Meet our Exec Board for 2022-2023!

President | Jun Yamasaki

Jun is a junior from Tokyo, Japan majoring in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics, with a minor in music. He has been in JASA since freshman year, and previously held positions on the executive board for 2 years as the vice president of external affairs. Jun has always been passionate about US-Japan relations, and is excited to welcome students of all backgrounds to discuss, learn, and share Japanese language and culture with JASA. Jun’s favorite Japanese food is ramen in all forms – from cup noodles to Yokohama Iekei-style. He thinks about ramen every day, although he accepts that Evanston’s ramen is a sufficiently tasty first-order approximation.

Internal Vice President | Oscar Depp

Oscar is a first-year student studying Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern. He has moved around a lot-living in New York, Singapore, Jordan, Massachusetts, and Japan. Currently, he serves as Vice President of Internal Affairs. In the past, he has created a documentary where he researched Japanese American women in internment camps and has studied defense and economic policy between the U.S. and Japan. His favorite Japanese foods are hayashi rice, gyoza, and yakiniku. In his free time, he enjoys running and playing tennis, playing piano, and reading and writing. 

External Vice President | Toma Hirose

Bio coming soon!

Communications Director | Lilly Tokoro

Lilly is a first-year student originally from Tokyo, Japan. She also lived in Canada and Brazil when she was younger. She is majoring in Economics and Psychology, with a minor in the Business Institutions Program. Lilly is excited to be a part of the Japanese community at Northwestern, and make connections with people sharing similar interests, backgrounds, and passions related to everything Japanese. Her favorite Japanese food is yakiniku (Japanese style Korean BBQ).

Design Manager | Noah Depp

Noah is a freshman from Singapore majoring in mechanical engineering. He has a twin who is also on the JASA exec board. He loves to bring good vibes to JASA events and is excited to make Northwestern a comfortable place for Japanese and non-Japanese students. His favorite foods are yakiniku, sukiyaki, and prosciutto-arugula pizza. 

Liaison Officer | Joe Omatoi

Joe is a junior from Tokyo majoring in economics and data science.  He has been an active member of JASA since freshman year and served as Treasurer last year.  He is excited to bring opportunities for everyone to learn more about Japanese culture!  His favorite Japanese foods are: ramen, hiroshimayaki, and warabimochi.

Treasurer | Naoki Ito

Naoki is a sophomore from Tokyo majoring in MMSS + α. He has lived in a 12th century Walsh castle in the last two years of high school. His favorite Japanese food is sushi, and least favorite food is boiled potato.