Meeting with Ms. Susan Schmidt, Executive Director Emeritus, American Association of Teachers of Japanese (December 3, 2025)

On December 3, 2025, Consul-General Hiroyuki Okajima invited Ms. Susan Schmidt, Executive Director Emeritus of the American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ), along with related guests to his official residence.

Ms. Schmidt dedicated 25 years to the operation and development of AATJ, playing a leading role in promoting Japanese language education throughout the United States. As she retired in January this year, Consul-General Okajima expressed his heartfelt gratitude and respect for her many years of outstanding contributions.

The meeting was also attended by Professor Laurel Rasplica Rodd, former President of AATJ and former Director of the Center for Asian Studies (CAS) at the University of Colorado Boulder, as well as other members of AATJ and CAS. Consul-General Okajima stated his hope that the Japanese language education and Asian studies fostered by Professor Rodd and Ms. Schmidt will continue to deepen for future generations and expressed the Consulate’s intention to strengthen cooperation with educators moving forward.

Despite heavy snowfall in Colorado that day, the lively and insightful conversations among the attendees made for a truly warm and memorable evening. We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us.