March 11, 2011

Dear Japanese Friends,

All the Founders, Members and Friends of the US Military Japan Alumni Association wish to express their most sincere concerns and condolences to all those affected by the devastating earthquake that has occurred in Northern Japan.  While we know that there will be many difficult circumstances to overcome as a result of this event, we are confident that the innate courage and spirit of the Japanese people will successfully meet the challenges ahead.  We also take solace in the fact that the close and effective bilateral partnership between the US and Japan military forces will be working effectively together to address the needs of the Japanese nation and its people.

Most Sincerely,

US Military Japan Alumni Association

Welcome to U.S. Military Japan Alumni Association!

Our 4 star Mission:

★ Sustaining Friendships
We assist our alumni in renewing and sustaining friendships with their former colleagues and Japanese counterparts through the use of our social networking website features and by organizing social outings.

★ Sharing Memories
We support alumni in sharing their fond memories of Japan in word and picture through the use of our online message and photo snapshot boards.

★ Staying Informed
We help keep alumni informed of the latest Japan-related news and information through our website online links to Japan government agencies and U.S. military commands located throughout Japan.

★ Supporting Continued Strong US-Japan Mutual Ties
We promote the continuance of the solid alliance partnership that exists between the U.S. and Japan through people-to-people and cultural exchanges that have long been the solid foundation for our mutual ties.

Background: This year marks the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Japan-US Security Treaty.  Under the provisions of the security treaty, more than 35,000 U.S. service men and women are stationed in Japan at any given time.  In many cases US service members are accompanied by family members bringing the total number of those affiliated with the US military residing in Japan to near 80,000 annually.  The strong alliance between Japan and the United States over the past 60 years has provided the opportunity for those US personnel and their families to develop deep friendships with their Japanese counterparts and hosts.  The friendships and shared cultural experiences have universally contributed to the close bonds that characterize present US-Japan relations.

Purpose: The creation of the US Military Japan (USMJ) Alumni Association provides a means for all those who have served in Japan to both stay connected with each other and also stay connected with Japanese military and embassy personnel now serving in the US.  The alumni association promotes people-to-people and cultural exchanges that create a powerful foundation for sustaining the solid alliance partnership that now exists between Japan and the U.S.

Scope: A major focus of the US Military Japan Alumni Association is to promote contact and renewed relationships among US military service members who have served in Japan.  The association also includes both US and Japanese military, diplomatic and government service personnel who have worked together jointly in support of Japan-US friendship.

Sponsorship: The US Military Japan Alumni Association has been initiated through the joint efforts of a core group of senior US Military Commanders and leaders who have formerly served in Japan.  The association works very closely with the Japanese Embassy in Washington DC as well as the 15 Japanese Consulates General located throughout the US.

Methodology: The development and evolution of the US Military Japan Alumni Association is being accomplished by means of a multifaceted approach.

Online Features and Aids: US Military Japan Alumni Association Networking Website
This website provides social networking service for you to connect and stay connected with your fellow alumni. You can register by reporting your specific service experience in Japan.  Once registered, you will be able to access all of the site contents to make and pursue contact with other alumni as well as keep informed about a variety of US-Japanese topics of interest.  In addition, you will receive periodic emails regarding planned US-Japanese cultural and social events.

Face to Face Activities: Reunion Events
Alumni are invited to cultural events and social gatherings planned and hosted by the Japanese Embassy and the various Consulates General for the general public.  In addition specific gatherings for alumni are planned.  The combination of the online social networking features together with planned face to face activities generate a synergistic effect that serves to further bind the members of our alumni association.

Newsletters from the Japanese Embassy and Consulates General
Alumni are encouraged to register for e-mail newsletters issued by the Consulates General and the Embassy.  The newsletters include updates about Japan-related news as well as information concerning planned activities hosted by the local Consulates General or Embassy.  Alumni are encouraged to register for e-mail newsletters at the Embassy or Consulate General that is closest to their home so that the information received is most relevant to their locale.

Direct Outreach to Local Communities
Special focus is being given to local alumni groups at US military bases and in regions or cities with large retiree communities.  Efforts are being made to establish a US-Japan military alumni liaison with the nearest Japanese Consulate-General or Embassy in order to further promote US-Japan information sharing and partnerships at the local level.

Media Public Relations
The US Military Japan Alumni Association is actively collaborating with print and broadcast media to reach alumni throughout the US and at US bases in Japan.  Our public affairs initiatives include developing cooperative relationships with local base newspapers, publications by Japan-related organizations, and nation-wide publications by the professional organizations of the branches of the Uniformed Services.

Inquiry
For more information please e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .