We could not have found a better speaker to kick off our arts session than Kazuko Aso. Ms. Aso's father, Takakichi Aso (son of Shigeru Yoshida, the first post-war Prime Minister of Japan), is credited with introducing John D. Rockefeller 3rd to Asian art. John D. Rockefeller 3rd's art collection became the foundation of Asia Society. 

Kazuko Aso
Ms. Aso is a trustee of Asian Cultural Council (ACC). ACC was established by John D. Rockefeller 3rd, and is the only organization in the world whose sole mission is to support cultural exchange between the Asia and the United States and within the countries of Asia. Amongst 4,000 world-renowned alumni, over 300 individuals and 50 organizations from Japan have received support. Many prominent Japanese artists, such as Yayoi Kusama and Takashi Murakami, as well as leading architects such as  Fumihiko Maki and Kengo Kuma.

Ms. Aso is also Director of Dandans, a platform showcasing emerging Japanese artists based in Tokyo, Japan. Dandans has organized fifteen exhibitions in Japan and overseas, including Washington D.C., Berlin, London, and Paris, and helped launch and advance the careers of over 170 artists.  

This session will be led by Chris Wells and Tsutomu Horiuchi who have kindly agreed to co-chair our Arts program. We hope that founding members who are interested in arts will join the breakfast and get involved.