Included in this issue of the newsletter:

• Message from Sasakawa USA's Chairman Satohiro Akimoto

March Activities

• US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative: NEXT Alliance Conference 2023 in Tokyo
• In-Depth Research Trip: Hon. Ted Yoho Engages on U.S.-Japan Alliance Issues in Japan 
• The U.S.-Japan Strategic Alliance Series: The U.S.-Japan Alliance and Economic Relations at Work in Tennessee
• Japan US Military Program (JUMP): JUMP Social Hour with Amb. Masafumi Ishii
• Japan US Military Program (JUMP): JUMP Seattle
• Japan US Military Program (JUMP): Jump Camp LeJeune  
• Japan US Military Program (JUMP): JUMP Quantico  
• Congressional Program on U.S.-Japan Relations and the Indo-Pacific: Staffers Receive Program Certificates
• Congressional Study Group on Japan: 30th Anniversary Celebration

External Engagements 

• Mr. James Schoff Speaks at the National Bureau of Asian Research’s Event “Securing Taiwan: Assessing Defense Priorities and Challenges” 

Publications 

• Japan Political Pulse: Unified Nationwide Local Elections: Implications on Possible Snap Election (Dr. Akimoto) 

Upcoming Activities

• Policy Briefing: Changing Dynamics in Japan’s Refugee Policy with Dr. Saburo Takizawa 
• Pacific Islands Maritime Domain Awareness Program: Policy Recommendation Report to be Published

Message from Sasakawa USA's Chairman Satohiro Akimoto

Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA (Sasakawa USA) has concluded fiscal year 2022 (from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023) with outstanding results. In early FY22, the U.S. began to enter a post-COVID-19 era by fully getting back to life without facial coverings. While the speed at which society opened varied from state to state, Americans who were itching to get back to life before COVID-19 quickly entered a post-COVID-19 era. Japan on the other hand began to enter a post-COVID-19 era more slowly and cautiously. Americans, who began to visit Japan in increasingly large numbers starting in early October when the government eased entry restrictions for foreigners, saw that most Japanese were still wearing facial coverings. However, Japan too began to open up around that time and steadily took steps to enter a post-COVID-19 era. While the majority of Japanese continued to wear facial coverings, people-to-people exchanges taking place in Japan quickly revived between the U.S. and Japan. 

Sasakawa USA executed various programs, which had not been previously conducted due to COVID-19 related restrictions. Policy experts and Japanese lawmakers, such as Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yasutoshi Nishimura and chair of the LDP’s U.S.-Japan caucus the Hon. Hirofumi Nakasone, engaged with Sasakawa USA in Washington. The Hon. Iwao Horii, director of the LDP foreign affairs division, delivered remarks in-person at Sasakawa USA in January. Additionally, Sasakawa USA held a US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative conference on command and control in Tokyo in March. Furthermore, Sasakawa USA sent three research fellows to Japan in the last quarter of FY22, Professor Peter Skerry of Boston College, former Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Philip S. Davidson, and former Member of Congress Theodore “Ted” Yoho (R-FL). Sasakawa USA expresses appreciation to our collaborators, event attendees, supporters, and staff for their contributions to closing out FY22 with great success. 

Sasakawa USA continues to do our best to execute our programs in FY23. Senior Director James Schoff is scheduled to kick off the new fiscal year with a Washington Kenkyu Group (WKG), providing remarks on his recent trip to Taiwan and associated implications for the U.S.-Japan alliance. Minister Motosada Matano of the Embassy of Japan will engage with our Rising Indo-Pacific Security Experts (RISE) program, discussing topics of importance to the U.S.-Japan alliance with a study group consisting of emerging security experts in Washington. A major parliamentary group, led by the Hon. Akira Amari, former Secretary-General of the LDP, will visit Washington during Golden Week as part of our Integrated Security Dialogue. We look forward to working with all of you in the new fiscal year. 

Photo: Admiral Philip S. Davidson (ret.), 25th Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, speaks in Tokyo during a trip to Japan organized by Sasakawa USA in January

March Activities

US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative: NEXT Alliance Conference 2023 in Tokyo

The NEXT Alliance Initiative held its second NEXT Alliance Conference (NAC) in Tokyo from March 10-13. The NAC is convened twice per year by Sasakawa USA on an emerging priority issue area for the U.S.-Japan alliance. NAC Tokyo was attended by around 40 American and Japanese specialists from government, academia, think tanks, and the private sector and included a site visit to Yokota Air Base. The focus of NAC Tokyo was “U.S.-Japan Command Relationships for New Challenges,” which has become a priority for policymakers in both countries and a major agenda item as threats to the stability of East Asia continue to grow. The group convened sessions on command and control (C2) structures, models of alliance C2, C2 needs for the future, and reflections on political and legal considerations. The group also received policy briefings from Japanese and U.S. government officials, and some group members also discussed outcomes with the media. NAC Tokyo provided an opportunity for a comprehensive and deeper dive into these complex issues, in comparison to our normal Track 1.5 roundtable dialogues. A summary of the key takeaways from the conference will be published in April. 

