The Japan-America Society’s “Annual Meeting: Soaring Towards the Future” held on Thursday, April 25 at The Museum of Flight, was an unforgettable evening filled with inspiration and gratitude. With the theme of looking ahead to new horizons, the event brought together passionate individuals dedicated to fostering understanding and cooperation between Japan and America.

We would like to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of our past Chair member, Shoko Farmer, whose dedication and leadership have been instrumental in advancing the mission of the Japan-America Society. As we bid farewell to Shoko, we warmly welcome Masami Katayama as our new Chair, confident in her ability to guide us towards a future of continued growth and collaboration.

One of the highlights of the evening was the keynote address delivered by Shinji Maeda, the visionary founder of the Aero Zypangu Project.

Despite facing adversity, Shinji exemplifies resilience and determination, embarking on a mission to circumnavigate the globe with a powerful message: “Nothing is impossible.” Born in Hokkaido prefecture, Shinji’s childhood dream of becoming a pilot was nearly shattered when he lost sight in one eye due to a tragic accident. Undeterred, he pursued his passion, obtaining a master’s degree in Safety Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and working as an aviation engineer at ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd. and Boeing.

In 2016, he founded the Aero Zypangu Project, a nonprofit organization aimed at empowering individuals through aviation activities. Through his motivational lectures and flight training, Shinji inspires hope and resilience, demonstrating that challenges can be overcome with perseverance and a positive mindset.

His nonprofit Aero Zypangu Project website is linked here, and for those curious about his next mission: click here to find out about the Japan & USA Friendship Flight 2025! Lastly, you can buy his book (in Japanese) here: book link.

Furthermore, we also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous donors and sponsors whose support made this event possible:

• Boeing
• Gobo Enterprises
• Uwajimaya
• Yuka Shimizu, (BCA/WPS)
• Consulate General of Japan in Seattle
• Tom & Yoko Sasaki

We would also like to say a special thanks to Shirafuji Sake Brewery Company for their contribution of Japanese sake, adding a touch of cultural richness to the evening. We were able to celebrate with a traditional kanpai toast from our new Chair, Masami Katayama. Additionally, we express our appreciation to The Westin Seattle for generously providing a one-night deluxe stay as a raffle prize, enhancing the excitement of the event. Congratulations to the winner, Uehara-san!

The “Annual Meeting: Soaring Towards the Future” was not only a celebration of achievements but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to building bridges across cultures and inspiring positive change. As we reflect on the event’s success, we are filled with optimism for the journey ahead, united in our belief that together, we can indeed soar towards a brighter future!

For those interested, we have posted our 2023-2024 year event recap video on our YouTube channel!

Japan-America Society of the State of Washington