JUSFC Mourns the Passing of Former Commissioner Senator Jay Rockefeller IV

The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Senator John D. "Jay" Rockefeller IV, former JUSFC Commissioner and a longtime supporter of the U.S.-Japan partnership, carrying forward a family commitment to Japan that reached back to his father, John D. Rockefeller III. Senator Rockefeller's bond with Japan was formed early and lasted a lifetime, and it shaped his half century of public service. As Governor of West Virginia, he established an Economic Development Office in Japan, which led many Japanese companies to collaborate with the state, including Toyota Motor Corporation, which built factories in West Virginia to serve the North American market. He helped bring Wheeling-Nisshin to the state as its first Japanese investment project, led trade missions to Japan, and over 30 years in the United States Senate built friendships with Japanese leaders in government and industry that spanned decades. He supported Aichi Prefecture's bid for the 2005 World Expo and led the American delegation that attended.

The Government of Japan recognized these contributions with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, one of its highest honors conferred on a foreign national. He also received the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Eagle on the World Award in 2008. Senator Rockefeller believed that the relationship between our two countries rests on people who take the time to know one another's language, culture, and way of life. JUSFC is honored to have worked with him as a commissioner and remains grateful for his service, his wisdom, and his leadership.