Dr. Bill Tsutsui has been appointed Vice Chair of the U.S. CULCON Panel and Japan U.S.-Friendship Commission (JUSFC). Dr. Tsutsui has served as panelist of U.S. CULCON and commissioner of JUSFC since 2020.

Dr. Tsutsui is Chancellor and Professor of History at Ottawa University. He is former president and professor of history at Hendrix College. An award-winning classroom teacher, Dr. Tsutsui is the author or editor of eight books, as well as numerous articles on modern Japanese history. See Dr. Tsutsui’s full bio here.

Of his appointment, Dr. Tsutsui remarked, “Through my service to CULCON and JUSFC, I am thrilled to contribute to the vibrant cultural and educational exchange that is critical to the strong US-Japan relationship.  These organizations play a vital role in building enduring bridges of understanding and friendship between the people of our two nations.”

Dr. Sheila Smith, Chair of U.S. CULCON and JUSFC noted, “Professor Bill Tsutsui brings incredible expertise and commitment to CULCON and JUSFC.  Bill’s renowned scholarship on Japan, his activism on behalf of the Asian Studies community and his presidency of an institution of higher learning make him a unique asset to our work.  I look forward to his leadership as Vice Chair, as we ensure that future generations will have ample opportunity to contribute to the U.S.-Japan partnership.”