Looking toward 2026, I was inspired to engage with emerging Japanese leaders at the prefectural and municipal levels, including a Vice Governor, a Prefectural Assembly Member and son of the Prime Minister, and a Mayor, all committed to advancing U.S.–Japan relations at the grassroots level.
I recently had the privilege of connecting with Ambassador Bill Burns — a public servant whose career represents diplomacy at its best.
He demonstrated that effectiveness and decency are not competing traits. They reinforce each other.
Throughout his career bridging diplomacy and intelligence, he earned trust across political lines while maintaining humility and professionalism.
His example reminds us that leadership is not defined by volume or visibility, but by integrity, consistency, and respect for others.
In an age of noise, quiet competence remains powerful.
I recently had the privilege of meeting Dr. Arai Takashi — a longtime China analyst, former CSIS Japan Fellow, and researcher affiliated with the Tokyo Institute of Technology — to discuss immigration policy and foreign community integration in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Japan faces a historic demographic challenge: a rapidly aging society and declining population. While automation, AI, and robotics will help mitigate labor shortages, technology alone cannot fully address workforce gaps. Immigration policy and successful integration of foreign residents will play an increasingly central role in Japan’s economic sustainability.
Dr. Arai recently participated in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama and is conducting research on Japan’s relations with the Middle East — regions that may become increasingly relevant in future migration and labor partnerships.
Our discussion reinforced a growing reality: Japan’s long-term prosperity will depend not only on innovation, but also on its openness to people.
His remarkable personal library — only a fraction visible behind us — reflects decades of research dedicated to understanding global demographic change and international cooperation.
Thank you, Senator Kelly, for your steadfast support of Arizonans, for recognizing the vital contributions of federal employees—both Foreign Service Officers and Civil Servants—in safeguarding our nation, and for your continued dedication to public service.
ケリー上院議員に心より感謝申し上げます。アリゾナ州民への揺るぎないご支援、米国外交官および公務員による国家安全保障への重要な貢献をご認識いただき、さらに公共サービスへの継続的なご尽力に、深く敬意を表します。今後とも宜しくお願い致します。
Honored to be featured in a podcast interview here: Ken Reiman – Mantra Media (mantrahq.com) where I discuss leadership, Asian American Heritage Month, the role of mothers and parents, and my book. My journey is not possible without the love, kindness, and sacrifice of my parents and grandparents. For them, my sons, and the future, my book and podcast interview are dedicated. Listen to the podcast and let me know your thoughts.
Happy to announce the Kindle version of my memoir Love Both Keep Both came out on Black Friday 11/29/2019 via Amazon for those of you who requested an eBook version. The book is available for purchase here.
Thanks to Indigo River Publishing and everyone who was involved in this project. Thankful to all my supports, friends, and family. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Ken
Ken Reiman is a diplomat, author, and global affairs speaker whose work reflects faith, leadership, and lived international experience.