The America-Japan Society of Hokkaido, one of the region’s most prominent international organizations, celebrated its 70th anniversary in September with a look back on the past and an eye toward the future.
At a time when many international organizations in Japan are struggling to retain members due to an aging, declining population, the Hokkaido society and its more than 220 members remain active. With the Rapidus plant and associated semiconductor and renewable energy businesses from the U.S., Europe, and elsewhere expected to set up shop in Hokkaido in the coming years, the society has the potential to further expand its activities and membership base.
Over 100 Hokkaido-based business leaders, U.S. officials and residents, as well as Hokkaido Gov. Naomichi Suzuki and Sapporo Mayor Katsuhiro Akimoto were on hand on Sept. 19 to mark the first seven decades of the society, which first came together in September 1954 with just 55 members.
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