The Japan-America Society of the State of Washington hosted Japan Young Professionals Group’s Nomikai, an informal gathering of students, business members, and community members at the new Suika Izakaya in Seattle Washington. Attendees consisted of Japanese exchange students, corporate members to the society, and interested members of the community as well as new unaffiliated guests. Suika was a gracious host, providing a plethora of Japanese dishes and drinks.

Guests exchanged meeshi and shared their experience and goals. It was great to see several of our JAS contacts interacting with students and engage in conversation about their educational and professional paths and also about Japan and America’s growing relationship. It was also beneficial to have a casual setting where these young people could reach out to folks from a wide variety of organizations from Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas) to the Consulate General of Japan in Seattle.

In reviewing, the event accomplished the goal of reaching out and expanding interest in the JYPG programs. We also succeeded in just having a great time meeting friends both new and old. Stay tuned to see much more from JASSW and JYPG in the future!

Photos by Tom Kohler