Photo: Participants in the March 2023 NEXT Alliance Conference in Tokyo

In-Depth Research Trip: Hon. Ted Yoho Engages on U.S.-Japan Alliance Issues in Japan

The Honorable Theodore “Ted” Yoho, former U.S. Congressman representing Florida’s 3rd district, travelled to Japan in March as part of Sasakawa USA’s In-Depth Research Trip. While in Japan, he engaged with high-ranking lawmakers, government and Japan Self-Defense Forces officials, members of the media, and private sector leaders to discuss Indo-Pacific security issues and challenges to global peace and stability such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In addition, Hon. Yoho shared his own insights with Japanese policymakers and experts on the 2024 presidential elections, particularly on prospective Republican candidates Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis. 

Photo: Hon. Ted Yoho and Hon. Akira Amari 

U.S.-Japan Strategic Alliance Series: The U.S.-Japan Alliance and Economic Relations at Work in Tennessee

On March 1, Sasakawa USA, in partnership with the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, held the first installment of the U.S.-Japan Strategic Alliance Series at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The symposium, “The U.S.-Japan Security Alliance and Economic Relations at Work in Tennessee,” examined how the crucial U.S.-Japan bilateral alliance is evolving to meet new geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges by engaging military and economic security experts from the local area; Washington, D.C.; and Japan. The program also discussed the influence of U.S.–Japan relations in Tennessee. The symposium consisted of two panels on security and economics, as well as an in-depth conversation on integrated security. The first panel, “Strengthening the U.S.-Japan Security Alliance,” featured LGEN Koichiro Bansho, Former Commanding General, JGSDF Western Army (Ret.); LtGen Larry Nicholson, Former Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force (Ret.); and Mr. James Schoff, Senior Director, US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative, Sasakawa USA; and was moderated by Dr. Krista Wiegand, Director, Global Security Program, Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy and Professor, Political Science, University of Tennessee. The second panel, “Advancing U.S.-Japan Economic Relations,” featured Mr. Takuji Tanaka, Corporate Staff Section Adviser, Mitsubishi Corporation (former Executive Director for Japan, IMF); Mr. David Boling, Director, Japan and Asian Trade, Eurasia Group; and Ms. Masami Tyson, Partner, Womble Bond Dickinson (former Global Director of FDI and Trade, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development); and was moderated by Dr. Satohiro Akimoto, Chairman and President, Sasakawa USA. To cap off the symposium, Amb. Masafumi Ishii, former Ambassador of Japan to Indonesia, provided remarks during his in-depth conversation on integrated security. This event was attended by researchers, professors, students, and local leaders in business and government. Consul-General Yoichi Matsumoto also attended and provided welcome remarks for the event. Further details on the event will be available on Sasakawa USA’s website in the coming weeks.  

Photo (left to right): Ms. Shanti Shoji, Dr. Satohiro Akimoto, Consul General Yoichi Matsumoto, Mr. James Schoff, LGEN Koichiro Bansho, Ms. Masami Tyson, Dr. Marianne Wanamaker, LtGen Larry Nicholson, Mr. Takuji Tanaka, Mr. David Boling, Dr. Krista Wiegand, and Amb. Masafumi Ishii 

Japan US Military Program (JUMP): JUMP Social Hour with Amb. Masafumi Ishii

On March 2, Sasakawa USA hosted a JUMP Social Hour with Ambassador Masafumi Ishii, former Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia, at Sasakawa USA’s office. Amb. Ishii discussed the recent developments of Japan’s national security strategy with an emphasis on the importance of networking with like-minded countries in Southeast Asia in addition to economic and technological competition with Japan’s potential adversaries. Attendees included senior and emerging security experts from think tanks, the U.S. government, the private sector, and academia. A lively Q&A following Amb. Ishii’s remarks was moderated by Sasakawa USA Chairman and President Dr. Satohiro Akimoto. 

Photo (left to right): Ambassador Ishii providing his remarks at the event and Dr. Satohiro Akimoto 

Japan US Military Program (JUMP): JUMP Seattle

On March 4, Sasakawa USA held a JUMP event in Seattle in collaboration with the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington and the Nisei Veterans Committee. The theme of the JUMP event was “Beyond Reconciliation: Celebrate Japan-U.S. Alliance and Honor Nisei Veterans” and featured remarks from Mr. Joel Ehrendreich, Director of the Office of Japanese Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, and LTC Takahiro Ota, Assistant Military Attaché at the Embassy of Japan. JUMP continues to serve as a national program to connect past and present service members, families, and government civilians who have served in Japan through social networks and grassroots events. JUMP is the only national program to provide this service, establishing a powerful foundation for sustaining the alliance between the United States and Japan. 

Photo: LTC Takahiro Ota gives remarks at the JUMP event 

Japan US Military Program (JUMP): JUMP Camp Lejeune

On March 8, Sasakawa USA held a JUMP event at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina entitled “Force Design 2030: The Importance of Marines in the U.S.-Japan Security Alliance.” The event featured a welcome by Colonel Garth Burnett (USMC), Commanding Officer of MCAS New River, and keynote remarks from BGen Andrew Niebel (USMC), Commanding General of MCI East – MCB Camp Lejeune, and from Maj Gen Hiroyuki Sugai (JASDF), Defense and Air Attaché at the Embassy of Japan. Ms. Satsuki Potts, a member of the local community, provided a cultural demonstration of Okinawan folk music, recognizing her heritage and that of the significant Okinawan community near Camp Lejeune. JUMP continues to serve as a national program to connect past and present service members, families, and government civilians who have served in Japan through social networks and grassroots events. JUMP is the only national program to provide this service, establishing a powerful foundation for sustaining the alliance between the United States and Japan. 

Photo (left to right): Ms. Shanti Shoji, Maj Gen Matthew Trollinger (USMC), Colonel Garth Burnett (USMC) Maj Gen Hiroyuki Sugai (JASDF), BGen Andrew Niebel (USMC), Maj Gen Scott Benedict (USMC), Dr. Satohiro Akimoto. (U.S Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jennifer E. Douds) 

Japan US Military Program (JUMP): JUMP Quantico

On March 15, JUMP hosted its second event at the Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia in partnership with the Marine Corps University and the Embassy of Japan. This event featured remarks from BG Maura Hennigan (USMC), who is also the President of the Marine Corps University; and MG Hiroyuki Sugai (JASDF), Defense and Air Attaché, Embassy of Japan. The high-level panel provided in-depth insights and included MG David L. Odom, Deputy Director for Current and Integrated Operations, J-3, Joint Staff; Mr. James Schoff, Senior Director, US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative, Sasakawa USA; and Dr. Chris Yung, Academic Dean, Marine Corps War College. Following the event was a lively reception in which conversations continued among speakers and War College students, exemplifying JUMP’s mission to promote dialogue on the importance of sustaining the U.S.-Japan alliance.  

Photo: JUMP Quantico event held at Marine Corps University, March 15, 2023

Congressional Program on U.S.-Japan Relations and the Indo-Pacific: Congressional Staffers Awarded Certifications

The 2023 Congressional Program on U.S.-Japan Relations and the Indo-Pacific (CPUSJ) concluded with its final session on March 7. This is the first time since 2019 that the program has been held in-person, and it was also the largest CPUSJ program, with 14 participants who are now well-versed on various issues pertaining to the U.S.-Japan Alliance and its impact on the Indo-Pacific region. Session topics included themes such as: Japanese Domestic Politics; The U.S.-Japan Alliance as the Cornerstone of Indo-Pacific Peace, Security, and Stability; U.S.-Japan Technological Partnership and Competition; Economic Challenges & Areas of Cooperation; U.S.-Japan Engagement with ASEAN and APEC; U.S.-Japan Defense Cooperation Under New Strategies; and Great Power Competition. Sasakawa USA is grateful to the East-West Center in Washington for its partnership in holding this program, and to the distinguished speakers that took time out of their busy schedules to speak with Congressional staffers. Please visit the Sasakawa USA website for more details about this program. 

Congressional Study Group on Japan: 30th Anniversary Celebration

On March 29, the Congressional Study Group on Japan held a reception to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its founding. The reception featured remarks by Co-Chairs Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN), who heralded the importance of the Congressional Study Group on Japan as a unique Congressional delegation allowing members to gain a deep understanding of Japan and create lasting relationships through a weeklong annual trip to Japan. They also remarked on the sustained effort that organizers have dedicated to ensuring continued success in promoting Congressional ties with Japan. Sasakawa USA President and Chairman Dr. Satohiro Akimoto also spoke at the reception, emphasizing the importance of Congressional exchange with Japan as the U.S.-Japan relationship enters a new era. Mr. Peter M. Weichlein, CEO of the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress, moderated the discussion and shared his desire to continue to partner with Sasakawa USA to execute the Congressional Study Group of Japan. 2023 marks nine years of Sasakawa USA’s support for the Congressional Study Group on Japan.

