AOC Invites Noguchi Museum Director as Guest for Diplomatic Meeting with Japanese Prime Minister

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) will host Amy Hau, Director of the Noguchi Museum in Queens, as a guest on April 11th, 2024, during a joint session of Congress. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will attend the meeting and discuss US-Japan relations.

As a representative of Queens, New York’s diverse and immigrant-rich community, Amy Hau’s selection as a guest carries enormous symbolic meaning. Hau moved to Queens at the age of nine, following her family from Hong Kong, and her personal story reflects the diverse makeup of the borough. Immigrants have made significant contributions to American civilization, as seen by her ascent to prominence in the community’s civic and cultural arenas.

Hau’s relationship with the Noguchi Museum extends deep, having taken up the post of Director there in January of that year. She started working at the museum in 1986 as an assistant to its founder, the famed Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi. Her work at the museum illustrates not only her commitment to preserving and promoting art but also her strong connection to Japanese culture and heritage.

In addition to her job at the Noguchi Museum, Hau is an active community member, having served as vice chair of Queens Community Board 1 since 2014. Her involvement on the board of the Asian American Arts Alliance demonstrates her commitment to civic engagement and advocacy for different perspectives in Queens, thereby magnifying Asian American communities’ representation in the cultural landscape.

The joint meeting of Congress allows Hau to highlight Queens’ rich cultural legacy as well as immigrants’ vital contributions to American culture. As Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addresses the US-Japan diplomatic partnership, Hau’s attendance demonstrates the interdependence of nations and the significance of fostering mutual understanding and collaboration on a worldwide scale.

Representative Ocasio-Cortez’s invitation to Amy Hau demonstrates her appreciation for Hau’s leadership and engagement within the Queens neighborhood, as well as her skill in facilitating cultural interaction and understanding. They will engage in a watershed moment in diplomatic conversation, overcoming cultural differences and forging meaningful communication across nations.

Amy Hau’s presence with political leaders ahead of the joint summit serves as a reminder of the influence that diversity and inclusivity have on fostering goodwill and promoting shared objectives on the international scene.

For updates on the joint meeting and insights into the diplomatic discussions, stay tuned as this historic event unfolds on April 11th, 2024.