If you can’t be in Japan, be in the Bay Area
Last week I attended the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California's Building California-Japan Business Connections event in San Francisco, and it reminded me why I always tell people that the Bay Area is probably the next best thing to being in Japan when it comes to connecting with Japanese companies.
What struck me before I even walked through the door was that this event was part of San Francisco International Week, a full week of programs organized by the San Francisco Chamber highlighting the region's global business connections. The Japan-focused evening was co-organized by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC) with support from JETRO San Francisco, which says a lot about the importance of the California-Japan relationship. Few international business corridors have the depth of connections that exist between Japan and the Bay Area.
The turnout said even more. More than 100 people packed the Morrison & Foerster (MoFo) headquarters in downtown San Francisco, creating a room full of business leaders, entrepreneurs, Japan specialists, and professionals interested in strengthening ties between California and Japan. That's a pretty impressive crowd for a midweek networking event and another reminder of just how vibrant the Japan business community is here.
Having spent years living and working in Japan, I've seen firsthand how important relationships and community are to doing business. The Bay Area has built something special in that regard. Between Japanese corporations, startups, government organizations, chambers, and professionals working across both markets, there are countless opportunities to build meaningful connections.
What I especially appreciated about this event was how naturally people came together. Conversations ranged from market entry and partnerships to shared experiences working between Japan and the U.S. It felt less like a networking event and more like a community.
And then there was the food and drink.
The sake from several providers was fantastic, the appetizers were excellent, and I was especially impressed by the wines several Japanese-owned wineries in California.
Honestly, the wine was a great reminder of the grit it takes to succeed as a Japanese winery in one of the world's most competitive wine regions. The quality spoke for itself, but so did the determination and craftsmanship behind it.
By the end of the evening, I found myself thinking that the Bay Area and Japan have a lot in common. Both value innovation, both attract ambitious people, and both understand that business is ultimately about relationships.
If you're interested in Japan, Japanese business, or building cross-border partnerships, there are few places outside Japan that offer the same opportunities as the Bay Area.
Not a bad way to spend a Wednesday evening, especially with a glass of wine, some excellent sake, tasty potato-korokke and other finger food, and great conversations.
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