Thursday Evening June 1, 2023, in Washington D.C. at the Embassy of Japan, distinguished guests from the Japan ministry of foreign affairs, U.S. state department and international education delegates from the U.S. and Japan gathered.
The Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. hosted The NAFSA Japan S.I.G. (special interest group). Educators from around the world but especially the United States and Japan came together to discuss bilateral international education. As Japan S.I.G. sponsors, SAF was honored to support the event, and equally humbled by the support of the Japanese and American government representatives and other S.I.G. members.
Koichi Ai, the Minister and Head of Chancery of the Embassy of Japan warmed the crowds of international educators with anecdotes covering Japanese surnames (Ai) to A.I. (Artificial Intelligence). Reflecting on the necessity of human-to-human interaction, Koichi Ai states:
“Identifying with another human being, … it seems to me that lack of this quality, let us say a lack of imagination, is at the root of many problems we face around the world today.” - Koichi Ai, Minster and Head of Chancery of the Embassy of Japan
SAF would like to thank the Japan S.I.G leadership and event organizers including:
- The embassy of Japan staff including representatives from the ministry of foreign affairs
- Representatives from the US state department
- Taichi Kaneshiro | Counsellor (Education), Embassy of Japan
- Kumi Matsuzaki | Associate Professor - Japanese Red Cross Toyota College of Nursing
- Katie Samuel | Education Abroad Coordinator - Eastern Kentucky University
- Carmella Lieske | Assistant Director for Globalization / Professor, Center for Foreign Language Education - Shimane University
- Emily Brew | Exchange Visitor Specialist, International Services for Students and Scholars (ISSS) - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
- Keiko Ikeda | Full Professor & Vice-Director, Institute for Innovative Global Education - Kansai University
SAF is excited to work with our community of educators who continue to pave the way for impactful international educational experiences. In the words of Minister and Head of Chancery of the Embassy of Japan, Koichi Ai:
“Critical thinking matters, education matters, international exchange matters, especially today.” - Koichi Ai
Please enjoy photos from the event:
