Capitol Hill reception for visiting Diet members

On May 3, 2016, Sasakawa USA took part in a reception at the U.S. Capitol welcoming members of Japan’s National Diet, who were visiting Washington, D.C. during Japan’s Golden Week. The reception, hosted by organizations that foster a strong U.S.-Japan relationship through legislative exchanges, celebrated the strength of the U.S.-Japan relationship.

The reception was packed with Japan-related experts, businessmen, and thought leaders. Jim Gannon, Executive Director of JCIE; Tom Petri, Former Member of Congress; Ambassador Rust Deming; Frank Januzzi, President and CEO of the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation; and Hon. Kozo Yamamoto, Member, House of Representatives, all gave remarks emphasizing the recent strengthening of ties between our two countries and expressing hope for continued forward movement.

The Japan Center for International Exchange and The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation hosted the event in cooperation with The Congressional Study Group on Japan, the Japan-United States Friendship Commission, U.S. CULCON Panel, the U.S.-Japan Council, and Sasakawa USA. The reception included legislators from Japan, who were in the United States for programs sponsored by these organizations, as well as other Diet members traveling independently.

Guests of Honor

• Hon. Jiro Aichi, Member, House of Councillors
• Hon. Yukihisa Fujita, Member, House of Councillors
• Hon. Hitoshi Kikawada, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs; Member, House of Representatives
• Hon. Hiroe Makiyama, Member, House of Councillors
• Hon. Masaharu Nakagawa, Member, House of Representatives
• Hon. Keitaro Ohno, Member, House of Representatives
• Hon. Takashi Shinohara, Member, House of Representatives
• Hon. Keizo Takemi, Member, House of Councillors
• Hon. Kozo Yamamoto, Member, House of Representatives

Photos