Overview

The U.S.-Japan Innovators Network is a multidisciplinary network of emerging and established innovative leaders committed to creating a better world. The Network explores new potential for U.S.-Japan collaboration by connecting people and ideas through network-building exchanges, private retreats, public forums, and long-term projects. Since its inception in 2005, Network members meet to generate ideas for collaboration, and wider discussion is facilitated through public forums featuring the work of the participants.

Network initiatives in Tokyo, Kyoto, New York, San Francisco, Pittsburgh and New Orleans have explored issues such as community revitalization, building essential skills for social innovators, new models for entrepreneurialism, crisis management and recovery, and the role of play in fostering creativity and innovation.

Moving forward, Japan Society will look for new ways to expand the Network, connecting innovative Japanese and Americans who are working to create social value and catalyze change for a better future.

Staff

Betty Borden, Director, Policy Projects
Fumiko Miyamoto, Program Officer

Betty Borden - Director of Policy Programs
Betty Borden is the Director of Policy Programs and manages the US-Japan Innovators Network, a unique collaborative program bringing together creative Japanese and Americans who are pursuing innovative and often groundbreaking ideas to improve their communities and society. Before coming to Japan Society, Borden worked at The Asia Foundation in Washington, DC, where she was responsible for program development and oversaw Executive Branch and Congressional relations. She has also worked for a U.S. Senator as a legislative aide. Borden holds a B.A. in International Relations from San Francisco State University.

Fumiko Miyamoto - Program Officer
Fumiko Miyamoto joined Japan Society in September 2005. Prior to that, she worked as a news producer, researcher, translator, and interpreter in the media industry. A native of Japan, she graduated from Nihon University, College of Art and holds an MA in Journalism from New York University. She has lived in London, Beirut, Cochabamba, and Paris.