Issue:
Regular Member
Jonathan Vit
South China Morning Post
Jonathan Vit is a journalist and documentary filmmaker currently working with the South China Morning Post. He recently moved to Tokyo after 3.5 years working out of Hong Kong with the SCMP's video desk.
Jonathan has reported on the ground across Asia and on a wide variety of topics, from shooting a food and travel series in countries like Bhutan and Sri Lanka to complex documentaries and news features about terrorism, organised crime and nuclear waste.
Jonathan's 2023 short-form documentary about the personal impact of a program that relocated more than 90,000 ethnic Korean residents of Japan to North Korea won Silver at the NY Festivals Film and Television Awards.
Before moving to Hong Kong, Jonathan lived and worked in Jakarta, Indonesia, where he held editorial positions at the Jakarta Globe and VICE World News. His freelance work has appeared in Foreign Policy Magazine, New Humanitarian and the Guardian, among others.
Professional / Journalist Associate Member
Cody Ellingham
Freelance
Cody Ellingham - Asking Questions about Freedom, Economics, and Creativity.
I am Cody Ellingham, host of The Transformation of Value Podcast.
The Transformation of Value is about constructive conversations about Bitcoin, its role as the future of money, and its impact on the world.
I also explore economics, energy, and technology more broadly and combine my background as a creative director and artist to dive deep with my guests on a range of topics.
The show has released 120+ long-format podcast episodes over the last 2 years with guests ranging from Bitcoin advocates to former Central Bankers, human rights activists, engineers, and refugees.
Besides the podcast I'm also deeply involved in the art and design world, having released two photobooks and speaking in a range of media about architecture, creativity, and photography.
I live in Kamakura, Japan and am originally from New Zealand.
Website: https://thetransformationofvalue.com/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/ttovpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-ellingham/
Creative profile: https://codyellingham.com/
Media Featuring Cody Ellingham
The Guardian - 'Haves and have-nots': how the housing crisis is creating two New Zealands – a photo essay: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/30/haves-and-have-nots-how-the-housing-crisis-is-creating-two-new-zealands-a-photo-essay
HKFP Lens: Cody Ellingham evokes memories of Hong Kong in his dream-like night scenes: https://hongkongfp.com/2022/07/17/hkfp-lens-cody-ellingham-evokes-memories-of-hong-kong-in-his-dream-like-night-scenes/
Associate Member
Aria Aoyama
CB, Ltd.
Born to a molecular biologist and a classical pianist, and having lived and worked across multiple global contexts, Aria has developed a profound appreciation for cultural diversity and its nuanced manifestations.
Aria brings extensive experience in research, organizational management, strategic development, and international public relations. Her professional background includes executive leadership at a global consulting firm, advisory roles for Japanese government agencies, and her current position as COO of CB, Ltd., a Kasumigaseki-based firm specializing in government consulting, international sports business, sustainability, and regional revitalization.
An expert in cultural diplomacy and development, Aria actively contributes to the global promotion of Japanese culture and serves as a conduit between domestic and international stakeholders—including cultural figures, diplomats, institutions, and sports federations—with the aim of fostering mutual understanding and contributing to a more peaceful and stable international community. She additionally serves as Representative Director of the Japan Institute of Culture & International Exchange, Board Member of the Japan Para Climbing Association, Councillor of the Peace Communication Foundation, and holds positions in several international sporting organising committees.
Associate Member
Hirokuni Tanioka
CB, Ltd.
With a background in Civil Engineering and a specialization in Urban and Environmental Engineering from Kyoto University, Tanioka began his career at Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). During his tenure, he was engaged in a broad range of policy and planning areas, including infrastructure development, river and water management, disaster mitigation, tourism, and the formulation of Japan’s national sports tourism policy. Following his departure from MLIT, he transitioned into strategic leadership and advisory roles spanning public sector innovation, cultural policy and regional development.
In 2015, Tanioka founded CB, Ltd., a government advisory and international sports business consulting firm headquartered in Kasumigaseki, Tokyo. CB supports government agencies and private clients across sectors including international public policy, development, cultural diplomacy, regional revitalization, and sustainability. The firm’s sports business division delivers integrated solutions to international sports organizations and event rights holders, combining strategic consulting with funding development, sponsorship, public relations, and project execution—particularly in support of regional development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Alongside his role as CEO of CB, Ltd., Tanioka is Visiting Associate Professor at Osaka University’s Graduate School of International Public Policy, Auditor of the Yamamoto Noh Theater Foundation, and Executive Producer of the X Games Japan Organizing Committee.
Associate Member
Mitsunori Yuasa
NYK Bulk & Project Carriers Ltd.
Reinstatement (Associate Member)
Noriko Sato
Yokohama National University
Born in Osaka in 1958.
Education: Graduated from Meiji Gakuin University.
Work Experience: Currently working at Yokohama National University. JICA International Students Section. (Previous job, U.S. Navy Atsugi Air Base / 28 years).
Motivation for joining in FCCJ: In the past, I worked as a secretary to a well-known Mainichi Newspapers' journalist for five years, so I became familiar with the Japan National Press Club, and personally longed to be a member for FCCJ. I joined 2019.
Hobbies: cruising, golf, bowling, and playing the ukulele.
I have lived in Yokohama city since 1988.
