Japan-America Society of Indiana
Japan Currents Symposium 2020
The Currents of Change, Challenge, and Innovation

Wednesday, February 26th, 2020
Hyatt Regency Indianapolis 

12:00 - Keynote Luncheon
1:30 - Conference Sessions
5:00 - Networking Reception

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The Japan-America Society of Indiana will present the "Japan Currents Symposium 2020" on Wednesday, February 26th, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Indianapolis. The program is presented in cooperation with the National Association of Japan-America Societies and the Embassy of Japan.   Now in its ninth year, the Japan Currents Symposium has become a signature event in the Midwest, providing a business, economic and international relations outlook for the year with discussion of developments for Japan and Indiana, as well as key issues for the Japan-U.S. relationship in Asia.   The program draws business, community, government, and economic development leaders from throughout the state and region.

The theme of the event is The Currents of Change, Challenge, and Innovation, exploring ways that business and industry are quickly adapting to new technologies, as well as the expectations of a younger generation workforce who are focused on QOL (Quality of Life) and work life balance.  Change and challenge are forecasted for the year 2020, with the excitement of Japan hosting the Olympics and the opportunity to showcase new technologies as well as traditional hospitality; a final year in Prime Minister Abe's term; the U.S. Presidential election; and ongoing geopolitical challenges in trade and security. 

We are honored to welcome in a special presentation the Reverend Daiko Matsuyama, Deputy Head Priest of the Taizo-in Zen Buddhist Temple in Kyoto, who will speak on the influence of Zen Buddhist principles in Japanese society and business relationships.

The event will offer the opportunity to welcome newly-arrived Kenichi Okada, Consul-General of Japan in Chicago, who will give keynote luncheon remarks in his first presentation for JASI members.  JASI is also pleased to welcome back Stephen J. Akard, Ambassador and Chief of Mission for the U.S. Department of State. 

The featured corporate presentation will be given by Leah Curry, President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Indiana, also in her first JASI appearance.

JASI is also excited to welcome Masahiko Nittono, General Manager and Chief Corporate Representative, NTT Corporation, Washington D.C. as part of the NAJAS/KKC Business Speaker Series.

Agenda

Keynote Remarks: 12:00 PM

The Honorable Kenichi Okada 
Consul-General of Japan 
Consulate General of Japan in Chicago

Ambassador Stephen J. Akard
Director, Office of Foreign Missions
U.S. Department of State

Conference Sessions: 1:30 PM

"Japan Currents" Featured Presentation:

"The Influence of Zen on Japanese Business and Culture"

Reverend Daiko Matsuyama
Vice Abbot, Taizo-In Temple, Kyoto

Corporate Presentation

Success in a Global Economy
Leah Curry, President, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana

QoL (Quality of Life) in the Workforce

Adapting to Millennial Expectations in the Workforce
Shuichiro Miyagawa, Company Secretary, Aisin Holdings of America

Indiana Manufacturing and Logistics Workforce Landscape
Brad Rhorer, Chief Talent Programs Officer, Conexus Indiana

Attraction, Engagement, and Retention in Today's Labor Market
Mark Elwood, Elwood Staffing

NAJAS/KKC Business Speaker Series

"Next Generation Technologies"
Masahiko Nittono, General Manager and Chief Corporate Representative
NTT Corporation

Forecast 2020
                                               
The U.S. Presidential Election, Foreign Policy and the Changing Japan-U.S. Relationship
Tobias Harris, Senior Vice President, Teneo

JETRO Survey of Japanese Businesses
Tomofumi Nishizawa, Executive Director, JETRO Chicago

Automotive Industry Outlook 2020
Bernard Swiecki, Senior Automotive Director
Center for Automotive Research

Indiana - Japan Updates
Andrea Richter-Garry, Vice President-International Engagement
Indiana Economic Development Corporation

Networking Reception: 5:00 PM 

 

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