The 76th Japan-America Student Conference (2024)

Visions: perspectives reflected from the past together understanding, contributing for the future

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～共に理解し、明日へと還元する～

The 76th Japan-America Student Conference, this year held in the United States, celebrates its 90th anniversary of fostering peace through people-to-people diplomacy and empowering the next generation of global leaders. This year’s theme of Visions represents our foundations in and commitment to the conference’s history and legacy while also reiterating our responsibility to contribute towards future generations. Through cross-cultural collaboration and sincere dialogue, we will find common ground, form heart-to-heart connections, and formulate strategies to affect meaningful change in the world in order to further these invaluable Japan-America relationships and continue to strive towards global peace and understanding.

Summary and Impact of the 76th Japan-America Student Conference

The 76th Japan-America Student Conference (JASC) chose the theme, “Visions: perspectives reflected from the past—together understanding, contributions for the future,” to maintain and strengthen the bonds between the two countries. The 13 members of the JASC 76 Executive Committee, 5 American and 8 Japanese, held a successful conference. From August 1st to August 3rd, there was an in-person orientation for the American delegates in Los Angeles, and from August 3rd to August 24th, 2024, JASC 76 visited Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Washington D.C. Each site provided unique opportunities for the delegation to hear from academic and business leaders on various topics, discuss timely issues, explore cultural differences, conduct research, and visit sites unique to the conference location.

The delegation comprised of 62 motivated young leaders, with 26 students representing the United States as members of the American Delegation and 36 students representing Japan as members of the Japanese Delegation. The Executive Committee selected 21 applicants for the American delegation to join the 5 American Executive Committee members as the delegation. The 8 Japanese Executive Committee members chose 28 students to join the delegation alongside them. With over 30 academic majors/departments and 43 universities represented, the Conference was a forum for a diverse, interdisciplinary exchange of views and values.

Like JASCs before, this JASC balanced meaningful academic interchange and cultural immersion with opportunities for personal and professional growth. The delegation visited three sites: Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Washington D.C. The themes of the sites as well as the main conference can be found in Appendix III. Notable highlights from the 76th program included a visit to the Japanese American National Museum, an Urasenke Tea Ceremony, a lecture and panel at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the Los Angeles Midterm Forum, a visit to the National World War II Museum, a visit to the Historic New Orleans Collection, the New Orleans Reflection Forum, museum visits in the National Mall, the JASC 90th Ceremony Reception, discussions at the International Monetary Fund, a simulation at the Korea Economic Institute of America, and the Washington D.C. Final Forum.

JASC’s Final Forum serves as a capstone for the Conference, where Delegates in their Roundtable (RT) research groups present to distinguished guests and alumni the conversations they have had and the research they have performed during their time as Delegates. JASC 76 utilized a hybrid format with the Final Forum open to the public in person and online. Opening remarks were given by the 76th JASC American Executive Committee Chair, Yuki Tanizaki; the International Student Conferences (ISC) remarks were given by Bahia Simons-Lane, the Executive Director of ISC; the International Education Center (IEC) remarks were given by Yo Konno, President and Board Chair of IEC; and the keynote speech was made by Erin Murphy, a Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) alum and a senior fellow for the Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies Minister of Digital Affairs. Each RT group presented their research on topics ranging from policy proposals, entrepreneurial pitches, student perspectives on current issues, and more. To conclude the Final Forum and to mark the end of the conference, remarks were given by Yui Akahori, the Japanese Delegation Representative; Amy Wu, the American Delegation Representative; and Tomohiro Koganeyama, the 76th JASC Japanese Executive Committee Chair.

After the 76th JASC, the delegation (excluding Executive Committee members) participated in an Exit Survey. This survey prompted respondents to reflect on their JASC experience and key takeaways from on-the-ground programming. Feedback from Delegates was overwhelmingly positive, reaffirming that the Conference remains a powerful and relevant vehicle for people-to-people diplomacy and personal growth. Survey results demonstrated that JASC successfully broadened delegate knowledge of and interest in U.S.-Japan relations while allowing students to build lifelong friendships with their international peers.

Los Angeles

August 1-9
The City of the Angeles, founded by Spanish missionaries in the 1700s, continued to grow over the intervening centuries into the second-largest metropolitan area in the United States. Los Angeles has become a center of trade and manufacturing, and is most notably known as the “creative capital of the world,” with one of every six residents working as creatives and Hollywood being famous for its film industry. Although being arguably the most diverse city in the United States, Los Angeles still struggles with its complicated history and many social issues.

At this site, delegates will explore the urban sprawl of Los Angeles and its multitude of diverse neighborhoods, including Little Tokyo, the memory of Japanese immigration to the United States. They will experience how various groups from all around the world have found community with one another and will be able to contrast the ultra-rich celebrity culture with the resolute working class, seeing how art and creative expression can come from anywhere and anyone.

New Orleans

August 9-14
A completely unique city, owing to its French and Creole influences, New Orleans is world-renowned for its distinctive culture in all aspects of the word: music, food, architecture, and dialects, are just a few of many. Emerging from the tragedy wreaked by Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is also a city of return and new beginnings while still trying to retain the rich cultural tapestry inherited from the past.

This cross-cultural and multilingual city will allow delegates to immerse themselves in an environment that is most likely new to everyone, learning how to navigate and adapt to unfamiliar situations. New Orleans is an opportunity to learn how numerous different cultures influence each other, coalescing to form something completely singular and unique. Delegates will also analyze how policy decisions affect people and their culture and how, in turn, decision-makers need to earn the trust of those people in the wake of disaster.

Washington, D.C.

August 14-24
The capital of the United States, Washington, D.C. houses the necessary legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government. In addition to these, D.C. acts as a repository for America’s knowledge, with both the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress calling the city their home. D.C. also plays a major role on the world stage, being a center for nonprofit organizations conducting research and formulating policy and embassies promoting communication and understanding between the countries of the world.

Here, delegates will think and discuss about Japan-America relations specifically and also the place of both nations in the wider world. Delegates will have the chance to examine policy theoretically and its actual implications in reality. In the Final Forum, delegates will create a presentation that not only reflects the JASC they experienced, both academic in programming and personally in life with the other delegates but also expresses their hopes and contributions to the future whether on a local, community scale or on the world stage. At the end of the conference, they will contemplate what it means to be a leader and a citizen of the world, finally reflecting on their time in JASC and preparing for a return to their normal lives, transformed by their once-in-a-lifetime experience.

JASC76 Roundtable Descriptions:

Welfare and Ethics:
RT Leaders: Jinglei Zhang, Momomi Sano

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the world? Are you committed to upholding ethical values while fostering well-being? “Welfare and ethics” is a multifaceted exploration into the profound relationship between individual and collective well-being and the ethical considerations that guide our choices, actions, and policies. This thought-provoking discourse delves into the ethical frameworks that underpin our decisions in healthcare, economics, social justice, environmental sustainability, and beyond. It challenges us to examine the moral imperatives that drive us to address societal disparities, protect human rights, and make choices that contribute to the greater good. In the ever-evolving landscape of academia, it is imperative to ensure that the pursuit of knowledge is not only ethically sound but also takes into account the welfare of all stakeholders involved.

The Welfare and Ethics Roundtable is designed to provide a platform where delegates can explore, analyze, and debate the multifaceted aspects of these fundamental principles. Through our discussion, we will discuss ways to contribute to the evolution of ethical thinking and to foster a deeper understanding of how we can collectively enhance both individual well-being and the welfare of our global community. As part of our RT, you will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful and purpose-driven work.

Japan-US Relations in East Asia:
RT Leaders: Taichi Araki,Krislyn Massey (JASC Intern)

Dictatorships in East Asia, such as China and North Korea, threaten a free and peaceful world by causing various problems, such as the Taiwan incident and the abduction issue. In response, Japan and the U.S. have established a strong military relationship to check their advance into the Pacific Ocean and play a policing role for world peace. On the other hand, the U.S. is becoming increasingly nationalistic, and in Japan there is deep-seated opposition to Article 9 of the Constitution, so it is doubtful that either country would be able to exert substantial restraint through military force in the event of an actual crisis. In light of the international situation described above, this round table will discuss the ideals of US-Japan relations and practical measures to achieve them toward peace in East Asia.

