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George Ishiyama (1914–2003) was a Japanese-American businessman who was president of Alaska Pulp Corporation (APC) inSitka, Alaska between 1983 and 2003.
Ishiyama was born and raised inLos Angeles, California, and completed a bachelor's degree in economics from theUniversity of California at Los Angeles in 1936.[1]
He and his family were interned during World War II at camps inUtah andWyoming following the signing ofExecutive Order 9066. However, because Ishiyama determined ways to improve camps operations he was assigned to work in Washington, D.C., with the Department of Interior which had charge of the camps.
After the war, Ishiyama traveled toJapan to assist in its rebuilding, and to assist in mutual understanding between the United States and Japan. This became a constant theme of his life.
Ishiyama first established himself as a businessman in Japan, and in 1960, he arranged for the sale ofliquefied natural gas from the Phillips/Marathon plant on theKenai Peninsula to Japan. This contract enabled the plant to be built. In the 1970s, Ishiyama was a key leader in reclaiming and developing Tokyo Bay.
In 1976, Ishiyama arranged for a high level trade mission to Alaska headed up byToshio Doko, then the head of Japan's most powerful business group, theKeidenren.
In 1982, Ishiyama took the lead in attempting to arrange for the export of Alaska oil to Japan.
In 1983, Ishiyama became President of Alaska Pulp Corporation.
In 1991, Ishiyama was awarded a Medal of Honor for his contributions to the promotion of mutual understanding and business relationships between Japan, by Japan'sMinistry of International Trade and Industry.[1]