Beyond the Title: Insights on Career Fulfillment for Japanese and Japanese-American Young Professionals

Panel Discussion | Hosted by The Japanese American Association of New York

Location: New York, NY
Ms. Haruka Kokaze served as emcee and moderated a fireside chat featuring Mr. Ryu Goto, a renowned violinist who transitioned into a career as a martial arts instructor, and Mr. Naoki Yaguchi, the first Japanese American to attain the rank of New York Police Department Inspector who has since become an attorney. The conversation explored themes of identity, discipline, resilience, and the pursuit of fulfillment beyond professional titles. Both speakers reflected on how luck, challenges, and personal choices shaped their unique paths. The event brought together more than 70 Japanese and Japanese American young professionals and their guests, who engaged in reflecting on their own career journeys, future aspirations, and the importance of mental health in the workplace.


(Left to Right: Haruka Kokaze, Naoki Yaguchi, Associate Attorney, The Law Offices of Nicole J. Zuvich, P.C., Ryu Goto, Founder, Japanese American Budokan)

Read a recap of the event from The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York Blog