Since its founding in the 1950s, the International House of Japan (IHJ) has been a home away from home for thousands of leading American intellectuals traveling to Japan for meetings, research, and other endeavors. Their enduring connection to IHJ is at the heart of our work at AFIHJ. In this interview series, we spoke with some IHJ members about their own connection to I-House.
Visiting Fellow, Stanford University
Vice Chairman, Securities Investor Protection Corporation
Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress
“Try new things and take prudent risks.”
Mr. Glen S. Fukushima first connected with the International House of Japan in 1971 and has had multiple contacts with the organization spanning over 50 years. He emphasizes the exchange aspect of IHJ, stressing that it is a fabulous venue and forum that allows for the exchange of ideas, activities, programs, and people between Japan and other countries, especially the United States.
Managing Director, Japan, MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
“Homecoming” —when asked if she could describe her experience with the IHJ in one word.
Christine Pilcavage is a member of the International House of Japan and a Board Member and Secretary of the American Friends of the International House of Japan. Her journey in the world of Japanese affairs began long before she became a member in 2016. She views I-House as a bridge between Japan and other nations that brings people together, a welcoming and safe place where people can convene conversations on fun as well as difficult and controversial topics.
CEO and Co-Founder of BasisTech
“Listen to your inner voice… especially when making important decisions.”
Mr. Carl Hoffman has been a committed member of the International House of Japan since 1985, following in his parents’ footsteps. He has many memories of staying at I-House, dating back to when he was 13 years old, and now, in his business career, IHJ is his home away from home, providing a space where he can engage in discussion groups and symposiums, and see old friends.
Professor of History and Director of the Center for Japanese Studies at Portland State University
“It is a soothing place to go back to” —when asked to summarize his experience with IHJ
Dr. Ruoff has been a devoted member of the International House of Japan since the mid-1990s, when he was completing the fieldwork for his Ph.D. dissertation at Hokkaido University. He would regularly visit Tokyo during this time to visit archives and meet with people, staying at the International House of Japan while doing so, thanks to Professor Jun Furuya. Professor Furuya convinced him to become a member of the International House of Japan.
Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, United Nations
“Of course, the world is changing dramatically, and not all are positive changes. But you have to always believe that you can be a change agent and you can indeed change the world – for the better.” — when asked what advice she would give younger students
Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu is an avid member of the International House of Japan (IHJ). She appreciates and values the platform IHJ creates for fostering deep dialogues among individuals from many cultures. She became a member of IHJ after Mr. Yasushi Akashi, the first Japanese United Nations staff member and her former boss, encouraged her to join during a get-together at the I-House restaurant.
