Leadership
Ryan Shaffer joined the Japan America Society of Washington DC as President in February of 2019. He previously served as Director of Programs and Development at the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation, where he oversaw integration of programmatic efforts to advance shared interests in U.S. relations with Japan and other NE Asian Partners.
Mr. Shaffer was the founding director of the U.S.-Japan Space Forum and the U.S.-Japan Nuclear Working Group and has produced a variety of publications on the topics. Prior to joining the Mansfield Foundation, Mr. Shaffer served as a research analyst for the Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan.
Mr. Shaffer, who was raised in Portland, Maine, has an MSc in Asian politics from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies and a BS in environmental policy from Bates College. Mr. Shaffer, a proud resident of the District of Columbia, sits on the Board of Directors of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Mr. Shaffer also serves on the Board of Directors of the Western Pacific Fellowship Project.
Saori Kobayashi joined Japan-America Society of Washington DC in May 2022. In her current position she helps coordinate, manage, and implement Society programs including the Japanese Language School and corporate member events.
Prior to joining the Society, Ms. Kobayashi worked as Associate Director of Programs in the Tokyo office of the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation. She has also served as a senior communications/public information assistant for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Representation in Japan. From 2012-2014, she worked at the International Peace Cooperation Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Foreign Policy Bureau, where she was responsible for program management, coordinating with program implementers, and conducting research on peacekeeping policies.
Ms. Kobayashi studied at the University of California, Los Angeles and has an MA in Conflict, Security, and Development from the University of Sussex in Brighton, England and a BA in Foreign Studies from Sophia University.
Administration & Communication
Mari Fromel joined the Japan-America Society of Washington DC as Administrative & Program Assistant in August of 2020 and was promoted to Manager in 2022. Born and raised in Chiba, Japan, Ms. Fromel earned her B.A.in British & American Communications from Toyo Gakuen University.
Ms. Fromel brings with her extensive experience, having worked in HR, Accounting and Administration in Japan and Hawaii for over a decade.
In her spare time, she enjoys travelling and surfing.
William Denton joined the Japan-America Society of Washington DC as Communications Manager in August 2024 to elevate the organization's communications strategy.
Prior to his role at JASWDC, Mr. Denton honed his writing and strategic thinking skills in the dynamic world of financial technology and the SaaS industry. As a copywriter and content specialist, he crafted compelling narratives that resonated with diverse audiences. His experience also includes a leadership role as Chief Strategy Officer for the Light-Year Astronomical Association, where he developed and executed strategic initiatives to advance the organization's mission.
A North Carolina native, Mr. Denton holds a Bachelor of Science in Religion from Liberty University and a Master of Arts in Ancient and Classical History from American Public University. His academic background provides him with a strong foundation in research, analysis, and effective communication.
In his spare time, Mr. Denton enjoys reading, fishing, roasting coffee, and homebrewing craft beer.
Programs
Colette H. Fozard has been working with the Sakura Matsuri in an Operations Manager role since 2012, volunteering since 2006. She came to her career as an independent event planner from over 20 years of volunteering for genre and literary conventions.
Emily Johnson joined the Japan-America Society of Washington DC in August 2022 and was promoted to Program Manager in September 2023. As General Program Manager, she oversees and manages coordination of the US-Japan Capital Gala and the Japan in a Suitcase program, as well as a number of Individual & Corporate Member events, and general Society programs and events throughout the year, including Japan in the Year, US-Japan Alliance in the Indo Pacific, JASWDC Haiku Group, Tanabata, Ouchigohan, and others.
Emily’s background with Japan started locally, in Maryland, where she first began studying the Japanese language at Towson University. In 2009, she spent a semester living with a Japanese host family and studying abroad at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka. After graduating, she worked for 3 years as an English teacher in Nagoya, Japan, then worked in the Japan travel and events industry for a year in Boulder, Colorado before pursuing a Master’s in Japanese Studies with a focus on translation and linguistics at SOAS University of London in 2016.
From 2016 to 2018 she worked in translation and media localization as Japanese subtitle editor and translator for a number of localization companies in Los Angeles, California, including Square Enix where she worked in translation and operations for their mobile games department. Since 2018 she has worked as a freelance translator and subtitle editor, as well as working on her personal projects of translating and publishing a number of Japanese folklore and short stories.
Her passions when it comes to Japan are Japanese literature, dialect and folklore. She also loves to read classical and modern philosophy, and she even lived and studied for a short period in Japan at a Zen Buddhist temple. When she has spare time, she loves reading novels, playing video games and traveling.
Sami Marks joined the Japan-America Society of Washington DC as the Festival Assistant for the 2024 Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival with the goal of sharing the vibrant world of Japanese culture with others. After enjoying the dynamic atmosphere of the festival, Sami seamlessly transitioned into a new role as Program Manager, directing her passion towards the Japan Bowl.
Prior to her journey with the Japan-America Society, Sami served as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) with JET Program in Ishikawa, Japan for five years. There, she fostered meaningful connections with students and educators while relishing the rich tapestry of Japanese life and traditions.
With dedication to promoting cross-cultural understanding, Sami eagerly anticipates delving deeper into the realm of Japanese language and culture through her work with the Japan Bowl. Her experiences abroad continue to inspire her commitment to fostering connections between Japan and the United States.
During her free time, Sami can be found in the pages of a good book, outside in nature on a walk, or at a yoga studio. Her number one goal now is to join a taiko group in the vibrant DC area.
Interns, Volunteers, & Seasonal Staff
Fukuyo Wakimoto began her role as Language School Coordinator at the Japan-America Society of Washington DC in September 2024. Ms. Wakimoto earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Yokohama National University, where she focused on International Relations, completed a teacher training course for Japanese instructors, and studied international law. With over a decade of professional experience in Japan, she brings a deep understanding and strong adaptability to her new position.
A special rabbit from birth, Sakura was always able to detect the seasonal changes on Earth, even from her home on the Moon. The DC cherry blossoms reminded her of the astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, who had come from the United States and landed on the moon when she was just a young rabbit. Since then, she had always wanted to visit the United States. In 2018, Sakura-chan, who is fluent in Japanese, English, and alien rabbit language, was hired by JASWDC as the new mascot for the Sakura Matsuri - Japanese Street Festival. Her goal? To "celebrate the sakura (cherry blossoms) in beautiful Washington, DC". Now, Sakura-chan is working hard to bring Japanese culture to Washington, DC.
Favorite food: Hanami dango and katsu curry
Favorite movie: Your Name 君の名は
Blood type: O