Connecting Community: Japan-Tennessee Connections

Registration is required for in-person attendees only. A recording of our event will be our Youtube Channel afterwards.

The East-West Center will be in Knoxville, Tennessee to promote its Japan Matters for America publication. Join us for a panel and catered reception.

Registration is required for in-person attendees. A recording of our event will be on our Youtube Channel afterwards.

About the Program

In partnership with the Embassy of Japan in the United States, funded by the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the East-West Center will be in Tennessee to promote its Japan Matters for America (JMA) initiative. As part of the Asia Matters for America/America Matters for Asia program, JMA maps subnational trade, investment, diplomacy, security, education, and people-to-people connections between Japan and the United States.

About the Event

Join us for an informative discussion at the Baker School at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, with local experts on Japan-Tennessee relations, with remarks from the Consular-General of Japan in Nashville, Mr. Shinji Watanabe, and video remarks from Senator Bill Hagerty. Following the opening panel and speakers, network with likeminded professionals during a catered reception.

Event Program

3:00PM-3:20PM Cultural Performance

3:30PM-3:35PM Welcome Remarks

3:35PM-3:50PM Keynote Remarks

3:50PM-4:35PM Panel Discussion and Q&A

4:35PM-4:40PM Closing Remarks

4:40PM-6:00PM Catered Networking Reception

Confirmed Speakers:

• Video Remarks Senator Bill Hagerty
• Mr. Shinji Watanabe, Consul-General of Japan in Nashville
• Dr. Noriko Horiguchi, Associate Professor of Modern Japanese Literature, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Chair, Japanese Program (WLC); Director, UT Japan Center (launching August 2026); President, Southeast Conference of the Association for Asian Studies
• Ms. Kumi Alderman, Executive Director of the Asian Cultural Center of Tennessee
• Mr. Bob Booker, Director, North America Government Affairs, DENSO International America, Inc
• Ms. Katherine Knight, SVP, Chief Legal & Administrative Officer, Mitsubishi Motors North America
• Ms. Mandy White, Chief Economic Development Officer, Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce
• Ambassador Kelley Currie, Senior Advisor, East-West Center

The views expressed by this program's participants do not necessarily reflect those of the East-West Center.

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