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Traveling Together: Reflections on the Shikoku Pilgrimage (Partner Program)

Name: Traveling Together: Reflections on the Shikoku Pilgrimage (Partner Program)
Start: 2025-07-24T16:00:00-07:00
End: 2025-07-24T17:30:00-07:00

Jul 24 2025, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Past Event Content

Past Event Details:
Traveling Together: Reflections on the Shikoku Pilgrimage (Partner Program)

*Online program in collaboration with the Japan-America Society of Washington D.C.

Join the Japan-America Society of Washington DC and Sasakawa USA for a unique and FREE virtual event featuring Ambassador James Zumwalt as he shares his personal experiences from completing the Shikoku Henro (Shikoku Pilgrimage) this year.

The Shikoku Henro is an incredible spiritual journey encompassing a 1,200 km (750 mile) circular route to 88 Buddhist temples on Japan’s Shikoku island. This ancient pilgrimage traces the footsteps of the revered monk Kūkai, who trained and visited these sites in the 9th century.

Though often undertaken alone, pilgrims are traditionally reminded they’re never truly by themselves. The phrase “Dogyo Ninin” (同行二人), meaning “two people traveling together,” is a common inscription carried by pilgrims, symbolizing the belief that Kūkai’s spirit accompanies and guides each traveler.

Ambassador Zumwalt will offer insights into this profound cultural tradition and his remarkable trek, followed by a Q&A session.

Date & Time:
Thursday, July 24th from 4:00 PM PT (7:00 PM ET)

Venue:
Online via Zoom

In Collaboration With

Our Amazing Speakers

Amb. James Zumwalt | Chairman, Board of Trustees, Japan-America Society of Washington, D.C.

Ambassador James Zumwalt serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Japan-America Society of Washington, DC, and a Distinguished Senior Fellow (Non-Resident.) at Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA. Ambassador Zumwalt previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA. Ambassador Zumwalt was the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Senegal and the Republic of Guinea Bissau from 2015 to January 2017. Previously, he was responsible for policy toward Japan and Korea as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of East Asia Affairs.

When the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami struck Japan in 2011, Ambassador Zumwalt was serving as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, where he coordinated the United States’ support for the Japanese Government’s response to that crisis. During his 36-year Foreign Service career, Ambassador Zumwalt has served in a variety of assignments with a focus on Asia and international economics in Washington, Tokyo, Beijing, Kinshasa, Dakar, and Bissau.In Washington, D.C., he worked in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Japan, Korea, and Philippines desks and also at the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs and the United States Trade Representative’s Office. He speaks Japanese, French, and some Chinese.

Ambassador Zumwalt received a master’s degree in International Security Studies from the National War College in 1998 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in American History and also in Japanese Language from the University of California at Berkeley in 1979. He is from El Cajon, California and is married to Ann Kambara, a retired Foreign Service Officer who is now pursuing a second career in social work.

Moderator – Shanti Shoji | Director of Programs, Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA

Ms. Shanti Shoji serves as the Director of Programs at Sasakawa USA, overseeing the development and management of grants and programs. Ms. Shoji has spent her entire career in U.S.-Japan relations, which includes six years in Japan and 18 years in Washington, DC, covering issues ranging from grassroots diplomacy to foreign policy.

Most recently in her work at Sasakawa USA, she launched the Sasakawa USA Women’s Advancement Network (SWAN) as well as activities that focus on integrating Women, Peace and Security (WPS) into the U.S.-Japan alliance.

Prior to joining Sasakawa USA, Ms. Shoji taught English in Japan on the JET Program and co-founded the educational non-profit Kizuna Across Cultures. She earned her master’s degree in international communication from American University’s School of International Service and received bachelor’s degrees in Japanese language and international studies from the University of Oregon.