Thursday, April 23, 2009, 1:30PM - 8:00PM
ENGLISH
JETRO Event

Lewis University and the Chicago office of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), are pleased to organize “U.S.-Japan Collaboration & Opportunities: A Dialogue,” a program examining the U.S.-Japan relationship encompassing unique insights on education, energy and business. All critical issues that will be examined in light of the U.S.-Japan dynamic.

EDUCATION
Our program will feature Professor Michio Katsumata of Akita International University (AIU), who will be visiting the campus from Japan. His career as a leading journalist, commentator on U.S - Japan relations and now university thought leader, will undoubtedly provide a timely and valuable analysis on the Japanese economy and the U.S.-Japan economic relationship. Importantly, Professor Katsumata will introduce AIU and explain why this small liberal arts college has established relationships with 75 internationally minded partner universities – truly making an effort to expand and enrich global student education. Professor Katsumata will speak twice, with the afternoon talk designed specifically for Lewis students.

ENERGY
A paramount issue for the United States is setting a focused effort on energy policy. What can we learn from Japan in terms of developing energy efficiencies and alternative fuels? Where are there possibilities for green technology collaboration? The audience will hear from Gen Hajime Ito, President of JETRO New York. With almost thirty years of government experience at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Mr. Ito is one of Japan’s most experienced environmental policy planners. His comments will add value and clarity to our thinking on energy policy.

BUSINESS (afternoon)
How does one develop and then sustain a business relationship in Japan? Few people in the U.S. are more qualified to speak on this topic than Steven Gan, President of Stellar Risk Management Services, Inc., (Northbrook, IL). Mr. Gan, who spent fifteen years in Tokyo building his own company, will give a compelling presentation on doing business successfully in Japan. This talk is important for the soon-to-be Lewis graduates who may then utilize Japanese style business relationship building techniques to enhance their own networking skills. We are confident that Mr. Gan’s insights will be valuable for everyone entering a very competitive job market.

BUSINESS (evening)
One of North America’s leading technology firms in Japan is Molex, Inc., located in Lisle, Illinois. Sam Cremin, Director of Marketing Communication, will share his perspectives concerning the positive impact that Japan has had on Molex. This state-of-the-art electronic connector company has been successfully doing business in Japan for almost four decades. What were the critical issues for Molex as its Japanese business model evolved? What can aspiring global companies and students learn from Molex’s ongoing experience in the Japanese market? Mr. Cremin will share his knowledge and provide valuable guidance on the Molex mindset and Japan.

Our goal for the program is to create dialogue and interaction with the Lewis University community on Japan related topics of the day. We want to create an atmosphere that will enable the attendees, especially students, to listen to original thinking about Japan. We believe that this will enhance their own global mindset and enable them to learn and obtain knowledge. We encourage you to evaluate the agenda and hope that you will join us for this special event.

This program will be held at Lewis University’s Sancta Alberta Chapel, One University Parkway, Romeoville, Illinois. Registration for the afternoon session begins at 1:30 PM with the program beginning promptly at 2:00 PM and ending at 3:30 PM. Registration for the evening session will begin at 6:00 PM with the program beginning at 6:30 PM and ending at just after 8:00 PM with a reception to follow. After both sessions, we will also introduce the audience to a special guest, PARO, a Japanese therapy robot.

Participation is free, however registration is required. To register, complete the online registration form at www.lewisu.edu/USJapanSymposium. Questions? Please contact Frank Rose at Lewis University at 815-836-5802 or Kelly Highland at JETRO Chicago at 312-832-6022.

Click here to download event's brochure (PDF 243KB)

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