Issue:
Regular Member
Luza Medina
France 24 In Spanish
Luza Medina is a journalist and content creator with more than 15 years of experience. Thirteen years ago, she founded Sello Cultural, a webzine dedicated to emerging artistic movements, which helped establish her voice as a committed and innovative storyteller. Her work earned national recognition when she received first place in the Etecom Venezuela 2012 Awards in the Digital Journalism category.
A Social Communicator with a specialization in Digital Journalism and holding an MBA, Luza has worked with major Venezuelan outlets such as EI Nacional and Revista Producto.
Since 2018, Luza has organized independent screenings of Venezuelan films in Japan, a cultural initiative aimed at showcasing the realities, stories, and artistic voices of her home country to Japanese audiences.
In 2024, she received third place in the Chronicle Contest of the Venezuelan outlet El Diario. Her awarded text is included in the publication's official digital book.
She is currently the Japan correspondent for France 24 in Spanish, where she reports on politics, society, culture, technology, and regional developments for audiences across Latin America and the global Spanish-speaking community.
From Tokyo, she produces live coverage, in-depth stories, and field reporting that connect viewers with the complexities and nuances of contemporary Japan. Her work offers context and analysis on issues ranging from geopolitics to daily life, bridging Asia and the Hispanic world through accessible and multimedia content.
Regular Member
David Pfeifer
Sueddeutsche Zeitung
David Pfeifer was born in 1970. He grew up in Munich and studied Publicism. In 1994 he moved to Hamburg to work for Magazines such as "Tempo" and "Stern". He was one of the Editors in Chief for the German Edition of "Vanity Fair", located in Berlin.
He has written several non-fiction books and novels. His latest, Die Rote Wand, is about World War II, set in the Italian Dolomite mountains.
Since 2014 he has been Editor-at-Large for Süddeutsche Zeitung, Germany's biggest-selling quality newspaper. In 2020, he moved to Bangkok to work as the newspaper's Southeast Asia correspondent. He covers a range of topics, from politics and sport to culture and society. In 2026, he moved to Tokyo to become correspondent for Japan and Korea.
Professional / Journalist Associate Member
Toshihiko Honda
U-NEXT Co., Ltd.
Toshi Honda is a vanguard in Japan's media and entertainment sector, with more than two decades of leadership across television distribution, OTT strategy, and digital transformation.
After graduating from Gunma Prefectural Maebashi Upper Secondary School in 1994, he pursued higher education in California and studied at the School of Social Sciences at the University of California, Irvine.
He began his career in 2003 at The Walt Disney Company Japan within Buena Vista International Television, building a strong foundation in global content distribution. In 2006, he transitioned to Warner Bros. Japan's International Television Distribution Department, contributing to the formative years of Japan's streaming and OTT market. Recognized as a digital-distribution expert, he became Head of Digital Distribution & Licensing at 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment in 2016.
In 2019, Honda joined U-NEXT Co., Ltd. as Director & Chief Operating Officer (COO), driving the company's rapid expansion as a leading domestic OTT platform. At U-NEXT, he has not only advanced entertainment initiatives but also finalized major strategic partnerships with global sports organizations such as the Premier League, PGA TOUR, UFC, and ATP Tour-strengthening U-NEXT's position across entertainment, sports, and streaming media in Japan. His leadership has earned three consecutive APOS speaker invitations. In 2024, he became a Visiting Professor at the Institute for Contents & Technology Integration at Kanazawa Institute of Technology, and since 2023 he has served as Special Adviser to the Yamagata International Movie Festival.
Associate Member
Aiko Kanayama
Amour Law Office
I was admitted to the Japan Bar in 2001 and began my career at Itoga & Soga Law Office (now Uryu & Itoga), working in the Beijing and Shanghai offices to support Japanese companies in China. In 2010, I established my own independent law firm. My areas of specialization include Japan–China cross border business law, corporate governance and internal reporting systems, and family law involving child custody.
Associate Member
Masakazu Watanuki, Ph.D.
Japan Global Initiative
Current roles
- President, Japan Global Initiative (JGI)
- Senior Researcher, Glocal (Global x Local) Design Study Group, Chuo Gakuin University
- Senior Board Member, Global Study Abroad Support Consortium Japan
- Member, the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ)
- Member, the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan (FCCJ)
- Advisor, The Employment Service Support Center for foreigners
- Advisor, Iizuka Friendship Network
- President, Narine Japan Inc
Previous positions
- Visiting Professor, Faculty of Economics, Reitaku University, Japan
- Visiting Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Global Management/Economics, Chuo University, Japan
- Senior Economist, Vice Presidency for Sectors/Knowledge, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Washington, DC, United States
- Researcher, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), US Department of Commerce, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
- Vice President, Urasenke Tankokai Washington, DC Association, Washington, DC, United States
Professional background
Dr. Masakazu Watanuki is an expert in international development, economic policy, and global education, with more than 30 years of experience across government, academia, and international organizations. His distinguished career is characterized by a dedication to fostering sustainable development, youth empowerment, and cross-cultural collaboration.
From 1998 to 2014, Dr. Watanuki played a leading role at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Washington, DC—the primary source of development financing for Latin America and the Caribbean. As a Senior Economist in the Vice Presidency for Sectors/Knowledge, he led economic policy support and facilitated critical dialogues with member countries. His work contributed directly to shaping strategies for economic growth, poverty reduction, and institutional strengthening throughout the region.
