The Mitsui Lecture Series is made possible by the generous support of The Mitsui U.S.A. Foundation to deepen the understanding of contemporary Japan and Tennessee and create a sense of community and exchange. This year, high profile speakers will join three forums highlighting Japan’s footprint around the world and its contributions to Tennessee’s prosperity over the last forty years.
The Mitsui U.S.A. Foundation was established in 1987 as the philanthropic arm of Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc. for active, social contribution programs in communities where the company does business.
Past Programs
Join us for a virtual culinary education recorded at the Frist Art Center on March 7th. Accompanied by Tsukiko Hattori, Master Chef Kiyoyuki Ichimaida Chicken Nanban (Japanese fried chicken), Futomaki Sushi (thick sushi rolls), Nikujaga (simmered meat and potatoes) and Tamagoyaki (sweet Kanto-style omelet with sugar), showcasing the precision, nutrition and aesthetics of washoku. Tsukiko Hattori, is a leading figure in international food culture exchange. With a deep passion for promoting the cultural and nutritional values of traditional Japanese food, Ms. Hattori has expanded the Hattori Nutrition College outreach through global cooking demonstrations, public lectures and collaborative culinary programs in the United States, Europe and Australia. Founded in 1939, Hattori Nutrition College is one of Japan’s most respected institutions for culinary and nutrition education. Master Chef Kiyoyuki Ichimaida is Chief Instructor of Japanese Cuisine, Culinary Techniques Department at Hattori Nutrition College, his alma mater, where he is engaged in research on Japanese cuisine and in the instruction and mentoring of students. Chef Ichimaida has undertaken extensive professional training at renowned Japanese restaurants and conducted Japanese cuisine workshops and training programs in Taiwan, South Korea, Italy, Spain and India.
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Jackson has more Japanese companies per capita than any other community in Tennessee. Japanese companies in Jackson represent long-standing investment, strong partnerships and thriving operations.
Mandy White, Chief Economic Development Officer of the Greater Jackson Chamber, has supported many of these companies from site selection to expansion. Mandy will discuss how Jackson supports Japanese industry during the next Mitsui Lecture Series.
In Jackson, they understand what companies need and how to help them grow. Japanese firms in Jackson benefit from an active peer network, and the entire community embraces longterm global partnerships. It's a recipe for success.

| Mandy White is the Chief Economic Development Officer of the Greater Jackson Chamber in Jackson, TN. Mandy loves that her role with the Greater Jackson Chamber allows her to be a part of a team that makes the community stronger. Each day brings something new, and she enjoys connecting with people from all over the world. Originally from Ashland City, Mandy holds a B.S. from Union University and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute, Dale Carnegie Training Course, Leadership Jackson, WestStar, TVA’s Leadership Institute, and Leadership Tennessee. Mandy works as part of Team Madison County to market Jackson to industrial companies in an effort to have them locate in Madison County. She is also part of the team focusing on existing industries, working closely to identify and assist with growth opportunities for local manufacturing companies. Since her involvement with Team Madison County, nearly 16,000 new industrial jobs have been created, representing investments of over $4.46 Billion. |
A chamber staff member for over 26 years, Mandy serves on the Jackson Regional Municipal Planning Commission, the Madison County Ethics Committee, the general advisory board for the TN College of Applied Technology-Jackson and Union University’s McAfee School of Business Executive Advisory Board. She is a member of the Japan-America Society of TN, where she serves on the Board of Directors as Vice Chairman, and the TN Economic Development Council, where she was Past President. Mandy also served on the Board of Directors for the TN Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the University of TN Center for Industrial Services. She is an advisory board member for the University of TN Certified Economic Developer Program. Mandy is a frequent speaker for various economic development conferences and training programs.
Mandy serves on the Board of Directors and is the TN State Coordinator for Southeast German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue. She is a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Alumnae Association and served as an Advisor to the local collegiate chapter for over a decade. She also serves as Past President of the Board for Regional Inter-Faith Association. She has been named one of "Jackson's Finest Young Professionals," Union University's "Next Generation of Great Leaders,” Jackson-Madison County African American Chamber of Commerce's “Outstanding Woman in Business, one of the inaugural “Most Influential Women in Jackson” and ZTA Outstanding New Alumna and Advisor of the Year. Mandy has received Union University’s Alumni Meritorious Service Award and the Certificate of Merit for ZTA, the highest national award given to an alumna for their service at the local level. Mandy was recognized as “One of the Top 50 Economic Developers in North America” by Consultant Connect, and she was named a Jackson Community Champion by Leaders Credit Union and WBBJ-TV.
In her spare time, Mandy enjoys game night with friends and family, hanging out with her dogs, baking from scratch and traveling. She attends Skyline Church in Jackson. She and her husband, Darrell, reside in Jackson.
Discovering Japanese Arts and Culture in Tennessee Enjoy and learn about the traditional arts and cultural heritage of Japan Tuesday, September 30th |

The beautiful design of a Japanese strolling garden, the rich traditions of Japan's shamisen music, the mindfulness of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony and the simplicity and harmony of ikebana can all be found right here in Tennessee.
Robin Howell, Curator of the Japanese and Asian Garden at Memphis Botanic Garden; Mahagi LaCure, Japanese Language Teacher with the Asian Culture Center of Tennessee and Coordinator of Shamisen Knoxville; and Sachi Uemoto, Founder of ENISHI will join us for this Mitsui Lecture Series session.
Exploring the arts is the best way to learn about another culture and to broaden your cultural horizons, and you don’t need to travel to Japan to experience Japanese arts and culture.
The Mitsui Lecture Series is made possible thanks to the generous support of The Mitsui U.S.A. Foundation.
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