Japan-America Society of Indiana

Japan-America Society of Indiana
2024 Japan Currents Symposium

Tuesday, March 19th, 2024

Registration: 1:30 pm | Program: 2:00 pm | Networking Reception: 5:00 pm

Grand Hall at Union Station
Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown

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The JASI Japan Currents Symposium is a much-anticipated signature event, providing a business, economic, and international relations outlook. Speakers include Japan-related industry representatives as well as internationally recognized experts.

This year’s program, “The Intersection of Investment and Innovation”, will focus on new technologies, new energies, updates on industry trends, and geopolitical considerations for the Japan-U.S. alliance.

“The Intersection of Investment and Innovation”

Tony Satterthwaite, Senior Vice President of Cummins, Inc., will give the Keynote Corporate Presentation speaking on Cummins’ Destination Zero strategy of decarbonizing their products in a way that is best for all stakeholders, the role Japan plays, and the support from Japan-based partnerships. Notably, Mr. Satterthwaite represented Cummins during the visit of President Biden to the company.

JASI is pleased to welcome in his new role, Scott Brand, President and COO of Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., (SIA), who will share SIA’s challenges, obstacles and lessons learned in the journey into new technologies. Scott is the incoming President as of April 1, and will be the first American to serve in this position.

Colonel Van T. Thai, newly appointed Commander of the 434th Air Refueling Wing at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana, will speak on the U.S.-Japan Alliance. Colonel Thai most recently served as the U.S. Director of Operations and Exercise at Yokota Air Base, Japan, from where he will be coming directly to Indiana. His service has included many leadership assignments in Japan. Colonel Thai received the Japan Cooperation Medal presented by Japan Air Self Defense Force in 2023.

The program will include The Honorable Jun Yanagi, Consul-General of Japan in Chicago; Hiroyuki Nemoto, Chief Executive Director, JETRO Chicago; Yusuke Hara, Program Coordinator, JETRO Chicago; Tony Denhart, Executive Vice President, Workforce and Talent, Indiana Economic Development Corporation; Andy Wylegala, President, National Association of Japan-America Societies; and Adilet-Sultan Meimanaliev, Senior Director, Social Impact, Eli Lilly and Company.

Panel presentations will showcase Japan-invested businesses and joint-ventures which are bringing forward exciting innovations. Panelists will include Kazumi Kikuchi, President, North America, Idemitsu Lubricants America; Tatsuya Inoue, General Manager, Metals Company, Mitsubishi Materials Corporation; Stefan Boel, CEO, Exurban; and Kent Anderson, General Manager & Special Advisor, Yajima USA.


Tony Satterthwaite Senior Vice President Cummins, Inc.	Scott Brand President & COO Subaru of Indiana Automotive	Col. Van T. Thai, Commander 434th Air Refueling Wing Grissom Air Reserve Base


The Honorable Jun Yanagi Consul-General of Japan in Chicago	Hiroyuki Nemoto Chief Executive Director JETRO Chicago	Tony Denhart EVP, Workforce and Talent Indiana Economic Development Corp.


Kazumi Kikuchi President, North America Idemitsu Lubricants America, Novi	Tatsuya Inoue General Manager Mitsubishi Materials Corp., Tokyo	Stefan Boel CEO Exurban, Toronto


Kent Anderson General Manager Yajima USA	Yusuke Hara Program Coordinator JETRO Chicago	Andy Wylegala President NAJAS	Adilet-Sultan Meimanaliev Senior Director, Social Impact Eli Lilly and Company

The Japan Currents Symposium draws business, community, government, and economic development leaders from throughout the state and the Midwest region. The conference is presented by the Japan-America Society of Indiana in partnership with the Embassy of Japan and the National Association of Japan-America Societies.

If you are interested in Sponsoring the Japan Currents Symposium, click here.