USSEC is deeply saddened to announce the sudden death of Hironori Kijima, 75, on April 18, 2013.  Mr. Kijima, of Tokyo, Japan, was a long time supporter of the soy industry and was instrumental in advocating the import of U.S. soy to Japan.  He contributed to the Japanese tofu industry for the past 40 years as the founder and executive director of the Japan Tofu Association.  The Japanese tofu industry, under Mr. Kijima’s leadership, became the world’s largest U.S. non-GMO market, a position which it still holds.  The USSEC / ASA / ASA-IM office in Japan received immeasurable support from Mr. Kijima over the course of many years.

A funeral and memorial service was held for Mr. Kijima at Zenrinji Temple in Tokyo on April 22 and 23.  USSEC Director & North Asia Regional Coordinator Masako Masi Tateishi attended the services on behalf of USSEC.