T-birds turned out in Tokyo for 2019’s Global Reunion
September 12-16, 2019 Tokyo, Japan
Sakoto Ito ’02
20
Thunderbird Magazine Spring 2020
On September 12-16, 2019, more than 500 T-birds flocked to Japan to attend one of the largest Global Reunions to date. Alumni from more than 30 countries joined a weekend of events featuring some of the best cultural sites, food, venues and speakers to be found. The Thunderbird Japan Reunion Organizing Committee, a group of incredible alumni, spouses, and friends volunteered countless hours to make the event possible. A special thanks to the members of the Reunion Committee who made the event possible. From the Gala dinner at the spectacular Happo-en which featured modern Japanese food and performances from Japanese drummers to cultural activities that included sushi making, a ramen tour and Judo classes; alumni were treated to a taste
of Japanese culture and hospitality. On Saturday, alumni and local businessmen and women attended the School’s Business Forum which focused on the theme “Global Challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.” The Business Forum was moderated by T-bird alumna, Ms. Yuka Tanimoto ’04, Deputy Editor of Forbes Japan. The forum began with opening remarks from Hiroshi Hamada ’91, Co-Chair of the Thunderbird Global Alumni Network (TGAN) and Chairman of the Thunderbird Japan Alumni Reunion and was followed by a panel of T-bird alumni working in the family business and entrepreneurship space, including Jimmy Masrin ’87, Kian Hoe Seah ’02, Mikoko Inamasu ’91 and Charu Modi ’97. The panel was moderated by Dr. Sanjeev Khagram, Thunderbird Director General and Dean.
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