Tasha Yorozu and the 2016 U.S.-Japan Council Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD) had the honor of meeting with Ambassador Masaharu Kohno, the Special Representative of the Government of Japan for the Middle East and Europe, and Special Envoy of the Government of Japan for the Middle East Peace. Ambassador Kohno shared some highlights of his long and distinguished career in Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The delegates were fascinated to hear about Ambassador Kohno’s experiences in the Ministry and while serving as Ambassador to Russia and Italy. The Ambassador was one of the original organizers of the JALD program and shared that the intent of the program was to help Japanese Americans reconnect with their Japanese heritage. He also was enthusiastic about the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics.