Reflection of past year…thankful in Tokyo
As I reflect over this past Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday, it’s been over a year since I made my last post. I am grateful for another year of health, time with my family and friends, and my time in Japan. It’s been a busy year exploring new things in Tokyo as Japan is mostly back to normal and tourist finally able to enter after being closed off for over 2 years.
Over the past year I have been focused on my passion… mentoring the next generation of female leaders in Japan. I recently finished my job working with the U.S. Japan Council/ TOMODACHI Initiative leading the Women’s Leadership Program for 50 university Japanese students and 50 mentors. I enjoyed each and every day working on the program. I have such profound gratitude and immense pride in all the students and mentors who I got the privilege to get to know. Additionally, I am still on a high from our recent U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference in Tokyo in Oct. Over 700 guests attended with over 400 from the U.S. Here is a link to a summary of the U.S. Japan Council Annual Conference. I will always be a committed member of the U.S. Japan Council and it took me moving to Tokyo to realize my deep connection to Japanese and Japanese Americans all over the world.
The U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference, “The Great Reconnect, Strengthening Alliances, Partnerships, and Communities” was simply that, the largest reconnect since the pandemic. Being a part of this global team to execute this massive event will forever leave a lasting imprint on my heart as a Japanese American leader in this global world. I was able to connect and meet so many prominent leaders from all over the world with common interests.
Living in Tokyo for over 3+ years so far, I am truly grateful for the amazing friends I have met and able to experience all of Japan with. Some friends I have really connected with have moved back to the U.S., some will be leaving when I do, and some staying here forever. It is always so touching to meet people that I know I will stay in touch with back when I am back in the U.S., it is nice to know that I have dear friends all over the world.
With COVID-19, we were fortunate to be able to explore Japan, as of today, I have been to 35 of the 47 prefectures in Japan. I have 12 more to visit. Here are some visits over the past year.
My time in Japan is quickly coming to an end. I have so many fabulous experiences that I want to share and tons of pictures that I have captured. I look forward to reflecting on this incredible experience and writing about it. It is lovely that my family is all together over the holidays in Tokyo, and my parents are here visiting for an extended period. I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday season with your loved ones. Happy New Year to all. More to come in 2023!!!