The Japan Society of Northern California would like to thank the sponsors and participants who made the 2008 Awarcd of Honor Gala and live auction a huge success!

Each year, the Japan Society of Northern California holds its Annual Gala to present our Award of Honor to one or more individuals or organizations whose work has played a significant role in building and promoting the relationship between the United States and Japan.

Women are a largely untapped yet significant resource in the Japanese business world. For this reason, the Japan Society of Northern California was proud to celebrate women leaders in US-Japan business at the 2008 Award of Honor Gala.

In 2008 the Society recognized two outstanding women pioneers in business between our two countries: Ms. Sakie Fukushima of Korn/Ferry International and Ms. Kathy Matsui of Goldman Sachs Japan. They are both role models and an inspiration to women everywhere.

We were also very pleased to present a Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Richard Heggie, a former Japan Society president with over five decades of leadership experience in Asia and the US.