Home Event Recap Spotlight Seminar: U.S.-Japan Collaboration in AI and Technology

Spotlight Seminar: U.S.-Japan Collaboration in AI and Technology

Event Overview

The Japan-America Society of the State of Washington (JASSW) is pleased to present the Spotlight Seminar: U.S.-Japan Collaboration in AI and Technology, supported by the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle.

This timely program will explore the growing opportunities and challenges in artificial intelligence and technology partnerships between the U.S. and Japan. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest AI advancements, practical applications for business, and the collaborative strategies shaping the future of innovation across the Pacific.

Through a series of “Spotlight Presentations,” leading experts from industry and academia will share their perspectives on AI technologies, business models, and successful case studies of U.S.–Japan cooperation. The evening will also provide a platform for networking with technology leaders, academics, and members of the U.S.-Japan business community.

Date & Time: Thursday, November 6, 2025
5:30–8:30 pm (Program starts at 6:00 pm)

Venue: Bellevue City Hall
450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 | MAP

Admission: Free for JASSW members

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Program & Guest Speakers

Each presentation will be delivered in a Spotlight format (15–20 minutes), offering a focused look into organizational innovations and strategies.

    • Dallen Coil | CTO of Account Technology Strategist at Microsoft
    • Tetsuya Fukuda | Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc. – CTO, DX Department
    • Amazon Web Services (AWS) – CTO
    • Tetsuya Sakurai, Professor at University of Tsukuba, Center for Artificial Intelligence Research:  Cross-Pacific AI Initiative with the University of Washington

Tetsuya Fukuda – Representative Director, CDIO, Mitsui & Co. Ltd.

Tetsuya Fukuda is a key leader driving digital transformation at Mitsui & Co. Ltd., one of Japan’s largest sogo shosha (general trading companies). As the Chief Digital Information Officer (CDIO), he is at the forefront of the company’s digital strategy, focusing on leveraging technology to enhance existing businesses and create new ones.

With a career at Mitsui spanning since 1991, Fukuda has extensive experience in the mineral and metal resources sector. His journey to the C-suite involved significant leadership roles, including General Manager of the Coal Division and Chief Operating Officer of the Mineral & Metal Resources Business Unit.

In his current role, he oversees the company’s Integrated Digital Strategy Division and is an influential member of the Moon Creative Lab committee, where he helps guide the company’s innovation and digital ventures. His work is centered on a two-pronged DX (Digital Transformation) approach: using digital tools to improve performance in current operations and to foster the creation of new business models.

Fukuda is a key figure in Mitsui’s commitment to becoming a “360° business innovator,” guiding the company’s efforts in data-driven management, the adoption of generative AI, and the development of a robust in-house team of DX professionals. His leadership is pivotal to Mitsui’s goal of integrating digital technology into every aspect of its global business.

Darren S. Coil – Sr. Director, Account Technology Strategist, CTO Microsoft

Darren Coil is a senior technology executive at Microsoft, specializing in AI-driven transformation and innovation for global enterprises. Based in Seattle, Washington, he works closely with leading Japanese and American companies to drive digital transformation, operational excellence, and cross-border collaboration, With over three decades of experience spanning Microsoft, Intel, Schneider Electric and a variety of other companies with operational and leadership roles in manufacturing, supply chain, and technology consulting, Darren has led complex cloud and AI initiatives for multinational clients including Mitsui, Panasonic, Mercedes, Pepsi, Procter and Gamble (P&G), Starbucks and ZF. He is recognized for his ability to bridge cultures and business practices, havingnegotiated and executed technology strategies in more than 30 countries.
Darren’s work focuses on leveraging AI, cloud, and data solutions to solve real-world challenges in all aspects of a business from executive management, R&D, engineering, operations, finance, HR, legal, sales and marketing. He has delivered keynote presentations and technical papers to industry groups worldwide, and his thought leadership is featured in Microsoft Industry Blogs and global publications. Darren holds an MBA from Arizona State University and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Oregon State University.
Outside of work, Darren is an avid traveler, pilot, boater, golfer, skier, scuba diving instructor, and outdoor enthusiast, passionate about building connections between Japan and the United States through technology and innovation.

Tetsuya Sakurai – Professor and Director of Center for Artificial Intelligence Research (C-AIR), University of Tsukuba

Professor Tetsuya Sakurai is a leading figure in the academic and research community, specializing in the field of Artificial Intelligence. As a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and the Director of the Center for Artificial Intelligence Research (C-AIR) at the University of Tsukuba, he is at the forefront of AI innovation and education in Japan.
With a research career in AI that began in the 1990s, Professor Sakurai has a deep expertise in mathematical modeling and algorithms. His work has focused on foundational AI concepts, with a particular emphasis on:
  • Developing privacy-enhanced AI algorithms to protect sensitive data.
  • Advancing machine learning and deep learning techniques.
  • Creating practical AI applications for industries such as healthcare, smart manufacturing, and materials science.
As the director of C-AIR, he leads a major international collaboration with the University of Washington, fostering partnerships with global technology leaders like NVIDIA and Amazon. This initiative is dedicated to advancing AI research, cultivating talent, and applying cutting-edge AI solutions to address complex, real-world challenges. Professor Sakurai’s leadership is pivotal in bridging academic research with practical industry applications, strengthening Japan’s role in the global AI landscape.

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Spotlight Seminar: U.S.-Japan Collaboration in AI and Technology — Timeline

Seminar Timeline

Spotlight Seminar: U.S.-Japan Collaboration in AI and Technology — Bellevue City Hall
  1. 5:30

    Doors Open

    Check‑in, find your seat, and meet fellow attendees.

  2. 6:00

    Program Starts Main Program

    Opening announcements and housekeeping.

  3. 6:00–6:15

    Program Opening

    👋 Welcome — JASSW Board Representatives 🎌 Greetings — Consul General Makoto Iyori
  4. 6:15–7:35

    Spotlight Presentations & Q&A

    15–20 minute lightning talks highlighting AI innovations and U.S.–Japan collaboration.

    • Microsoft — Dallen Coil, CTO of Account Technology Strategist
    • Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc. — CTO, DX Department
    • Amazon Web Services (AWS) — CTO
    • University of Tsukuba, Center for Artificial Intelligence Research — Prof. Tetsuya Sakurai
  5. 7:35–7:40

    Closing

    📣 JASSW Updates — Executive Director
  6. 7:40–8:40

    Networking Reception

    Light refreshments and conversation with speakers and attendees.

  7. 9:00

    Event Concludes

    Thank you for joining us. We look forward to seeing you at future JASSW events.

Join Us!

This seminar offers a rare opportunity to learn about cutting-edge AI collaboration between the U.S. and Japan while connecting with professionals and thought leaders in the field. We look forward to welcoming you to this exciting evening of innovation and exchange.

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