Boston: The U.S.-Japan Intersection

Would you introduce yourself briefly? Hello! My name is Chris Tanaka. I co-anchor WBZ News Mornings and host Walking Boston episodes on social media. I was born in Taipei, Taiwan but grew up in southern New Hampshire. I’ve been fortunate enough to live all over the country, with stops in the Midwest, Rocky Mountains, West Coast and Hawaii. It’s been a wonderful journey, and what I appreciate most is the interaction with locals along the way. It’s important to learn that the s

Would you introduce yourself briefly? I’m Marina Giordano. By day—or rather, by early morning—I’m a Director at 7 News Boston, working on the morning newscasts. My other great passion is education; specifically, I’m a certified Sake and wine educator. I hold the WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Diploma in Wine and Spirits and the Sake Diploma from the Japan Sommelier Association. I am deeply committed to growing the sake community here in New England. In 2021, I founded S

Would you introduce yourself briefly? My career has unfolded at the intersection of Japanese companies, global capital, corporate governance, and shareholder rights. I first came to Japan as an undergraduate at Sophia University, an experience that set the direction for much of my professional life. After beginning my career in Tokyo at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, I returned to the United States to earn a law degree at Northwestern University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of

Would you introduce yourself briefly? Katherine Tallman, Executive Director & CEO, Coolidge Corner Theatre . I have been in this role for 12 years and was on the Board for several years prior. What inspired the Coolidge Corner Theatre’s unique focus on championing international cinema, especially Japanese film? Prior to the Coolidge becoming a nonprofit organization in 1989, it was owned by renowned cinema programmer Justin Freed, who saw an unmet demand for international cin

Would you introduce yourself briefly? I’m a partner in the corporate group at the Boston office of the law firm Covington & Burling . I work with life sciences companies to help them raise funds to support their research and development of new therapies, and to complete transactions like mergers and acquisitions. I live in the South End of Boston with my husband Bill and our dog Charlie, and I also try to get back to Tokyo as much as I can. You grew up in Japan, spending time