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress 

External Engagements

Mr. James Schoff Speaks at the National Bureau of Asian Research's Event "Securing Taiwan: Assessing Defense Priorities and Challenges"

Sasakawa USA Senior Director James Schoff spoke at a National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) event in Washington, D.C. on March 23 as part of a panel discussing Taiwan’s defense capabilities and the role that the United States and Japan can play in supporting Taiwan and deterring conflict in the Taiwan Strait. The event featured a “fireside chat” with Admiral Philip S. Davidson (ret.), 25th Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, reflecting on his February visit to Taiwan organized by NBR, a trip that Mr. Schoff joined as well. The discussions covered the new era in bilateral security cooperation in the wake of the January U.S.-Japan “2+2” meeting. Mr. Schoff’s remarks covered the implications of Japan’s new National Defense Strategy and U.S.-Japan alliance agreements in the context of heightened tension across the Taiwan Strait, noting that Japan’s new plan for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” has the potential to involve Taiwan more directly and foster closer cooperation. A recording of the event is available here.

Photo: Rachel Bernstein, Senior Project Manager, The National Bureau of Asian Research; Tiffany Ma, Senior Director, BowerGroupAsia; Kitsch Liao, Assistant Director, Atlantic Council; James Schoff, Senior Director, Sasakawa USA

Japan Political Pulse: Unified Nationwide Local Elections: Implications on Possible Snap Election (Dr. Akimoto)

In the latest Japan Political Pulse article, "Unified Nationwide Local Elections: Implications on Possible Snap Election," Sasakawa USA Chairman and President Dr. Satohiro Akimoto examines how the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's results in the important local assembly, gubernatorial, mayoral, and Diet elections being held in April may affect the political fortunes of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, particularly his ability to continue as president of the LDP after the party presidential election in September 2024. In the short run, the result of these elections, particularly five by-elections for Diet seats, likely affects his calculations on when to hold Japan's next general election, as there is no nationwide election scheduled within this year. A strong showing by the LDP combined with a successful G7 summit hosted by Prime Minister Kishida in May, may prompt him to call a snap election as soon as this summer. You can read more of Dr. Akimoto’s analysis here. Japan Political Pulse (JPP) is a resource for American media, policymakers, academics, and the public with regular and reliable insight and analysis of the trends and state of Japanese politics. 

Photo: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party Toshimitsu Motegi, and former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Koichi Hagiuda demonstrate their determination to lead the LDP to victory in Japan’s upcoming unified local elections to be held in April. Both Motegi and Hagiuda are possible challengers to Prime Minister Kishida in the next party presidency election in September 2024. (Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images) 

Upcoming Events

Policy Briefing: Changing Dynamics in Japan's Refugee Policy with Dr. Saburo Takizawa

On April 13, Sasakawa USA will host the virtual policy briefing, “Changing Dynamics in Japan’s Refugee Policy” featuring Dr. Saburo Takizawa, the UN High Commission on Refugees’ former Representative in Japan. Dr. Takizawa will discuss major changes in Japan’s refugee policy reflecting on his professional and academic expertise. Commentary will be provided by Professor Peter Skerry, Professor of Political Science at Boston College. In January 2023, Prof. Skerry embarked on a research trip to Japan which focused on Japan’s changing immigration and refugee policy as part of Sasakawa USA’s Journalism and Academia Fellowship. The event will be moderated by Sasakawa USA Chairman and President Dr. Satohiro Akimoto. 

Photo (Left to Right): Dr. Saburo Takizawa; Prof. Peter Skerry 

Pacific Islands Maritime Domain Awareness Program: Policy Recommendation Report to be Published

In November 2022 and January 2023, Sasakawa USA hosted two Pacific Islands MDA conferences in Washington, D.C. and Honolulu, HI led by the Honorable Randall G. Schriver, Director of the Pacific Islands MDA Program at Sasakawa USA and Chairman of the Project 2049 Institute. Sasakawa USA will publish the final policy recommendation report of the program in the coming months amalgamating fruitful discussions and insightful findings of the two conferences. 

The Pacific Islands MDA Program was borne out of a strong conviction that the Freely Associated States (FAS) are critical allies and partners to the United States and Japan, vital to ensuring a regional liberal order rooted in universal values such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law in the Pacific. The program aims to make policy recommendations to the U.S. and Japan on MDA and related issues vis-à-vis the FAS. 

Photo (left to right): Ms. Shanti Shoji, Ms. Suzanne Vares-Lum, AMB Steven McGann, Mr. Ismael Aguon, Ms. Cleo Paskal, Hon. Randall G. Schriver, Mr. Glen Joseph, AMB Kurt Tong, RDML Charles E. Fosse, and Ms. Jennifer Hong Whetsell 

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