Tasha Yorozu and the 2016 U.S.-Japan Council Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD) were deeply honored to meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Kantei, his official residence and principal workplace, for a long-anticipated meeting with the world leader. Prime Minister Abe welcomed the delegation and spoke of the importance of strengthening relationships between Japanese Americans and Japan. The JALD discussion with the Prime Minister touched upon many topics, including the importance of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the success of the TOMODACHI Initiative, and the changing face of Japanese Americans, as represented by the JALD delegation. The Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude to the United States for its assistance in the years since the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake, and highlighted the great leadership of Irene Hirano Inouye, founding President of the U.S.-Japan Council.