HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) celebrated the start of its annual conference Tuesday night with a special, commemorative event.
A reception took place at the USS Battleship Missouri, where Japan officially surrendered to the United States in 1945, marking the end of World War II.
The council works toward the mission to strengthen ties between the United States and Japan.
“Hawaii has really been great as being the bridge between the United States and Japan,” said executive vice-president Fred Katayama.
The conference estimates 700 attendees, bringing together leaders from government, business, academia and the nonprofit sector to explore the evolving U.S.-Japan partnership and its impact on the global stage.
It comes amid new trade tariffs and a federal government shutdown in the U.S.
Japan is also facing leadership uncertainty, where Sanae Takaichi is poised to become the country’s first female prime minister.
“In these times of uncertainty, global uncertainty, all the more so underscores the importance of our mission,” Katayama said. “That is a bedrock of peace and prosperity in the Asia Pacific.
“You can make all the policies in the world, but they need the support of people,” he added.
“Japan is in our DNA here, and I think that this is all just good,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “The world has never been more uncertain in my lifetime than I can remember.
“The concerns, especially in the Pacific with the People’s Republic of China, having strong allies, especially with Japan, is extremely important for world security and peace,” the mayor added.
Organizers said the gathering also honors the legacy of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, who attended the last USJC convention held in Hawaii more than a decade ago.
His son, Ken Inouye, acknowledged the importance of the event.
“Today has become even more important given the tensions that we have globally and domestically,” he said. “It shows that through all these troubles that we may be experiencing, the power of friendships, alliances can still survive and still show through.”
The conference officially begins Wednesday at the Sheraton Waikiki, and features sessions on security, economic cooperation, innovation, and more.
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