Sign Up Today! Volunteer for the Spotlight Seminar: U.S.- Japan Collaboration in AI & Technology Seminar
Join the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington (JASSW) and the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle for a fascinating evening! This seminar features dynamic presentations from global leaders at Microsoft, Mitsui, University of Tsukuba, and Amazon, exploring the future of AI and U.S.–Japan collaboration. Come support this high-profile event and network with prominent leaders in business and academia!
Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 6:00 – 9:00 pm (Doors open at 5:30 pm)
Venue: Bellevue City Hall - Council Chamber & Concourse
(450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004)
Volunteer Tasks & Shifts
Volunteer tasks include: set-up, tear down, attendee registration, directing guests, assisting speakers, and supporting the networking reception.
We are looking for volunteers who can commit to the Full Event shift or the Evening Reception shift. A light meal will be provided to all volunteers.
| Shift |
Time |
Tasks |
| "Full Event" Shift |
4:00 pm to 9:30 pm |
Pre-Event:
Help with room set-up, prepare the registration area, and organize materials.
During Event: Check-in attendees, direct guests, provide logistical support during the Spotlight Presentations & Q&A, and online support.
Post-Event: Assist with the Networking Reception (serving food/drinks) and tear down.
|
| Evening Reception Shift |
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm |
Networking Reception Focus: Help with the transition from the seminar to the reception, assist with food and beverage service (Japanese food, wine, sake, and soft drinks), clean up during the reception, and assist with final tear down.
|
Featured Speakers & Spotlight Presentations
The seminar will feature Spotlight Presentations, with each speaker sharing insights from their organization. Through dynamic contributions from leading global corporations and universities, the program will highlight initiatives that are driving innovation, creating new business opportunities, and strengthening U.S.–Japan ties.
Darren S. Coil – Sr. Director, Account Technology Strategist & CTO, Microsoft Corporation
Coil will share how Copilot and Microsoft’s cloud solutions are driving transformation in partnership with Japanese and U.S. enterprises.
Masaki Kawakami – General Manager, MKI (U.S.A.), Inc.
Akihisa Hirosawa – Lead AI Engineer, Mitsui Co. (U.S.A.), Inc.
Representing Mitsui, one of Japan’s leading global trading and investment companies, Kawakami and Hirosawa will share how AI is being applied to enhance efficiency and drive innovation across Mitsui’s global operations in diverse industries.
Prof. Tetsuya Sakurai – Director of the Center for Artificial Intelligence Research, University of Tsukuba
Sakurai will share insights from the Cross-Pacific AI Initiative (X-PAI), a long-term partnership launched in 2024 between the University of Tsukuba and the University of Washington, with support from both the Japanese and U.S. governments. In collaboration with global technology leaders such as NVIDIA and Amazon, X-PAI aims to advance AI research, talent development, entrepreneurship, and social implementation.
Anne Szeto – Director, Academic Research Initiatives (ARI)
Szeto will highlight AI innovations and opportunities for collaboration to advance digital transformation and strengthen U.S.-Japan technology ties.
General Timeline
5:30 PM Doors Open
6:00-6:15 PM Opening Remarks
- Consul General Makoto Iyori
- Bellevue Deputy Mayor Mo Malakoutian
6:15-7:45 pm Spotlight Presentations & QA Session
7:45-9:00 pm Networking Reception
9:20 pm Event Concludes
Questions?
Please contact JASSW directly at (206) 374-0180 or email the event coordinator at jassw1923@gmail.com for more information on how to sign up.
Link to the Event Website
This event is presented with the generous support of
the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle.
