2025 Watanabe Democracy Fellows

Takashi Ishimori is a manager of the Asia and Oceania Section of Global Strategic Planning & Marketing Group at Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.

“Through this fellowship, I came to recognize that democracy is more than a system of decision-making within organizations. It is a social force rooted in the aspiration to enrich not only one’s own community and generation but also other minority groups and subsequent  generations. Engaging in dialogue with others about their professional values and sense of purpose inspired me to reaffirm my own aspiration to become a leader who can steer an organization in a positive direction by conveying conviction and belief founded on strong principles.”
 

Misako Kono is a senior officer in the Global Partnerships Department of The Japan Foundation. 

“During the US Delegation, I frequently heard expressions of concern about the deepening polarization of opinions. Dialogue with those holding differing views has become increasingly difficult, and I sensed an acute danger in the implementation of policies that further fuel division. Social fragmentation is not a challenge confined to the United States. I believe similar divisions are beginning to emerge in Japan as well. In such times, it is crucial not to focus solely on division but to seek ways to foster solidarity within society. By actively engaging with people of differing perspectives and striving to understand the logic and circumstances behind their views, I came to realize that it is only through such empathy that we can identify truly shared ground.”

Sato Sekimoto is the manager for the General Affairs Division of the International Affairs Bureau of the City of Yokohama.

“My primary motivation for joining this fellowship was to gain a deeper understanding of the realities of American society, which is built upon immigration, and to reflect on what a genuinely inclusive society might look like in an increasingly complex Japan. Throughout the US Delegation, I was struck by the significant role that individuals and civic initiatives play in shaping society. Spending time with fellows from diverse backgrounds also deepened my awareness of varied perspectives and values. Whether among Fellows, ethnic groups, or across cities and nations, I was reminded that mutual understanding grounded in human connection forms the very foundation of a society that truly respects diversity.”

Risa Shibata is a representative at the JICA Laos Office, where she oversees the education, sports, and tourism sectors.

“My most profound learning from the fellowship arose from daily exchanges of ideas with other Fellows. As participants came from a wide range of sectors, including government, finance, media, and manufacturing, each brought unique insights, even when visiting the same sites. Listening to their perspectives and engaging in discussion proved invaluable. In contemplating diversity, I realized that learning how to embrace differences remains one of the greatest challenges in modern society. This fellowship offered an important opportunity to reflect deeply on my own identity and sense of authenticity.”

Daisuke Shirakawa is a producer for the evening news program News Zero at Nippon Television Network Corporation.

“ What can I do in the face of a crisis of freedom? That question echoed constantly in my mind throughout this journey. Now in its second year, the Toshizo Watanabe Democracy Fellowship has taken on even greater significance amid today’s global challenges. One person I met in the United States encouraged me by saying,  ‘Even so, we cannot turn back the clock. The world continues to move forward.’  Those words have stayed with me. At a time when the ideals of democracy are being tested, I am determined to fulfill my responsibility—to defend freedom and diversity—as a Fellow, a journalist, and a citizen.”

Hiromi Shirakura is in charge of secretarial duties to the president at Nippon Yusen Kaisha.

Guided by the program’s mission to promote democratic values and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States through the lens of Japanese American history, I found my perspective broadened profoundly through encounters and dialogue with people from diverse backgrounds. I was particularly struck by the presence and influence of NPOs and NGOs in the United States. Whereas nonprofits in Japan are often associated primarily with volunteerism, their American counterparts stand out as vital agents of social transformation. I also observed notable differences between Japan and the United States in the interpretation of DEI and the ways in which minority communities collaborate. The American emphasis on solidarity and collective engagement offered meaningful insights for Japan’s future.”

Ayumi Wajima leads the Planning Department at Banco MUFG Brasil S.A., where she oversees corporate strategy, governance, and critical projects.

“In the United States, I discovered the existence of numerous communities extending beyond ethnicity and race, each sharing an unspoken history or memory as a collective experience. From the numerous exhibits and records we saw, I sensed a deep determination within these communities to accurately preserve their histories and prevent the repetition of past injustices. At the same time, I learned that countless struggles for freedom and equality have shaped the democracy and diversity of contemporary America. I was especially impressed by how individuals from across sectors, including government, Congress, NGOs, think tanks, private enterprise, and the media, each engage with and contribute to the democratic system from their respective standpoints.”

Chihiro Yago is a high school English teacher at Takaoka High School in Toyama Prefecture.

“While many schools aspire to cultivate global leaders, I found myself questioning whether true democracy genuinely functions within such institutions. What democratic values should these future leaders embody? With this question in mind, I joined the fellowship and gained valuable insights into the intrinsic relationship between democracy and education. Through the US Delegation, I felt firsthand the vital role that education plays as a cornerstone of democracy. As an educator, I take great pride in contributing to this foundation and will continue working with students, teachers, and communities to foster education that underpins Japan’s democracy.”

The eight Fellows of the inaugural Toshizo Watanabe Democracy Fellowship in 2024 spent nearly two weeks in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., from July 14 to July 26. During this period, they visited government agencies, nonprofits, and think tanks, engaging in a range of interactions and learning experiences.

Bios and Reflections