U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation Memorial Statement for Ronald J. Anderson

It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Mr. Ronald J. Anderson on May 3, 2021.  Ron was Chairman Emeritus of the United States-Japan Bridging Foundation’s Board of Directors, having joined the board of directors in 2001. He continually volunteered his time to the Bridging Foundation and, with his wife Maria, was also a long-time donor ensuring that the Bridging Foundation fulfills its mission to increase opportunities for people-to-people exchange between the United States and Japan. Because of Ron and Maria, over 2,000 students have gained international experience and broadened their worldview as Bridging Scholars.  Ron received the Bridging Foundation’s Lifetime Leadership Achievement Award during our 20th anniversary celebration in New York in 2019.

Ron knew the value of cross-cultural exchange, having worked over 30 years in Asia, including his last 15 based in Tokyo, as Chairman and CEO of AIG Companies in Japan and Korea. He generously used his knowledge to increase opportunities for friendship, education, and commerce between the United States and Japan.

In addition to Chairman Emeritus of the U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation, Mr. Anderson’s extensive volunteer leadership positions have included Chairman of the Foreign Non-Life Insurance Association (FNLIA) of Japan; Co-Chairman of the Board of Governors of Temple University Japan (TUJ); a member of the Board of Governors of the City Club of Tokyo: an International Councilor of the Asia Society; and a member of Advisory Board of the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE).

Ron was a well-respected and admired “ambassador” between the United States and Japan, making friends and making a difference wherever life took Maria and him.  We are grateful for Ron’s lasting contributions to building bridges of opportunity.