Amo Announces Local Leader in Japanese Community and Small Business Owner as Guest for Joint Meeting
(Ms. Brandmeier and Rep. Amo meet before the Joint Meeting of Congress)
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) announced that his guest to the Joint Meeting of Congress with His Excellency Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan is Maryanne Brandmeier, owner and principal of OKS-USA Martial Arts/CrossFit studio in Naval Station Newport. A longtime advocate for U.S.-Japan relations, Ms. Brandmeier serves as the Vice President of the Japan America Society of Rhode Island, where her work has been widely recognized for advancing the crucial bilateral relationship.
“As Congress comes together to hear an address from Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan, I am thrilled to announce that Ms. Brandmeier will be our district’s guest of honor,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “Her dedicated service to strengthening the ties between the United States and Japan are a blessing. This landmark event is an important opportunity to hear how we can continue marching together to strengthen our economic relationships, cultural ties, and defense cooperation. Our alliance with Japan is a beacon to the entire world, which is why I am pleased that we are welcoming our democratic ally today.”
“The chance to attend a Joint Meeting of Congress with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I am elated that Congressman Amo extended such a special invitation,” said Maryanne Brandmeier. “At a time when our allies around the world are looking to us for leadership, the work that we do today will prepare us for the challenges of tomorrow. It is an honor to represent Rhode Island and the Japan America Society of Rhode Island at this event. I look forward to continuing to build bridges between our state, our country, and the State of Japan.”
BACKGROUND:
Maryanne Brandmeier serves as the Vice President of the Japan-America Society of Rhode Island (JASRI), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created in 1983 to promote a better understanding and cultural awareness between the people of Japan and the people of the State of Rhode Island.
JASRI plays an important role in honoring Japanese culture and history in Rhode Island. Its main goal is to celebrate and build strong relationships between the two countries. Their landmark annual event, the Black Ships Festival, celebrates the achievements of Commodore Matthew C. Perry of Newport, his arrival in Japan in 1853, and his successful negotiation of the Treaty of Peace and Amity with Japan in 1854.
