CN Obituary (Aug 12, 2009) Robert L. Sharp, 1984 President of American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

 

The Japan America Society of Southern California announced that its board member Robert L. Sharp (photo by Merced Sun-Star) of South Pasadena passed away at his home on Aug. 11 morning. The cause was cancer. He was survived by his wife and six children.

 

Sharp served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Japan America Society Southern California for over two decades. From 2003 to 2007, he served as the chair of the society’s program committee.

 

In February 2007, at the society’s annual members meeting, Sharp was unanimously elected an Honorary Lifetime Office.

 

In addition to contributions to the Japan America Society, Sharp was active with the Asia Society, the International Visitors Council, the Pacific Asia Museum, the Pacific Council on International Policy, and Old Asian Hands, a group of banking colleagues who spent part of their careers in Asia.

 

Sharp also founded and led the popular Nichibei Study Group, where Japanese and Americans met for dinner programs and discussions at unique – and often unknown – venues.

 

Sharp was born in Linden at Central California. He spent a total of 12 years in Japan, first as an officer in the U.S. Navy, and later as President of Manufacturers Hanover Trust Bank, Ltd.

 

In 1984, Sharp was elected to serve as President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, the largest and most prestigious chamber of its kind outside the U.S.

 

Sharp also served as Chairman of the Board of Nishimachi International School.

 

After returning from Japan, Sharp led the U.S. operations of the translation and interpretation company, Simul International, and he founded Pacific Overtures, an international business consultancy focusing on Asian relationships.

 

Sharp wrote columns for the Merced Sun-Star newspaper. His column is found at www.mercedsunstar.com/robertlsharp.