About the Free Choice Foundation

The Free Choice Foundation is a grass-roots movement seeking an understanding with the Japanese Government concerning the needs of the foreign community of Japan.

 

Who we are . . .

We reside throughout Japan and include among us both short-term and long-term residents. We are also proud to include a number of Japanese supporters.

 

What we are . . .

Free Choice seeks to gain the understanding and cooperation of the Japanese Government and the people of Japan regarding the needs and concerns of non-Japanese and naturalized citizens living in this society. Our goals are to compile the facts and present the issues. We have submitted one petition to the government with successful results and plan to submit others.

 

Who chairs the foundation . . .

The founder and chairman of Free Choice is long-time Hyogo resident Ronald Kessler. Born in 1950 and raised in Chicago, Kessler moved to Japan in 1979. He is happily married and has two sons, both of whom are pursuing careers in Tokyo. A lifetime entrepreneur, he started his first business venture at the age of twenty-one. He enjoys nature and country settings; both his home and office are located in wooded areas with tall trees.

Kessler is an avid health advocate. He is a non-smoker and non-drinker, eats a moderate diet, and never misses a workout at the gym.

Throughout his more than 30 years as a resident of Japan, he has never been afraid to stand up for what he believes in nor to lobby with the government over issues he felt needed improvement or change. While some of his efforts have been unsuccessful (as can certainly be expected when dealing with government), others have proven to be remarkably fruitful.

 

Over the years, Kessler has been frequently written about in the press and has also appeared on nationally-televised news programs. He has been featured on TV talk-shows with famous personalities such as Sanshi Katsura and Emi Kaminuma. He has also appeared with high-ranking politicians, including the late Kenzaburo Hara (LDP), the late Osaka Governor Knock Yokoyama, former Construction Minister Masaaki Nakayama and former Health Minister Yoichi Masuzoe. He has visited the Diet a number of times and frequently meets with Upper and Lower House lawmakers to discuss matters of importance to foreign residents.

 

Some of our other executives and staff . . .

Co-Chairman: Kaj Schwermer

Secretary: Yumiko

Web Content & Press Releases: Howard

Website & DB admin: Rakesh

Translation (Portuguese): Neila

South American Community: Hector