Consul Luncheon featuring Hajime “Jimmy” Kishimori, Consul-General of the Consulate-General of Japan in Detroit
2026-05-05 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Detroit) | Frederik Meijer Gardens, 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49425, United States
Please join us for a dialogue with Hajime “Jimmy” Kishimori, Consul-General of the Consulate-General of Japan in Detroit.

Consul-General Hajime “Jimmy” Kishimori is the Consul-General of the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit, whose main mission is to protect and support Japanese expatiates and companies in the states of Michigan and Ohio. He is a specialist of UN issues, having spent nearly 15 years in Geneva, Tokyo for UNHCR and New York.

Consul-General Kishimori, born in Hiroshima in 1964, began his career with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1987, after graduating the University of Tokyo. Since then, he received his MA at SAIS (School of Advanced International Studies, John’s Hopkins University); worked for the Embassy of Japan in the U.S., Southeast Asia Division and Legal Division in the HQs; then served at the Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva from 1999 to 2002 when he assisted then UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Madam Sadako Ogata. That changed his career as he quit the Japanese Foreign Service in July 2005 after working for the Embassy of Japan in Thailand from 2002 to 2005. He was appointed as Deputy Representative of UNHCR, working for then UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Antonio Guterres who is now UN Secretary General.

Mr. Kishimori came back to the Japanese Foreign Service in July 2009, serving at the Embassy of Japan in Egypt as Director for Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) till December 2010. The East Japan Earthquake hit the Tohoku area on 11 March after which he was engaged with strategic communication at the HQs in Tokyo including reputational damage control of the Fukushima nuclear accident and the establishment of JAPAN HOUSE in LA, London and Sao Paulo.

He was assigned in the UN again in August 2015 as Counselor at the Permanent Mission to the UN in New York from 2015 to 2019, then seconded to UNDP in New York as Senior Advisor & Director for the Japan Unit from 2019 to 2022.

He was transferred to San Francisco in March 2022 as Deputy Consul General and assumed the current post of Consul General of Japan in Detroit in December 2024.

This event is part of Michigan World Trade Week, a celebration of international trade and business growth for Michigan.
In addition to our keynote speaker, members of the Consular Corps of Michigan will be in attendance.
Networking from 11:30-12:00, with lunch and program starting promptly at noon.
Special thanks to Ferris State University.

Nuclear Risk in a Changing World with Page Stoutland
2026-05-12 18:00 - 19:15 | Gerald R. Ford Presidential Mueum, 303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
We welcome Page Stoutland, former consultant, NTI

The risk of nuclear weapon use is widely viewed as higher today than at any point since the Cold War. Long-standing security alliances appear to be weakening, prompting additional states to consider developing their own nuclear capabilities. Weapons-usable nuclear materials remain in many countries, presenting proliferation and security risks. Emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence and increasingly digital command-and-control systems—are being integrated into nuclear systems, introducing new vulnerabilities including cyber threats and system manipulation. These converging pressures raise a critical question: are we approaching a “perfect storm” that increases the likelihood of catastrophic nuclear weapons use?

A reception for this event will take place from 5:15 – 6pm. Join us and meet other community members interested in the world.

Location and Parking
The program will take place at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum (303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504).
Free parking is available.
Tickets
The event is free and open to the public and registration and/or tickets are not required to attend in person.
Video recordings of all programs will be posted on our YouTube channel, click here.

Our Supporters
More information on the Foreign Policy Association Special thanks to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation Special thanks to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum Special thanks to Recording sponsor Grand Rapids Community College Special thanks to Media sponsors, WGVU and Grand Rapids Community Media Center

On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond. This year’s Great Decisions series reflects our country’s long history in global affairs and the current events that shape our continued engagement with the world. To join in other America250 initiatives, visit: https://america250.org/