Earlier, Dr. Watanuki advanced research and innovation as a Researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), US Department of Commerce. He also promoted Japanese culture and international friendship as Vice President of the Urasenke Tankokai Washington DC Association.
Commitment to youth and education
Returning to Japan in 2014, Dr. Watanuki founded the Japan Global Initiative, with a vision to support and develop the next generation of leaders. Through this platform, he launched the Practical Study Program—a unique, short- term initiative designed to bridge academic knowledge and real-world experience. This program operates in close collaboration with leading Japanese and international universities, international organizations based in Washington, DC, think tanks, and a network of NGOs/NPOs. The association has provided the program for approximately 350 students so far.
As both a professor and mentor, he is deeply committed to nurturing college students, equipping them with the skills, perspectives, and global mindset necessary to thrive in today's complex world.
Recent and ongoing initiatives
In recent years, Dr. Watanuki has expanded his activities to address new challenges and opportunities at JGI. His current focus includes:
• International exchange program:
Strengthening and broadening partnerships between Japan, Asia, the US, and beyond to promote cross-border academic exchange, practical training, and joint research initiatives.
• Glocal projects:
Developing and implementing projects that integrate local communities into the global arena ("glocalization"), often in cooperation with local governments. These initiatives are designed to foster sustainable development by combining local strengths with international best practices.
• Inbound tourism promotion:
Supporting and revitalizing regional economies through sustainable tourism. This involves highlighting Japan's rich cultural and natural resources, with an emphasis on community-based tourism that benefits local destinations.
Educational background
- Doctor of Regional Science, University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Bachelor of Engineering, Keio University, Japan
Personal mission
Dr. Watanuki's career reflects a deep and ongoing commitment to building a better future—one where education, international cooperation, and community engagement drive innovation and positive change. His pioneering work continues to inspire students, colleagues, and partners both in Japan and around the world.
Associate Member
Teruko Yanagita
Humanexus Lab. Inc.
Teruko is an experienced executive coach (International Coaching Federation - Professional Certified Coach, European Mentoring and Coaching Council - Certified Senior Practitioner), specializing in global leadership as well as professional transitions. She works with both Japanese and international clients.
Prior to coaching, she worked for over 25 years in Japan and abroad (the US, Bolivia, and India) first as a radio director and producer, and later as a consultant, researcher and lecturer. Her experience ranges from mass media, international development, education to consulting. Her former employers include corporate firms (Chubu Nippon Broadcasting Corporation, Japan Management Association Research Institute Inc., Simul International), governmental organizations (the United Nations, the Bolivian government), NGOs (The Asia Society, Aledeas Infantiles SOS, Qharuru, Plan International, Lattitude Global Volunteering) as well as universities (Center on Japanese Economy and Business of Columbia Business School, The Donald Keene Center of Japanese Culture of Columbia University, Chukyo University, Taisho University).
Her international journey which spans 4 continents started with her attending elementary school in Germany, continued with 1 year of high school in Australia, and another one in the U.S. It gave her a strong foundation as a global citizen and stimulated her unquenchable curiosity about meeting people from all kinds of different cultures.
She holds a B.A. in Economics from University of Wisconsin Madison and a dual Master's degree from Teachers College and School of International and Public Affairs of Columbia University. She is fluent in Japanese and English and has conversational proficiency in Spanish.
Associate Member
Hiroshi Yoshida
Fukuoka Pen Club
Former Mayor of Fukuoka / Journalist
Hiroshi Yoshida began his career as a newspaper journalist in 1980, covering politics, economics, and public administration with a strong emphasis on field reporting and analytical rigor. Based in Fukuoka and Tokyo, he worked at the forefront of major developments, including serving as a local desk correspondent during the Hong Kong handover, gaining firsthand insight into international political transitions and regional dynamics.
Drawing on his extensive journalistic experience, he later entered public service and served as Mayor of Fukuoka. During his tenure, he addressed a major policy question regarding the proposed relocation of Fukuoka Airport. Recognizing the critical importance of accessibility in urban development, he made the decision to retain and enhance the existing airport rather than relocate it. While the decision was subject to public debate, it ultimately preserved Fukuoka’s unique advantage as a city with immediate airport access, strengthening its position as a regional hub for business and tourism.
A leader who advanced urban development without relocating its airport.
His decision is widely regarded as a pragmatic and forward-looking approach to urban policy, reflecting a balance between economic efficiency and long-term city planning.
Reinstatement (Associate)
Jarrod Stenhouse
Asia Concierge
Jarrod Stenhouse is the Founder and Representative Director of Asia Concierge Japan, a Tokyo-based destination management company specializing in high-end, tailor-made travel and corporate experiences. With more than 25 years in the travel and event industry, he is regarded as an early pioneer of Japan's inbound luxury travel sector, having established the country's first internationally focused DMCs in 2011.
Originally from Australia and a long-term resident of Tokyo, Stenhouse has built his career around connecting international clients with Japan's most distinctive cultural, culinary, and experiential offerings. His work spans private luxury itineraries, large-scale corporate incentive programs, and bespoke events.
In addition to his work in travel, Stenhouse maintains a strong interest in media and international communications, particularly in how Japan is represented to global audiences. His experience working with overseas clients, corporate groups, and international stakeholders provides a practical perspective on cross-cultural messaging, positioning, and perception. As a member of the FCCJ, he values the role of independent journalism and open dialogue in shaping informed views of Japan, especially during a period of renewed global attention on the country.
