Patron: Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado
In 1997 The Asiatic Society of Japan welcomed as its Honorary Patrons Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Takamado, longtime supporters of the Society. To our profound sadness, HIH Prince Takamado passed away on November 21st, 2002. HIH Princess Takamado continues her gracious support as Honorary Patron.
ASJ has been especially fortunate to have received addresses from its Patrons. At our Annual General Meeting in 2000, HIH Princess Takamado spoke on a topic that drew upon environmental themes from her book for children entitled "Lulie the Iceberg." At the following Annual General Meeting, in 2001, HIH Prince Takamado addressed ASJ on "Japanese Netsuke: Treasured Miniatures", a fascinating exploration of traditional Japanese miniature carvings. After the lecture, His Imperial Highness allowed ASJ to view a special display of netsuke pieces from his own collection, and arranged for a master netsuke carver to provide a carving demonstration.
HIH Princess Takamado has supported and enlightened the ASJ with lectures in several fields of study. Highlighting the 2004 Annual General Meeting, she addressed The Birds of Asia)- Their Role in spreading the Environmental message.
HIH Princess Takamado provided further insight into her enduring fascination with the carved miniatures in an address to the 2012 Annual General Meeting with Netsuke and Netsuke Collections.
ASJ expresses its sincerest appreciation for the tremendous dedication and support of TIH Prince and Princess Takamado over the years.
The Council
The Council of The Asiatic Society of Japan is an all-volunteer board elected by the membership to manage ASJ. The Council executes its functions in accordance with the articles of the Constitution of The Asiatic Society of Japan. Elections are held annually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The function of the Council is to serve ASJ's members and preserve ASJ in accordance with the Constitution for the benefit of current and future generations.
If you are a member of ASJ, please feel free to contact the Council anytime to express your views. Please contact the ASJ Office for contact information of individual Councilors.
Interim Council for 2018
Mr. Shungo Akizuki
Dr. Erich Berendt (1,3,5)
Dr. Robert Eldridge
Dr. Mark Lee Ford (1,4,5)
Mr. Masa Matsushita, Interim President (1,2,5,6)
Dr. Makoto Okamoto (7)
Dr. Garrett Polman (1,2,5)
Mr. Lennox Samuels*
Mr. William Swinton**
Mr. Keiichi Yamanaka
Notes:
1. Compliance and audit oversight
2. Finance oversight
3. Academic oversight
4. Technology oversight
5. Governance oversight
6. Operations oversight
7. Reconciliation oversight
*Transactions (reports to Academic oversight)
**Lectures (reports to Academic oversight)