Japan America Society of Southern California and Loyola Marymount University present the Japan Currents 2025 Seminar, “U.S. and Japan: Shaping AI Standards for Good,” on Friday, March 21, at Loyola Marymount University’s Hilton Center for Business, Hilton 100, 1 LMU Dr., Los Angeles.
Registration begins at 3:30 p.m.; seminar from 4 to 6 p.m.; networking reception from 6 to 7 p.m.
Admission: JASSC members and cooperating organization members, $50; non-members, $75; students, free.
Registration: https://www.jas-socal.org/event-6073402
Parking is $15 per vehicle, payable onsite. This fee is not included in the registration fee.
This in-person event will feature keynote speeches and panel discussions on the role of the U.S. and Japan in shaping global AI standards: Taro Kono, Jerry McNerney, and Matthew McGuire. The discussion will be moderated by Elizabeth Vella Moeller.
The speakers will explore the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and the responsibilities of the U.S. and Japan in setting ethical, transparent, and secure AI standards. Topics will include the policy frameworks necessary to ensure AI benefits society, the geopolitical and economic implications of AI leadership, and how the U.S.-Japan partnership can drive innovation while safeguarding global digital security.
Featured Speakers
Taro Kono, member of the House of Representatives of Japan, former minister for digital transformation
Included among the many leadership positions held by Kono during his distinguished career are minister of defense, minister for foreign affairs, minister in charge of COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, and chairman of the National Public Safety Commission.
Kono is a graduate of the School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University and in his role as Honorary Kissinger Fellow (2023-2024) at the McCain Institute, he used his vast diplomatic and policymaking experience to advance the concept of Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT), an international framework for data sharing that bolsters security among like-minded countries and counters autocrats’ approach to global data governance.
Jerry McNerney, Ph.D., California state senator, chair of California Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee
McNerney is a distinguished leader in AI governance, technology policy, and clean energy innovation. As leader of the California AI Leadership Initiative (CALI Act), he is playing a pivotal role in advancing AI standards in California — a state that is home to over 80% of the world’s AI companies.
Known as “Mr. Science” during his 16 years in the U.S. Congress, McNerney authored the AI in Government Act and co-chaired the Congressional AI Caucus, earning national recognition for his data-driven approach to policy. His unique blend of scientific expertise, legislative acumen, and international collaboration positions him as a global leader on AI innovation and regulation.
Matthew McGuire, Ph.D., executive director of The AI Trust Foundation, former U.S. executive director of The World Bank
At the World Bank, McGuire led global economic initiatives and strategic operations. Previously, he served as director of the Office of Business Liaison at the U.S. Department of Commerce, managing key relationships with global business leaders and policymakers.
With a background as a senior executive in the financial services industry and deep experience in nonprofit leadership, McGuire has worked on workforce development and affordable housing programs in the U.S. and abroad. He holds a Ph.D. in anthropology from Harvard University and a B.A. from Brown University.
Elizabeth Vella Moeller, partner, government law and strategies, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Moeller is a nationally recognized leader in AI law, policy, and governance, driving impactful change at the intersection of technology and society. Named a Top 50 Woman in AI, a leading lawyer by Chambers USA, and a Top Lobbyist by The Hill, she brings over two decades of expertise in navigating complex legal and policy challenges.
As co-founder and general counsel of The AI Trust Foundation, she collaborates with industry, policymakers, and academia to promote ethical AI standards. A UCLA Law JD and UC Berkeley BA graduate, she leverages her California roots to bridge technology, law, and public good in Washington, D.C., and California.