Japanese Universities Network Bridging the Americas (JUNBA)

JUNBA is a network among Japanese universities in the Americas. The current members include J.F. Oberlin U, U of Osaka, Kagoshima U, Tohoku U, Nagoya U, Yokohama City U, Waseda U, Ryukoku U, Kobe U, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Institute of Science Tokyo, University of Tokyo, Kyoto U, Kyushu U, Ritsumeikan U, and Fukuoka Institute of Science. JSPS (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science) San Francisco Office joined as a secretariat office to promote the activities of JUNBA. The mission of JUNBA is to assist Japanese universities with the enhancement of education and research activities and the creation of new businesses opportunities. JUNBA aims to attain this mission by facilitating internationalization movements at Japanese universities, supporting the training of university students and personnel, and promoting the development of academia-industry relationships between Japan and the Americas. The current members of JUNBA, including officers, board members, and advisers are as follows: President: Ms. Mari Maruyama, Executive Director, Obirin Gakuen Foundation of America Vice President: Mr. Tomohisa Koyama, Executive Director, Technology Partnership of Nagoya University, Inc. Executive Board & Secretary-General: Dr. Yusaku Nakabeppu, Director, JSPS San Francisco Office Board Members: Dr. Beverley Yamamoto, Regional Director, Osaka U North American Center for Academic Initiatives Dr. Masato Miyake: Director of Ritsumeikan U, San Francisco Office Dr. Kaoru Kitajima: Director of Kyoto U North America Center Dr. Kazukiyo Kumagai, Chief, Air Quality Section at California Department of Public Health Advisors: Honorary Advisor: Mr. Yo Osumi, Consul General, Consulate General of Japan in SF Advisors: Ms. Kanako Watanabe Chief Executive Director, JETRO SF Dr. Richard Dasher, Director of the US-Asia Tech. Management Center, Stanford U Executive Advisor: Ms. Chikae Asami, Consul (Science, Technology and Education), Consulate General of Japan in SF