Social Movements and Human Behaviors:
RT Leaders: Mana Sakamoto, Kathleen Hikaru Buck

We live in a society that is layered with many beliefs, which we frequently take for granted but have a substantial impact on how we view ourselves, other people, and the world we inhabit. This roundtable will discuss how people’s beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors are shaped and influenced by the social context, with an emphasis on the difference between internal human transformation and extrinsic repercussions of social change. We will primarily approach our discussion from historical (e.g. internment camps during/after WW2, Sugamo prison), political (e.g. protest), cultural (e.g. text comparison, nuance in different languages), and structural (e.g. social recognition vs. individual needs) perspectives; we aim to achieve a better understanding through different socio-psychological theories like cognitive dissonance theory, and concepts surrounding individualism and collectivism. We’ll also take a look at some relevant case studies that give us a multidisciplinary framework for critically analyzing the variations in social behaviors between the US and Japan; What role did the social nature of mind and self play historically? To what extent does the individual human mind influence the collective behaviors in society? What were the forces that have driven the interaction between individuals and society? Regardless of your interest in psychology, sociology, or history, we hope that this roundtable will be the quest for you to explore individuality and authenticity in the modern world.

Social Entrepreneurship:
RT Leaders: Yuki Tanizaki, Taoto Fukui

As social movements have continuously increased in the past few decades, the active need for change is more relevant than ever. Specifically issues of gender, race and more have been prevalent in the 21st century. With the internet’s heavy influence, the emerging importance of DEI among consumers has pushed businesses to prioritize these concepts in their organizations. How can businesses feel motivated to resolve these issues rather than feel obligated due to the consumer’s demands?

In America where entrepreneurship is encouraged, small businesses have always flourished and even experienced a substantial surge during the time of the pandemic, COVID-19. Comparingly, Japan’s neutral, or almost negative stance on entrepreneurship deters the growth of business owners. How does this difference between the two countries impact their respective societies?

Combining these two current topics, the goal of the Social Entrepreneurship roundtable is to create a space for the future generation of professionals who are passionate and want to create change for the future. We aim to examine the role of social entrepreneurs who undertake endeavors aimed at addressing the pervading injustices in society, without being confined by existing frameworks. Through case studies of social entrepreneurs in both Japan and the United States, we will explore why entrepreneurship is a catalyst for change. We hope that the delegates can attend the discussions with an open mind to share and discover ideas about these ongoing conversations. How can businesses exercise corporate social responsibility (CSR) while also maintaining profit? How can entrepreneurs develop a business that has a positive impact on a social cause? We hope that this roundtable will collaborate and work together to become the entrepreneurs of our generation.

Culture, Arts and Technology:
RT Leader: Ka Yan Tam, Tomohiro Koganeyama

Digital platforms, such as Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, serve as boundless canvases for digital creators to transcend geographical limitations and share their creativity with global audiences. Our experiences are no longer just bound to ones by physical proximity, but instead, it is extended into the digital community. In this digital age, we are the most connected we’ve ever been. The traditional notion of the ‘starving artist’ is giving way to the rise of the ‘influencer’ title, where artistic expression can be monetized and celebrated.

The fusion of culture, arts, and technology represents more than just a shift in artistic mediums; it mirrors our collective consciousness. At the heartbeat of the digital landscape are ‘trends.’ Trends are a result of our influences and community cultures. Social media empowers digital marketing to decipher these patterns, offering profound insights into our evolving societal tapestry. As technology advances, AI and NFTs challenge established artistic norms, sparking vital discussions about art monitoring and the regulations shaping the fusion of culture, arts, and technology. The vast digital canvas holds boundless possibilities, yet it raises ethical and societal concerns about technology’s future impact.

In the context of the ever-evolving dynamics of US-Japan relations, these shared digital spaces offer avenues for cultural exchange, innovation, and strengthening of bonds between nations in an increasingly interconnected world.

Expression and Limitation:
RT Leaders: William Sim-Oliver, Natsune Shida

From before we can remember, we have been expressing ourselves. Even at the beginning, we did so not just for material reasons such as the want for food, warmth, or rest, but also for more complex, existential ones.

