaping U.S.–Japan relations and the global future.

This was followed by a high-profile dialogue on Japan’s 2025 Election Fallout, featuring Diet Members Taro Kono (USJLP 2000), Aki Shiozaki (USJLP 2010–2011), and Arfiya Eri (USJLP 2018–2019) in conversation with The Economist’s East Asia Bureau Chief (USJLP 2024–2025), who together shared candid perspectives on domestic politics and implications for the bilateral relationship. Members then gathered for the debut of an original USJLP community song, with lyrics woven by singer-songwriter Tiffany Thompson (USJLP 2025–2026) from stories shared in the previous day’s workshop, and musical accompaniment co-created by composer/violinst Chad Cannon (USJLP 2022–2023), pianist Makiko Hirata (USJLP 2017–2018), and drummer Satoshi Yamaguchi (USJLP 2025–2026).

The afternoon offered small-group excursions in and around Kyoto, many designed and hosted by Delegates and Fellows. From backstage access at temples and tea farms to architecture tours, sake and whisky tastings, samurai arts, and a Kyoto University exchange, these experiences showcased the network’s creativity and connections while deepening bonds through shared discovery.

In the evening, the community reconvened at Heian Jingu for the Closing Reception. The highlight was the jubilant Delegate-to-Fellow Graduation Ceremony, where second-year Delegates were formally welcomed into their lifelong role as Fellows in the USJLP network. The celebration featured spirited performances by pianist Makiko Hirata, opera singer Ayaka Tanimoto (USJLP 2023–2024), and Chad Cannon, who shared original work from his climate-action show Music for the Oceans. The finale was a rousing rendition of the new USJLP community song, performed by Tiffany Thompson, Satoshi Yamaguchi, Chad, and Makiko, closing the week on a note of joy, connection, and a blending of old and new traditions.

Reflecting Forward

As the week drew to a close, what remained was more than the sum of the sessions, excursions, and celebrations. Delegates and Fellows left Kyoto with deeper trust, fresh ideas, and strengthened ties across borders and generations. The Class of 2025 added their own distinct voices to the fabric of USJLP, while Fellows reaffirmed their devotion to sustaining this one-of-a-kind community. Together, they carried forward the spirit of Kyoto—where innovation met tradition, and individual stories wove into a collective vision for the future of U.S.–Japan relations.

With the strength of its 540 members, the Program's history of weaving a bridge of trust and collaboration across the Pacific continues next summer when the USJLP network reunites in Palo Alto, California, for the 2026 Conference from July 25 – August 1, 2026.

  Delegate Voices: USJLP Kyoto 2025

“USJLP is the only place where a discussion between an entrepreneur, a government official, and a Buddhist monk doesn't feel like the start of a joke—it’s the start of a real friendship. The program’s magic lies in its diversity. It breaks down professional silos and replaces them with a powerful intellectual and personal curiosity. While the mission of strengthening U.S.-Japan ties is what drew me to the program, what I ultimately discovered was a lifelong community of trust, an expanded worldview, and friendships that I will cherish for a lifetime. It’s not just a program; it’s a pivotal life experience.”
– Jordan Fisher (USJLP 2024-2025), Co-Founder and Chairman, Zehitomo; Venture Partner, Antler Japan

“Through USJLP, I was able to build deep friendships with people I never imagined or would have met. Having friends who will stand by me whenever I face difficult choices in my career or life has been a true treasure, and it has undoubtedly had a positive impact on my life. Because we are a group that spans professions, generations, and diverse backgrounds, we can find answers and solutions to whatever challenges may arise in these uncertain times”.
– Yuka Mizoue (USJLP 2024-2025), Producer, ABEMA GLOBE / ABEMA HILLS, ABEMA NEWS, TV-Asahi; Co-Founder & Board Member, Japan Women Journalists Association 

“From deep discussions on the future of U.S.-Japan relations, reflections on World War II, AI, and research, to late-night karaoke after-parties, I had the most fulfilling and meaningful time connecting with incredible members from both countries. It felt like each day lasted 72 hours, we packed so much into every moment. I’m truly excited to see how I can integrate the insights and lessons I gained from this experience into my own down-to-earth, authentic actions moving forward.”
– Satoshi Yamaguchi (USJLP 2025-2026), Drummer (RADWIMPS); Founder and CEO, BEAT ICE; Visiting Researcher, Keio Research Institute at SFC, Keio University 

“USJLP was a rare gift—two years of connection, reflection, and growth, anchored by a week where I felt safe to explore, ask questions, and learn without limits. I came away with new friends, a deeper appreciation for U.S.–Japan relations, and a renewed sense of purpose. What makes USJLP so special is how it blends curiosity, cultural exchange, and genuine care into relationships that will last a lifetime. I would have never met some of the brightest minds in the U.S. and Japan without this program.”
– Terry Vo (USJLP 2024-2015), District 17 Council Member, Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County;  Partnerships Director, API Middle TN 

"USJLP has been one of the most impactful professional and personal experiences of my life. The program’s unique blend of candid dialogue, shared cultural experiences, and deep relationship-building creates bonds that transcend borders and professions. I leave Kyoto inspired, better informed, and committed to strengthening the U.S.–Japan alliance."
– Hunter Grunden (USJLP 2024-2025), Lieutenant Colonel; F-35 Instructor Pilot; Commander 60th Fighter Squadron, U.S. Air Force

“USJLP is like an ‘adult school trip’ for professionals. The ability to build relationships where we can discuss everything from professional matters to personal topics without being ‘judged’ is truly rare and precious. This unique environment fosters genuine connections that are both meaningful and supportive, making USJLP an invaluable experience that goes beyond typical professional networking.”
– Maiko Meguro (USJLP 2024-2025), Lead Project Coordinator and Senior Policy Analyst on Data Free Flow with Trust, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

"The USJLP Fellowship has been one of the most meaningful experiences in my professional and personal life. It's a network where friendship and mentorship come first."
– Kofi Bazzell-Smith (USJLP 2025-2026), Artist, Educator, Professional Boxer; Future Faculty Fellow, Rochester Institute of Technology

“I believe USJLP is a lifelong community worth cherishing. The week offers a rare chance to step back and see your daily work with fresh eyes, while its greatest gift is meeting inspiring friends you’ll want to keep for a lifetime.”
– Ryosuke Takashima (USJLP 2025-2026), Mayor, Ashiya City

“USJLP evokes the spirit of adolescence—a period of profound growth where one encounters a multitude of new ideas, learns to collaborate, resolve conflict, and forge a foundation of lifelong trust. The USJLP community challenges me to be more by introducing me to an incredibly diverse set of leaders blazing their own trails. The community inspires and gives concrete insights on how to magnify my own influence by learning from the journeys of others and receiving their unwavering support."
– Reirui Ri (USJLP 2025-2026), Global Policy Team Lead, Play and Android, Google LLC

“USJLP has been one of the most energizing and eye-opening experiences of my professional and personal life. In a single week, I built friendships, engaged in conversations that completely challenged and improved my thinking, and discovered how much Americans and Japanese people share in both our hopes and our struggles. What makes USJLP truly unique is its power to bring together leaders across cultures and industries not just to exchange ideas, but to build the kind of trust and understanding that can only come from shared experiences, trust built in late-night karaoke sessions, and a willingness to learn from one another."
– Dave Cavell (USJLP 2025-2026), Founder and CEO, Dave Cavell Strategies; Former Head Speechwriter, Vice President Kamala Harris