Riker Danzig was pleased to be a sponsor of Japan Day @ Central Park 2017, in support of our client Mitsui Sumitomo Marine Management USA, whose President and CEO, Kurao Onouchi, is the incoming President of Japan Day Inc. Japan Day, held on May 14, 2017, takes place each year in Central Park, and was created to thank the people of New York for their appreciation and support of Japanese culture, and to build bridges of cultural understanding.
A highlight of the event is the Japan Day 4-mile run. This year, Riker Danzig associate Ashley Higginson finished in first place among the women runners. Out of a field of almost 5,000 runners, Ashley was the first woman to cross the finish line and the 11th runner overall. Before joining Riker Danzig, Ashley qualified for and competed in the 2016 USA Track & Field Olympic trials for the 3,000 meter steeplechase. She also competed for the USA in the steeplechase at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow, and won a gold medal in the steeplechase at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.
Partner Brian O’Donnell was invited by Reiichiro Takahashi, Ambassador and Consul-General of Japan in New York, to attend a private reception at the Ambassador’s residence in celebration of Japan Day on May 15. Brian said, “It was an honor to participate in Japan Day with our client Mitsui Sumitomo, and celebrate the richness of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture. We were delighted to have been invited to be a part of such an exciting and important international event.”
Ashley Higginson crossing the finish line of the Japan Day 4-mile run. MSIG President and CEO Kurao Onouchi holds the tape at the right. Photo courtesy of NYRR.
Brian O’Donnell, center, attends the post-Japan Day reception at the residence of Reiichiro Takahashi, Ambassador and Consul-General of Japan in New York, who is at the right. At left is Kurao Onouchi, President and CEO of MSIG.
