Norihisa Mizuguchi, Executive Director
Norihisa has been the director of HBCC since 2012. Upon graduating from Kobe University of Commerce (University of Hyogo) he began his service to the Hyogo Prefectural Government. He has supervised international programming with the International Relations Division and International Economic Affairs Division, as well as the Hyogo Overseas Office in Paris, France. As 2013 brings with it the 50th anniversary of the Sister-State/Sister Prefecture relationship with Washington, he is working together with the rest of HBCC’s team to promote further exchanges between our two regions and countries.
Yuko Saika, Business Development Manager
Yuko joined HBCC in April of 2012. She formerly worked for the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s Osaka office managing daily administrative and financial affairs, as well as helping establish relationships between Japanese and Hong Kong businesses. In 2007, Yuko held an internship with HBCC while studying at the University of Washington. She has also worked for the Richard Wang & Co. Law Firm while studying Mandarin Chinese in Beijing, China in 2004 and at the Hyogo Prefecture Assembly in 2000.
Brian Chu, Cultural and Educational Program Manager
Brian became the new Cultural and Educational Program Manager at HBCC in April of 2013. He holds a B.A. in Japanese Literature from Carleton College, as well an M.A. in International Studies/Japan Studies (Anthropology) from the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington. Brian’s first stint in Japan was a year-long study abroad at Doshisha University in Kyoto in 2004-5, and he has since worked in Japan on the JET Program from 2006-2010 as a Coordinator of International Relations in Taki in Mie Prefecture. Brian hopes to apply his experience running programs in Japan to HBCC’s many cultural and educational offerings, especially during the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration. As a professional photographer Brian is often involved in many events in Seattle; photography is an area where he feels he can reach out and positively engage with members of the larger communities in Seattle and Washington State.
Keiko Tanase – Accountant and General Affairs
