Celebrating 150 Years of U.S.-Japan Trade Relations: Promoting the Next 150 Years of U.S.-Japan Business Collaboration

In 1860, as the Tokugawa era drew to a close, the Kanrin Maru, captained by Kaishu Katsu, set sail for San Francisco, marking the first time a Japanese-piloted ship crossed the Pacific.  2010 is the 150th anniversary of  this extraordinary but little known historical event — the first official Japanese mission to the West following over 200 years of self-imposed isolation.  The mission’s objective was to ratify the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, and it traveled through the U.S. establishing the foundations for business and cultural relations between the U.S. and Japan.  Americans turned out in great numbers to meet the mission and on its final stop in New York City, the visitors were greeted with a parade on Broadway.  In combination with the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Japan Security Alliance, this 150-year milestone is a testament to the importance of this essential bilateral relationship.   Amidst a host of global issues, including challenges to energy security, environmental sustainability and geopolitical balance, our panelists reflect on areas in which the U.S. – Japan trade relationship plays a critical role in maintaining global economic stability and growth.

Keynote discussion:
Business and Technology collaboration between U.S. and Japan for the next 150 years
Shinichi Nishimiya, Ambassador and Consul General, Consulate General of Japan, New York
Edward Lincoln, Director, Japan-U.S. Center, Stern School of Business, New York University
Moderator: Richard Katz, Editor-in-Chief, The Oriental Economist Report

Panel discussion:
Future Business Collaboration in the fields of Transportation, Tourism and Food Culture
Tadayuki Hara, Associate Dean of Administration and Finance, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida
Hajime Ito, President, JETRO New York
Moderator: Keiko Tsuyama, Freelance journalist

Agenda:
8:30-9 AM  Registration & breakfast buffet
9-10  Keynote discussion and Q&A
10-11:45  Panel discussion and Q&A
Networking session and wine tasting to follow.

Admission: This is a free event open to the public, but you must pre-register for the program. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.

Register online or send email to [email protected].

For information only, please contact the Corporate Program at 212-715-1208.