TRF Event Recap: Hokkaido

On March 3, 2026, TOMODACHI Hokkaido region held a casual gathering event while a USJC member and a NY State Supreme Court judge, Toko Serita, was in town. Having the chance to hear directly from Ms. Serita was an incredible experience. While she is a high level professional at the NY Supreme Court as a judge, her warm smile and kindness make her the kind of leader we all aspire to be. It was also heartwarming that she joined together with her mother, the artist Ayako Serita. We are also very grateful to Toko for sharing a special private link to Blowin’ Up with us.

It was also a great honor to have Yuki Kondo-Shah, the Principal Officer at the U.S. Consulate General Sapporo, join us. Experiencing Yuki’s friendly and warm personality provided assurance that the U.S.–Japan exchange in Sapporo will continue to grow stronger and more meaningful.

Everyone was happy to reconnect with Yasuko Terashita, the former point of contact in the U.S. Consulate General Sapporo.  Most importantly, the presence of the three young alumni including Momoko Tsukada inspired all the participants.