CULCON held its 31st plenary session on Thursday, February 19th, 2026, in Okinawa, Japan. The following link for the MOFA press release for the event: “The Japan-United States Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange (CULCON) (The 31st Plenary Meeting)“
The Government of Japan has announced that Dr. Sheila A. Smith, former U.S. Chair of the U.S.-Japan Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange (CULCON) and the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC) will receive The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star in recognition of her contributions promoting people-to-people exchange and mutual understanding between the […]
The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC) and The U.S. Panel of the Conference on Cultural and Education Interchange (CULCON) mourn the loss of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 100. President Carter will be remembered with admiration for his lifelong commitment to principles of […]
The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC) and CULCON are deeply saddened by the passing of Shay Youngblood, a distinguished author and playwright. Ms. Youngblood was an integral part of JUSFC and CULCON, first as a U.S.-Japan Creative Artist Fellowship recipient and since 2021 as commissioner and panelist. Her insightful storytelling not only enriched the literary community […]
**Japanese Follows English** Washington, D.C. May 10, 2024: The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC) and the U.S. CULCON Panel are pleased to announce the appointment of new Chair, Mr. Charles D. Lake II. His term is effective May 15, 2024. Mr. Lake is Representative Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Aflac Life Insurance Japan […]
Today, we celebrate the Investiture of Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, Ed.D. as the 31st president of San José State University (SJSU). An internationally recognized Latina leader, President Teniente-Matson is a champion of student success initiatives; civic engagement; and experiential learning. Throughout her career that spans more than 30 years in higher education, President Teniente-Matson has always […]
U.S. CULCON extends our sincere condolences and support to the people of western Japan affected by the recent earthquake, and to those impacted by the airplane collision in Tokyo. Our deepest sympathies to all who are affected by these tragic events.
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 […]
CULCON held its 30th plenary session on Friday, October 6th 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Find attached the press release for the event: “U.S.-Japan Panel CULCON Discusses Policy Goals in Atlanta“
The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC), and CULCON offer exceptional opportunities for students interested in Japan, U.S.-Japan relations, or public diplomacy. We are currently seeking one (1) Summer 2023 intern to support current initiatives, which include activities promoting U.S.-Japan cultural, educational and people-to-people exchange. Intern will be working from a small office in a team-oriented and […]