When we express ourselves, we send something out into the world. Regardless of the motive, shape, or size of the expression, it does not always go exactly as we intend. Various limitations, such as differences in language, the opinions of those receiving or affected by the expression, and laws or societal rules, alter expression. Despite these difficulties, however, it’s necessary—we want to express ourselves, need to express ourselves, need to connect with others and the world around us. Expression is fundamental to our humanity, to the human experience.

In this roundtable, we will enter into thoughtful conversation towards sincere connection and true understanding. We will focus on human expression’s existence and the things that limit it, asking philosophical questions and considering topics both academic and everyday such as: What is freedom of expression? How do regulations impact artistic works? Comparing the differences in expression between Japan and America through literature and art. Through discussing these topics, we will discover new modes of expression in the world and in ourselves, finding that they are often limited in ways we can barely comprehend or restricted in ways that are all too familiar.

For us, discussion is valuable in and of itself; through discussion we are able to refine our own thoughts and gain new perspectives. We hope to create a conversation with delegates who have an intense desire to communicate, to question and to understand. As a roundtable, we ourselves will become an example, an experiment for the genuine expression and its complex limitations we are examining—this is our vision.

Environmental Economics and Energy Policy:
RT Leaders: Nozomi Miyamoto, Shintaro Tomizawa

Now, more than ever, we are experiencing the impacts of climate change and global warming and accordingly, have realized the urgent need for decarbonization. Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, countries all over the world have been working towards carbon neutrality through various technological developments such as biomass energy generation, hydrogen and ammonia fuels for energy storage and transfer, and next-generation nuclear power. Even so, none of these have reached any level of economic feasibility and achieving carbon neutrality by the target year of 2050 seems unlikely as most countries, including Japan and America, still rely heavily on fossil fuels. At the same time, the implementation of policies like carbon taxation and shifts in the energy market have created additional economic stresses and a widening disparity between the Global North and the Global South. Thus, the future requires a realistic solution to the complexities and challenges of decarbonization—one that we must create together as citizens of the world.

As the Environmental Economics and Energy Policy (3EP) roundtable, we aim to have realistic discussions regarding the adoption of policies that balance the economy with the environment in this context of decarbonization. These discussions, in turn, will be aided by the following:

Active Input—focusing on primary sources to have a better understanding of the complexity of decarbonization and the technologies, systems, and policies that work towards it.
Guest lectures by experts in the environmental, economic, and energy sectors and field trips to governmental agencies, university institutes, and private corporations working with the realities of this global challenge.

JASC76 Executive Committee

Chair: Yuki Tanizaki jasc76.ytanizaki@gmail.com

Hi! My name is Yuki Tanizaki and I’m the American Executive Committee Chair for JASC 76. I will be leading the Social Entrepreneurship roundtable alongside my Japanese Executive Committee counterpart! I was born and raised in the U.S. but grew up in a Japanese household, which allowed me to experience both the American and Japanese cultures. I am a student at the University of California, Irvine majoring in Business Administration. In my free time, I like to dance, hang out with friends, go shopping, and make jewelry.

I’m looking forward to making JASC 76 a welcoming community that can inspire delegates and provide them with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I hope that the participants can not only learn academically but also develop their professional and personal skills. My goal is to see the participants grow within themselves through the programming, discussion, and relationships that they’ll experience to positively contribute to society in the future.

Vice Chair: Ka Yan Tam
jasc76.ktam@gmail.com

Hello, my name is Ka Yan Tam (she/her). I grew up in Hong Kong and moved to the United States to pursue university studies when I was 18. I double major in Art/Design and East Asian Cultures and Languages but also have an interest in Digital Marketing and Food Business. In my free time, I like to scout for toast cafes and draw food illustrations. Currently, I am completing my junior year on exchange at Waseda University in Tokyo.

I applied for JASC75 because I felt that it would be an interesting yet challenging experience for me as someone that has never been interested in doing MUN conferences in high school. After spending a month in Japan with JASC75 delegates, it made me recognize the importance for communication, collaboration and making compromises. As I co-create JASC76 alongside the other AECs, we hope that you would also be able to seek new perspectives as you embark on your journey at JASC76.

