The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake that devastated Japan's northern Pacific coastal communities has spotlighted an exciting new trend in Japan--the growing willingness of young Japanese to turn their back on traditional paths to security and success and devote themselves to risk-taking careers that promote the greater good. 

Join us on January 26 for our panel of cutting-edge experts from Japan as they explore the burgeoning Japanese social entrepreneurism movement, which has come into sharp focus during today's post-disaster recovery efforts. Panelists include Keio University and Social Venture Partners Japan social entrepreneurism evangelist Hideyuki Inoue, Entrepreneurial Training for Innovative Communities (ETIC)'s Tohoku leadership project expert Yoshiaki Ishikawa, African food relief non-profit Table for Two founder Masahisa Kogure, and Barbara D. Kibbe, Chief Operating Officer of Salesforce.com Foundation. Our speakers will discuss what drives Japan's new engaged generation, the work their own innovative organizations are doing, and what the emergence of this committed new generation of Japanese means for their country and for the world. Moderated by Dr. Richard B. Dasher, Director, US-Asia Technology Management Center, Stanford University.

Japan-US Innovation Initiative 

The Japan-US Innovation Initiative recognizes the game-changing work of innovative Japanese and US companies and individuals building trans-Pacific synergies through innovative technology and business models. June 29, 2012, marks the 2nd Annual Japan-US Innovation Awards and Japan-US Innovation Conference, presented by the Japan Society of Northern California in collaboration with Stanford University's US-Asia Technology Management Center.

Location:                  
Bechtel Conference Center
500 Washington Street, Ground Floor (enter through lobby)
San Francisco, CA

Date & Time:                        
Thursday, January 26, 2012
6:00 pm Registration & Reception
6:30 to 8:00 pm Program

Cost:   
$5 for current JSNC Members and/or Keizai Society Members
$10 General Admission

Seating is limited and early registration is strongly recommended to guarantee admission. The deadline to RSVP for this event is noon on Thursday, January 26; refunds will not be made after Monday, January 23, 2012.