JUMP Seattle

JUMP Seattle

January 23, 2021 , 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm (America/Los Angeles)

On January 23, 2021, the Japan-U.S. Military Program (JUMP) hosted a special online event to celebrate our service members and the Japan-U.S. relationship with our partners in Seattle. This was a free online event for members of U.S. Army, National Guard, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, as well as their dependents and U.S. government civilians who have served in Japan at any time in their career. Spouses and interested civilians were also invited to join.

This event, titled Beyond Reconciliation: Celebrate Japan-US Alliance and Honor Nisei Veterans, was streamed live online. The speakers focused on both honoring the service and legacy of Nisei veterans (Americans of Japanese descent that served in the military) and celebrating the U.S.-Japan alliance.

NVC Commander Walter Tanimoto and JASSW Board Chair Toshi Kawachi provided opening remarks, followed by an appearance by The Hon. Hisao Inagaki, Consul General of Japan in Seattle. Dr. Satohiro Akimoto described JUMP’s mission prior to remarks by the featured speakers: Major General Xavier T. Brunson, USA, Rear Admiral Stephen Barrett, USN, and Major General Hiroyuki Sugai. NVC Vice Commander Michael Yaguchi moderated a live Q&A discussion with the audience following the remarks, and Mr. Dale Watanabe, Executive Director of JASSW, closed the event.

Other highlights included performances by JGSDF Bugle Corps and the Pacific Northwest Navy Band, as well as the lively Q&A session. JUMP extends its gratitude to all speakers and attendees for making time for this special event.

Speakers Included:

–Consul General, Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle – Hon. Hisao Inagaki

–Director of JUMP, Chairman of the Board, and President of Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA – Dr. Satohiro Akimoto

–Defense & Air Attaché, Embassy of Japan – Major General Hiroyuki Sugai, JSDF

–Commanding General, 7th Infantry Division – Major General Xavier T. Brunson, USA

–Commander, Navy Region Northwest – Rear Admiral Stephen D. Barnett, USN

-Commander, Nisei Veterans Committee – Mr. Walter Tanimoto

-Executive Director, JASSW – Mr. Dale Watanabe

-Chair, JASSW – Mr. Toshi Kawachi

-Vice Commander, Nisei Veterans Committee – Mr. Michael Yaguchi

This event was held in cooperation with the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington, the National Association of Japan-America Societies, the Embassy of Japan in the United States, the Nisei Veterans Committee, and Sasakawa USA.

Please stay tuned to our Twitter and Facebook for details on future events.