The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country.

STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency. STEP also allows Americans residing abroad to get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Visit https://step.state.gov/step to get started!

To help develop the next generation of U.S.-Japan and ACCJ leaders, the ACCJ has established the Young Professionals Forum (YPF) for members who are 35 or younger. We will be hosting a series of events targeted at young professionals over the course of the year, with a kick-off business networking event planned for early April.

In recognition of the YPF initiative, and to emphasize our commitment to growing this segment of our membership, the ACCJ launched a six-month Entrance Fee Waiver Campaign (from March 1 to August 31) for eligible candidates. This campaign allows prospective members aged 35 and younger to join the ACCJ and participate in the YPF without having to pay the standard entrance fee of 15,000 yen.*

The YPF will carry on activities from 2015 pilot program with peer-led programs, mentor forums, training and networking activities in order to provide a platform for young professionals to create new connections with peers and senior business leaders alike.

This is a great opportunity to engage our young professionals and provide an opportunity for some of our future leaders to network and advance their leadership skills.

• If you are 35 or younger and are interested in the program or participated in the pilot, keep an eye out for our event kick-off invitation e-mail.

• If you are a representative from one of our Corporate Sustaining Member Companies, please use this opportunity to identify suitable Young Professionals within your organization and direct them to the ACCJ Membership Department < membership@accj.or.jp> to get signed up under the fee waiver campaign.

For a PDF of this announcement, please click here.

*Annual membership dues still required. ​

​2015 was a banner year for the ACCJ. Click here to visit the ACCJ YouTube channel and experience some of the year's most exciting moments and accomplishments! Be the first to know when new videos are uploaded by subscribing to the ACCJ YouTube channel today!

​Is your company a business index service or product provider? The March issue of ACCJ The Journal will feature the industry special for HR & Recruitment Industries.
Sectors to be featured include:

HR consulting • Corporate training • Executive search • Staffing services • Executive coaching • MBA programs • Talent management
 • Human capital strategy • Compensation planning • Succession planning • Retirement solutions • Benefits consulting • Workforce communication • Outsourcing • Change management

You are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to position your firm among the elite of these industries and be featured in our popular Business Index — in print and online for one year.

You are also invited to submit an article to be considered for publication, and become known as an industry expert while reaching key decision-makers at leading domestic and global companies in Japan and abroad.

Also Featured in March; Media Communications and Retail.
For further information, please contact your account executive: 03-4540-7730 or sales@custom-media.com. Booking deadline: Friday, February 12th.

​The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) mourns the recent passing of Ira Wolf, a longtime member and leader. 

Ira served on the Board of Governors in 1997, 1998, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2013. His ACCJ membership began under Kodak and later resumed under Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). Over the years, he also volunteered to serve the Chamber by leading numerous committees, including his most recent role as Chair of the Pharmaceuticals Subcommittee. 

For many decades, in both government and business, Ira was a key leader in the development of the U.S.-Japan relationship. His insight, wit and friendship will long be remembered and missed by all of his many friends in our Chamber. We extend our gratitude and condolences to his family at this very sad time.

Thank you to those who completed the survey this fall. Your feedback is vital, and we will continue to work hard to make your Chamber an even better organization by delivering on our strengths and striving to address areas of improvement. The ACCJ also thanks all of the sponsors that made this survey an exciting event for our members.

We'd like to take this opportunity to announce the winners of the survey's raffle prize drawing. You can see the full list, including prizes and sponsors byclicking here.