U.S.-Japan Council announced in a press release today that President Irene Hirano Inouye, the widow of Hawaii’s United States late Senator Daniel K. Inouye,  passed away on April 7, following an extended illness.   It appears from the release that her death was not related to COVID-19, but comes at a time of sadness with so many people passing.

In a special letter to USJC members, Board Chair Phyllis Campbell wrote, “I know we are all devastated by this news. Irene was a singular figure in U.S.-Japan relations, respected by leaders on both sides of the Pacific as she carried out the mission of USJC. Since the founding of the Council, she infused the organization with her wisdom and entrepreneurial spirit, kept her pulse on every aspect of USJC while keeping her eye on the strategic vision, and managed to approach every challenge with fearlessness and determination.”

President Hirano Inouye had announced in January that she planned to retire later this year and assist in the Board of Directors’ search for a new CEO. She expressed the hope that her leadership of USJC will have made a lasting contribution to the U.S.-Japan relationship. She added that serving as president of the U.S.-Japan Council “has been an honor of a lifetime.”

Irene Hirano Inouye was active in dozens of organizations.  She was also President and founding CEO of the Japanese American National Museum for twenty years.

Plans for any future memorial service will be made and announced after the current global COVID-19 crisis has ended. President Hirano Inouye’s family has asked that, in lieu of flowers or cards, donations be made in her name to the U.S.-Japan Council.

Personal note from Sherry Bracken:  I had the privilege and pleasure of interviewing both Senator Daniel K. Inouye and Irene Hirano Inouye–together, twice, plus I talked with Irene separately in 2017 about the U. S. Japan Council.  She was a lovely woman, very articulate, very personable, with a good sense of humor. I very much enjoyed our conversations.  I’m really sad she has passed away, and at such a relatively young age.  My personal condolences go to her family.  Photo is from my last interview with her.