Bridging Heartlands and Horizons: Reflections from Alabama

On November 6th, I had the privilege of speaking at the Japan-America Society of Alabama (JASA) alongside incredible friends and leaders, including Ambassador Shigeo Yamada and Mark Jackson, whose leadership continues to inspire. What I found in Alabama wasn’t just a thriving local economy — it was a living example of friendship, hospitality, and shared purpose.

From the warmth of the Deep South to the deep respect for Japanese culture, Alabama has become one of the most important crossroads of U.S.–Japan partnership in America.

Alabama: An Exemplar of the U.S.–Japan Partnership

When we think of the U.S.–Japan relationship, our minds often go to Washington or Tokyo — where policy is made and diplomacy is performed. But the heart of this alliance beats just as strongly in places like Huntsville, Birmingham, and Decatur.

Japanese companies like Daikin, Toyota, and Honda have not only invested billions into the local economy but have also invested in people — training workers, building communities, and inspiring the next generation. You can see it in classrooms in Hoover where I stayed where students learn Japanese, in factories where precision meets pride, and in civic halls where shared success stories are celebrated as part of Alabama’s identity.

At Japan Society in New York, we often say that our mission is to connect the people, cultures, and institutions of Japan and the United States and in Alabama, that mission comes alive in very real, tangible ways every single day that as an honor to celebrate and witness.

My Remarks at JASA: From the Deep South to Midtown

Below is the full text of my remarks that evening — from the podium in Birmingham, to all who care about the friendship between our two nations:

“Following Chair Mark Jackson’s wonderful introduction and remarks, it’s an honor for me to introduce and celebrate our special guest, Ambassador Shigeo Yamada. But before doing so, allow me to express my deep appreciation for this community — the Japan-America Society of Alabama — and the incredible network of people that make nights like this possible.

Every time I come to Alabama, Kentucky or any of our amazing National Association of Japan America Society sister organizations, I’m reminded of what makes the U.S.–Japan relationship so special. You feel it in the warmth of the people, the hospitality of the South, and the sincerity of our Japanese friends who have made Alabama their home. Whether it’s Daikin, Toyota, or Honda— these companies represent more than just economic investment. They represent shared values: craftsmanship, respect, and community. They are the best of Japan meeting the best of America.”

“In my role as President of Japan Society in New York, I get to see the full spectrum of this relationship — from boardrooms to classrooms, from policy forums to performing arts. And yet, every time I come to the heartland, I realize that you all are living this partnership in a way that is deeply human and profoundly local. You’ve shown what it means to take a global alliance and make it a neighborhood reality.”

“This Tuesday night, many of us were watching election results from across the country — including from my own home state of Virginia. I joked that Alabama’s beloved governor winning re-election made our new governor back home look positively cosmopolitan. But politics aside, what we share in this room tonight transcends partisanship. It’s about the bonds that unite us: respect, trust, and a shared commitment to a better future.”

“From anime to zen, from manufacturing to mindfulness, Japan has never been more admired, and that’s because of communities like this one. You represent the bridge between cultures — not just the headlines, but the heartlines that connect people. And as Japan navigates a new chapter politically and globally, our job — yours and mine — is to keep that bridge strong.”

“So as we look to the year ahead — with new leadership in Japan and my homes in New York and Virginia, new dynamics in Washington, and new challenges in the world — let’s also remember what’s timeless. Relationships built on friendship. Partnerships built on faith. And communities built on trust. Because when we come together — Alabama and New York, Japan and America — we remind the world what collaboration truly means.”

“Thank you for your hospitality, your leadership, and your example. Arigato for all you are doing — and ganbatte for the future! Now, please join me in welcoming Ambassador Shigeo Yamada.”

A Moment of Connection and Hope

What struck me most was how hopeful the atmosphere felt. Despite global challenges and political divides, everyone in that room — from business leaders and students to diplomats and community members — understood that the U.S.–Japan relationship is not only resilient but also rooted in something timeless: friendship.

Ambassador Yamada captured that perfectly when he spoke about Japan’s long-term investment in people. It reminded me why Japan Society, JASA and NAJAS exist — to nurture that same sense of connection at every level, from high diplomacy to grassroots engagement.

As I said that evening, the U.S.–Japan community shares more in common than our partisan or regional differences. From New York to Alabama, from anime to zen, from boardrooms to sports field — there’s a shared spirit that unites us.

Looking Ahead

Now, back in New York, I’m more convinced than ever that our role at Japan Society is to elevate these stories from the finance and media capital of the world— to show that the alliance between our countries isn’t just about geopolitics, but about people.

We’re working every day to create spaces where those connections flourish: In our Business & Policy Forums, where leaders shape the future of global cooperation. In our arts and culture programs, where creativity transcends borders. And in our education initiatives, where the next generation of bridge-builders is already emerging.

The spirit I felt in Alabama — open, generous, forward-looking — is exactly what we hope to foster here in New York and across the world.

Arigato, Alabama

To everyone at the Japan-America Society of Alabama, thank you for your hospitality, your partnership, and your example. You’ve proven that friendship between nations isn’t confined to capitals or conferences. It lives in communities that believe in working, learning, and celebrating together.

Here’s to continuing this shared journey — from the Deep South to Midtown, and beyond.