William Sim-Oliver
jasc76.wsimoliver@gmail.com

Hi! My name is Will Sim-Oliver and I’m the treasurer for this year’s JASC 76. In addition to being the roundtable leader for Expression and Limitation, I will also be assisting the Environmental Economics and Energy Policy roundtable! I’m a sophomore at the University of Southern California majoring in pure mathematics and minoring in East Asian Languages and Cultures. Outside of school, I like to read classic literature and poetry, drink tea and coffee, and play the violin!

The Japan-America Student Conference is truly a special and unique experience—as one member of my roundtable in JASC 75 put it: “JASC is four years of college in a single month.” For me, the purpose of JASC is to “foster the human spirit through genuine expression and heart-to-heart connection.” It’s a place where you meet and enter into deep, meaningful discussion with talented and motivated people. Of course, JASC is specifically a rigorous, academic conference, but there’s more to JASC than just that. JASC is also the life outside official programming—it’s about challenging yourself and growing as a person in unexpected ways, spending time with your fellow delegates, and making memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. I hope that you’ll be able to join us on this transformative journey and share with us in making JASC 76, the 90th anniversary of this conference, one that honors its great legacy while also shaping those of the years to come.

Mana Sakamoto
jasc76.msakamoto@gmail.com

Hi all! My name is Mana Sakamoto and I am in charge of the publicity and technology for JASC 76 as well as the Social Movements and Human Behaviors Roundtable. I am currently a sophomore at Wellesley College and planning to double major in cognitive science and studio arts. I was born and grew up in Tokyo, Japan and came to the US for college; through JASC75, I was able to engage in different topics from both US and Japanese perspectives and deepen and appreciate the differences. In my free time, I like to read books, draw on my ipad, go out for good food with my friends, and browse pinterest for inspiration!

Participating in JASC75 was both a meaningful and challenging experience for me – I was able to reflect on the past and present of the U.S.-Japan relationship, challenge my preexisting beliefs, and share my own ideas with my peers through different activities and discussions. I was also able to forge a strong and meaningful friendship with my fellow delegates by coming out of my comfort zone. While this conference is centered around academic discussions, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to meet people with different backgrounds and ideas. We are here to help you embark on your exciting journey at JASC76, and I hope it will be a unique and fulfilling (and hopefully life-changing) experience to you!

Jinglei Zhang
jasc76.jzhang@gmail.com

Hello, I’m Jinglei (Stella) Zhang, and I serve on the recruitment team for the American Executive Committee of the 76th JASC. I’m a senior pursuing majors in East Asian Studies and Economics. Beyond my academic commitments, I work as a Teaching Assistant for the Center for Prison Studies, where I help provide educational opportunities to local correctional centers. Additionally, I hold the role of event coordinator for my school’s dance club. In my leisure time, you’ll often find me enjoying music, playing musical instruments, and immersing myself in the world of Animal Crossing.

Participating in JASC75 has been a transformative journey for me. Through this experience, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with like-minded individuals from both the United States and Japan. It has enriched my understanding of not only Japanese society and culture but also the intricacies of meaningful interpersonal connections. JASC offers a fantastic platform for students to engage in thought-provoking discussions and attend inspiring events. It is an invaluable experience for anyone, and I extend a warm invitation for you to join us on this remarkable journey.

JASC Intern: Krislyn Massey
kmassey@iscdc.org

Krislyn Massey is the JASC – Advisor Intern for International Student Conferences (ISC). She was an American delegate in the 74th Japan-America Student Conference (JASC) and was then elected as the Recruitment Co-Chair for the 75th JASC from 2022-23. She worked with other 75th JASC Executive Committee members to organize the first in-person conference since the COVID-19 Pandemic with a theme of “Foundations: Laying the Groundwork for Bilateral Reflection and Reimagination.”

Krislyn Massey is currently pursuing her M.A. in Human Security at the University of North Texas. With her B.A. in International Studies: National Security and Diplomacy along with certificates in Advanced Dispute Resolution, Krislyn aspires to join the Foreign Service one day!

As the JASC – Advisor Intern, Krislyn is excited to encourage more people-to-people diplomacy and academic discourse while she continues supporting ISC and the 76th Japan-America Student Conference