CEPEX is a 501(c)(3) NPO dedicated to cultivating the U.S.-Japan relationship and the next generation of Japan experts.

As a non-profit organization, CEPEX focuses its efforts in four main areas:

I. Supporting Americans upon their return from Japan who are seeking employment (in any field) while maintaining and strengthening their ties to Japan.

II. Supporting young professional Japanese currently working or studying in the Washington D.C. area as well as Japanese temporarily visiting the area.

III. Creating policy proposals and disseminating information in order to increase awareness and interest in U.S. – Japan relations.

IV. Creating and organizing events to help facilitate adoption and implementation of the first three goals.

John, CFO; Susan, Outreach Officer; Justin, COO

Established in the spring of 2005 in Washington DC, the Center for Professional Exchange (CEPEX) is a non-profit organization (501c3) focused on providing support and collaboration at the professional level for cultural and interpersonal exchange and study between the United States and Japan.

It is often said that current U.S-Japan relations are the best they have ever been, with no major problems. Paradoxically, the idea that “There are no major problems with U.S.-Japan relations” may, in fact, be the biggest concern. Perhaps there is some truth in both of those viewpoints. It can certainly be said that the friction, disagreeable atmosphere, and apprehension that made up the bulk of U.S.-Japan relations as recently as 10 years ago has largely disappeared. On the other hand, it cannot be denied (partly due to the resolution of past grievances) that the amount of sincere interest in Japan and its relationship with the U.S. has, within the United States itself, significantly declined.

Cross-national relationships are hard to read. It is, of course, desirable to have good relations between Japan and the United States. But the timing of the ebb and flow in relations is fickle, and often “only God knows” when such good relations may turn sour. It can also be said that when a matter of great importance arises between the two countries, having a large number of Americans who are well-versed in Japan and its traits, will be extremely beneficial for Japan.

So what is the current situation? Well, since trade friction between the two countries peaked in the late 1980’s, the impetus with which people strived to learn about Japan has dramatically diminished. If things are left as they are now, there will be a shortage of qualified individuals who are interested and concerned with U.S-Japan relations. It might take as few as 10 years for such a situation to come to pass. What’s more, once those human networks and resources are gone, reviving them would take enormous effort.　CEPEX was started with the notion that “If we start now, we can make it.” By promoting exchange in higher education, research, business etc., CEPEX aims to support the training and development of individuals who will act as links between Japan and the United States and contribute to the international community over the long-term.

Washington DC is one of the best locations for carrying out such objectives. Within the city there are still large numbers of Japanese experts in fields like international development and international policy. These experts, however, are finding fewer chances to use their expertise and are struggling to find opportunities to advance themselves. If the number of chances for them to apply themselves and their knowledge increases, another generation of Japanese experts will be born. That, in turn, fosters support and connections for people who want to make a career that is in some way related to Japan.

With awareness of the aforementioned issues, CEPEX was established by Japanese residing in Washington DC as well as by Americans in the area who endorse the idea behind the organization and who directly and indirectly support its goals.

CEPEX aims to support those who want to study, understand and work with Japan while helping to fill the needs of Japanese businesses, government agencies, universities, and research centers. It is our hope that our modest effort will make a small but beneficial contribution to U.S.-Japan relations and to society as a whole.