USJLP Seattle 2024: Celebrating 25 Years of Bridges Across the Pacific

The U.S.-Japan Leadership Program marked its 25th Anniversary during the USJLP Seattle 2024 Conference (July 27 – August 3, 2024). The milestone gathering brought together 42 Delegates (current participants) representing the Class of 2024 and, later in the week, an additional 80 Fellows (alumni) spanning all years of the Program for an unforgettable interclass reunion. It was a week that reminded everyone of the Program’s enduring mission: to foster trust-based relationships and exchanges that ripple out into lasting impact in both countries.

Above: Class of 2024 Delegates pose for a group photo together after an engaging first full day of the conference that concluded with a dinner cruise on Lake Union and Lake Washington on Sunday, July 28.

A Week of Dialogue and Discovery

For the first five days, the spotlight shone on the Class of 2024, comprised of 23 Japanese and 19 American Delegates from fields as wide-ranging as medicine, disaster response, politics, social advocacy, journalism, academia, defense, technology, and the arts. From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Delegates immersed themselves in sessions designed to stretch perspectives and build trust. Sessions were crafted to leverage the Delegates’ wide-ranging expertise and viewpoints, encouraging honest, cross-border dialogue on the challenges and opportunities that matter most to both nations.

🔹Opening conversations explored societal and cultural differences, alongside personal and professional challenges.

🔹Delegate-led workshops created space for skill building, collaborative problem-solving, and intimate reflection.

🔹Thematic sessions touched on urgent and far-reaching topics: poverty and material hardship, systemic barriers to women’s advancement, polarization and threats to democracy, corporate governance, education, sustainability, and the future of global indicators beyond the SDGs.

A Powerful Encounter with History

One of the week’s most moving moments came on July 30, when Delegates visited the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial—the first site of forced removal of Japanese Americans during WWII. Survivors, including oral historian Lily Kodama, shared their stories. Delegates reflected on these lessons in dialogue about immigration, identity, and the role of community in a fractured world. They also honored the space with a service project, deepening the spirit of reciprocity that anchors the USJLP ethos. USJF is deeply grateful to the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association (BIJAEMA) for the generous arrangements that enabled this visit and to each docent who gifted our group with their time, wisdom, stories, and knowledge.

Building Community Beyond the Conference Room

Evenings offered chances to connect in new settings. Delegates bonded over a spirited “Iron Chef” challenge at Pike Place Market, enjoyed a sunset cruise on Lake Union and Lake Washington, hiked in Discovery Park before dining along Puget Sound, and toured a sustainable farm on Bainbridge Island. Each activity highlighted Seattle’s unique character while strengthening the fabric of friendship and trust.

Fellows Weekend: An Interclass Homecoming

On August 1, the Class of 2024 was joined by 80 returning Fellows for the annual Fellows Weekend—an interclass reunion that felt especially poignant on the Program’s 25th anniversary.

🔹The opening reception at the Amazon Spheres featured Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, who spoke on the power of bold leadership.

🔹Keynote sessions included “American Democracy in Turmoil: What it Means for the U.S., Japan, and the World,” moderated by USJF President Jake Schlesinger and featuring CNN’s John Berman, Stanford’s Kiyoteru Tsutsui, strategist Andrew Byrnes, climate diplomat Lolita Jackson, and The Washington Post’s Bina Venkataraman.

🔹Fellows and Delegates also enjoyed the hospitality of Scott and Laurie Oki at their Lake Washington home, honoring Scott’s instrumental role in launching USJLP and his long-standing service as a USJLP Honorary Advisory Board member.

The weekend closed with an unforgettable celebration at the Museum of Pop Culture—complete with live performances from Delegates and Fellows, recognition of milestone reunion classes, and a heartfelt graduation ceremony for the Class of 2023-2024 as they joined the ranks of Fellows.

Looking Ahead

The Emerald City, which has served as USJLP's "home" since its inaugural conference in 2000, was a fitting stage for USJLP’s 25th anniversary: a week of reflection, connection, and celebration that honored the past while opening doors to the future. With the strength of its 550+ members, the Program continues to weave a bridge of trust and collaboration across the Pacific. The celebration continues next summer when the USJLP network reunites in Kyoto, Japan, for the 2025 Conference over July 27 – August 3, 2025.

  Delegate Voices: USJLP Seattle 2024

“USJLP is a diverse community of leaders dedicated to promoting innovation, collaboration, and peace between the US, Japan, and the world. In just one week, I have made new friendships that will last a lifetime and gained fresh insights from industry experts about the most pressing issues across our cultures. If you love to build genuine connections, learn from the community, and have fun while you're at it, look no further than the USJLP community!”
– Cosmo Fujiyama Ghaznavi (USJLP 2024-2025), Partner, The Management Center

"From the moment I arrived in Seattle, it was clear that every delegate was fully committed to understanding one another and engaging in open, meaningful discussions. The energy and excitement throughout the week were palpable, and I quickly realized that I couldn't afford to miss a single moment of this unique and transformative experience."
– Tomomichi Amano (USJLP 2024-2025), Assistant Professor of Business Administration, HBS; Faculty Associate, Program on US-Japan Relations, Harvard University 

"USJLP is about the future of diplomacy, which is grounded in deep friendship. Issues are understood and discussed with more nuance and better solutions are identified when we are about to know each other as full human beings, not solely defined by our professions or outside accomplishments and awards. Change started with seeing the humanity in ourselves and each other. USJLP is a community of practice in that regard."
– Roxann Stafford (USJLP 2023-2024) 

"It is difficult to express my invaluable experience at USJLP.  The word "life-changing" is far from sufficient.  In addition to the truly amazing content of the intense official program, what I appreciated the most was being able to make trustworthy and respectable friends at this age, and being able to have genuine, heartfelt conversations with them.  Meeting people from the same generation, whom I would never have encountered without USJLP, involved in government, private sectors, NPOs, academia, or the arts, and carrying the weight of their respective fields in both Japan and the United States has become an irreplaceable asset to me.  Listening to my classmates who are tackling social issues with all their wisdom and strength, striving to make society a better place, has deeply moved me.  At the same time, I reaffirmed my resolve to do my best at my own position so that, when I reunite with these USJLP classmates someday, I can proudly share my experiences.”
– Tomoaki Nakano (USJLP 2019, 2024), Captain; Senior Aide / Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

"Having been a part of two other fellowship programs that bring people together in person, I never expected the deep sense of belonging I quickly felt as a delegate of the USJLP. Across enormous differences, delegates and fellows alike share an unwavering commitment to the US-Japan relationship, shared values, strengthening our nations, and building friendships that are so rarely initiated when we are in our 30s and 40s."
– Indivar Dutta-Gupta (USJLP 2024-2025), President and Executive Director, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP)

“I found and proudly belong to a community of friends and allies that I didn't know that I needed. I now have a place to return to for both good and bad days, knowing that I will be embraced for both occasions. USJLP now holds a special place in my heart that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I will continue to return to this special place for lifelong friendship, connections, inspiration, and encouragement.”
– Kozue Sawame (USJLP 2023-2024), President, JWLI Ecosystem, Fish Family Foundation

“A superb program. I can't think of a better way to gain in-depth knowledge about an important friend and allied nation, and join a cross-cultural network that is authentic, highly engaged, and engaging.”
– Rye Barcott (USJLP 2023-2024), CEO and Co-Founder, With Honor

"What sets USJLP apart is its commitment to building not just professional networks, but meaningful relationships grounded in mutual respect and understanding. Through immersive experiences, candid discussions, and collaborative projects, the program challenges us to think critically about our roles as leaders in a global context. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives, explore complex issues, and cultivate the kind of cross-cultural empathy that is crucial in today’s interconnected world. The bonds formed here go beyond the program, creating a lifelong community of leaders dedicated to making a positive impact across borders. I am already looking forward to our program next year in Japan!”
– Terry Vo (USJLP 2024-2025), District 17 Council Member, Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County; Partnerships Director, API Middle TN

"This program provides you opportunities to both become a better leader and a better follower through collaboration with superb leaders in diverse arenas.  It should give you opportunities to rethink your life, motivate you to act on a more ambitious plan, and bring you new horizons.
– Kotaro Kitahara (USJLP 2024-2025), Commander; Plans and Programs Division, Maritime Staff Office, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force 

"This program is by far one of the most transformative experiences. The first year, I was opened to new ideas and ways of thinking. The second year, I felt exceedingly supported by a wonderful network of deep thinkers, practitioners, and cheerleaders for the work I hope to achieve next. ”
– Jessica Grounds (USJLP 2023-2024), CEO, Corporate Directors Forum; Co-Founder, Mine The Gap; Co-Founder, Running Start