Wednesday, February 25th, 2015
Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
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Click here for the Media Release
The Japan Update Conference 2015 will include perspectives on the globalization - and localization - of Japanese manufacturing and business, including changing trends, opportunities, and challenges. Now in its fourth year, the Japan Update Conference 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 conference draws approximately 200 business, community, government, and economic development leaders from throughout the state and region.
Indiana Governor Mike Pence will deliver Keynote Luncheon remarks with Consul General of Japan Masaharu Yoshida. The “Japan Update” Conference Opening Address will be presented by Takeo Nishitani, Chairman of Weber Shandwick Japan, Tokyo.
Special thanks to the speakers who are traveling from Japan: Takeo Nishitani, Chairman of Weber Shandwick, Japan; Shinichi Iizuka, Chairman of TOA Industries; Yoshiki Takada, President, SMC Corporation; and Tony Suzuki, Director, State of Indiana Japan Office.
The Japan-America Society of Indiana presents the 2015 annual Japan Update Conference in partnership with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation and the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS). Representatives of the national network of Japan-America Societies will attend in conjunction with the regional NAJAS meeting hosted by the Japan-America Society of Indiana with the support of Barnes & Thornburg.
Conference Agenda
Download the Conference Agenda
Luncheon – Cosmopolitan Ballroom – 3rd Floor
11:30 am Registration
12:00 pm MELANIE HART, President, Japan-America Society of Indiana;
CEO, Tsuchiya Group North America
Welcome Remarks from the Consulate General of Japan
THE HONORABLE MASAHARU YOSHIDA, Consul General of Japan at Chicago
Luncheon Keynote Address
THE HONORABLE MIKE PENCE, Governor, State of Indiana
Program – Regency Ballroom – 2nd Floor
1:30 pm Opening Remarks
PETER KELLEY, President, National Association of Japan-America Societies
“Japan Update” Plenary Address
TAKEO NISHITANI, Chairman, Weber Shandwick, Japan
The Japan-U.S. Alliance and Global Issues
JOE YOUNG, Director of Office of Japanese Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Session 1: Leadership and Management Across Cultures: Challenges of Globalization
Moderator: PETE MORSE, Barnes & Thornburg
DOUG JOHNSON, President, JA Benefits
BRAD RHORER, Manager of Associate Development, Subaru of Indiana Automotive
KEVIN BUTT, General Manager/Chief Environmental Officer, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America
Coffee Break
Session 2: Indiana, the Midwest, and Japan: Successful Partnerships
Moderator: ICHIRO SONÉ, Chief Executive Director, JETRO-Chicago
JEFF PLATON, Chief Marketing Officer, Interactive Intelligence
HENRY JACKSON, CEO, Millennium Steel Services
DARREN WILDMAN, Representative, Cummins Komatsu Engine Company
Session 3: Why Indiana Works for Us
Moderator: TOM EASTERDAY, Executive Vice President, Secretary, Chief Legal Officer
Subaru of Indiana Automotive
TONY SUZUKI, Director, State of Indiana-Japan Office, Tokyo
YOSHIKI TAKADA, President, SMC Corporation
SHINICHI IIZUKA, President, TOA Industries Co., Limited, Japan
Reception – Foyer, 2nd Floor
5:30 pm Networking Reception
Click here to download a PDF version of the Japan Update Flyer