About Keidanren USA
Keidanren USA is the U.S. liaison entity for Keidanren, the Japan Business Federation. Keidanren is a comprehensive Japanese economic organization with a broad membership consisting of 1,494 Japanese companies, 108 industry associations, and 47 regional economic organizations. Keidanren USA’s office is located in Washington, DC. Its core mission is to facilitate more engagement by the Japanese business sector with the U.S. policymaking community, and to promote the very real contributions (in terms of investment and jobs) being made by Japanese companies to the U.S. economy.
2015 has already been a momentous year for the U.S.-Japan economic relationship. The visits to the U.S. by Prime Minister Abe in April and by Keidanren’s delegation of about 100 senior Japanese business executives in late June were indicative of the importance placed in the U.S. by Japanese government and Japanese businesses respectively. Keidanren USA’s return seeks to build on and channel the renewed interest in Japan among U.S. policymakers.
Kiyoshi TANIGAWA
Executive Director
Kiyoshi TANIGAWA is the Executive Director of Keidanren USA. As head of Keidanren’s Washington DC office, he leads its public affairs activities in strengthening the U.S.-Japan economic relationship.
Mr. TANIGAWA joined Keidanren more than two decades ago and has engaged in public policy advocacy throughout his career. Prior to his current position, he was responsible for energy and climate change policy, deeply engaged in policymaking at both the national and international levels, as well as initiating various projects by the Japanese business community. He is also noted for his expertise in such areas as industrial policy, regulatory reform, innovation, trade, and Asian affairs.
Mr. TANIGAWA earned his B.A. in economics from the University of Tokyo, and holds master’s degrees from the University of Tokyo, Columbia University, and the London School of Economics and Political Science, with scholarships from the Fulbright and Rotary Foundation.
Ken KUROKAWA
Director of External Relations
Ken Kurokawa is Director of External Relations for Keidanren USA. He is in charge of outreach and coordination initiatives regarding the U.S.-Japan economic relationship with: U.S. government entities, think tanks, U.S. industry organizations, Japan-related organizations, and U.S. representative offices of Keidanren member companies. Prior to joining Keidanren USA, Mr. Kurokawa was Director of International & Legislative Affairs at the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), where he represented member company interests on technology policy issues such as trade, tax and immigration.
Mr. Kurokawa brings a unique blend of Japanese business experience and U.S. advocacy experience. He spent over seven years working for The Sumitomo Bank Ltd. in Japan, prior to his time at CCIA. Mr. Kurokawa earned his B.A. in Economics at Keio University in Tokyo, and his M.A. in Political Science at American University’s School of Public Affairs.