Japan & Georgia, Growing Together

From India to Chile, four-start Admiral Dennis Blair commanded 380,000 soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Department of Defense civilians. He was responsible for all U.S. military activities in the Indo-Pacific, covering more than 50 percent of the world’s population. As Director of National Intelligence, he led sixteen national intelligence agencies. Now retired, Admiral Blair serves as chairman of Sasakawa USA.

On September 5, the World Affairs Council of Atlanta partnered with Sasakawa USA and the East-West Center in Washington to host a luncheon at The Commerce Club in Atlanta, Georgia. With his extensive experience in Asia and specifically in Japan, Admiral Blair shared his insights in a dynamic fireside chat on the importance of the U.S.-Japan relationship, not just geopolitically but for Georgia. An expert panel followed to discuss Japan’s economic relationship with Georgia.

This event was offered as part of Sasakawa USA’s The Alliance Working in America (TAWA) program.  Sasakawa USA launched The Alliance Working in America (TAWA) series to reach out and engage with regional leaders and influencers in U.S. cities outside of Washington, D.C. on the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance to U.S. interests, both at the regional and national levels. The third TAWA program was held in Atlanta, Georgia, September 4-7, and included a variety of events and activities.

See below for photographs and a video from the event.

Agenda

11:30 a.m.             | Registration and lunch

Noon                      | Welcoming remarks by Ambassador Charles Shapiro, President, World Affairs Council

12:05 p.m.             | Fireside chat between Ambassador Charles Shapiro, President, World Affairs Council and Admiral Dennis Blair, Chairman, Sasakawa USA

12:35 p.m.             | Panel discussion by Dr. Satu Limaye, Director, East-West Center in Washington and Mr. Jim Reed, President, YKK Corporation of America, Moderated by: Ambassador James Zumwalt, CEO, Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA

1:05 p.m.               | Audience Q&A

1:30 p.m.              | Closing remarks by Ambassador Shapiro

Speakers

Admiral Dennis Blair, Chairman, Sasakawa USA

Ambassador Charles Shapiro, President, World Affairs Council

Ambassador James Zumwalt, CEO, Sasakawa USA

Dr. Satu Limaye, Director, East-West Center in Washington

Jim Reed, President, YKK Corporation of America

Video

Photos

Photography by Forten Media.