Included in this issue of the newsletter:

• Message from Sasakawa USA's Chairman Satohiro Akimoto

April Activities

• Policy Briefing: Changing Dynamics in Japan's Refugee Policy with Dr. Saburo Takizawa
• Rising Indo-Pacific Security Experts (RISE): RISE Discussion with Minister Motosada Matano
• Washington Kenkyu Group: Discussion with Mr. James Schoff

Publications 

• US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative: NEXT Alliance Conference Papers Published
• USJETAA: JETs on Japan Publication Series

Upcoming Activities

• U.S.-Japan Integrated Security Dialogue: Japanese Diet Members to Visit Washington
• Commentary & Analysis: Upcoming Book on Europe’s Evolving Strategic Vision for the Indo-Pacific

Message from Sasakawa USA's Chairman Satohiro Akimoto

January was dubbed “Japanuary” in foreign policy circles in Washington. The fact that the entire month was named for Japan is a reflection of the critical importance of the U.S.-Japan security alliance to the idea of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, which is central to the main strategic vision of the vast region to both the U.S. and Japan. In short, “Japanuary” attests there is no more important alliance than the U.S.-Japan alliance for keeping a stable, safe, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. 

Washington indeed received many important leaders from Japan in January. President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a summit meeting at the White House on January 13. The summit meeting was preceded by a U.S- Japan Security Consultative Committee (2+2) on January 11 attended by the highest level of government officials responsible for foreign policy and national security, namely, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin of the U.S., and Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada of Japan. In addition to Prime Minister Kishida, Foreign Minister Hayashi, and Defense Minister Hamada, several other high-level Japanese lawmakers and policy experts visited Washington in January, such as Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura.    

For Prime Minister Kishida, “Japanuary” was a symbol of his political victory in terms of national security and foreign affairs. While national security and military affairs are not regarded as his forte, he was able to build on the strategic foundation laid by late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Looking back to last year, Prime Minister Kishida quickly joined the U.S.-led coalition against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by imposing severe economic sanctions against Russia. Additionally, he incorporated important economic and technology elements into national security policies by enacting the Economic Security Promotion Act in May. Furthermore, he adapted three new national security documents to expand Japan’s defense capability and advance interoperability with the U.S. in December. The joint statement of the summit between President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida proudly stated “our cooperation today is unprecedented, rooted in our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific and a peaceful and prosperous world, guided by our shared values including the rule of law.”  

While there is no catchy word like “Japanuary,” Washington’s foreign policy circles will have a heavy dose of the U.S.-Japan security alliance in May. The first week of the month, “Golden Week,” is particularly important because roughly 25 influential leaders and policy experts will visit Washington from Tokyo, just like “Japanuary.” One of the highest-level visitors from Japan is the Liberal Democratic Party’s Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi. Mr. Motegi, who had served as Foreign Minister under former Prime Minister Abe, former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, and Prime Minister Kishida, will have opportunities to meet with several top leaders of the Biden administration, such as Secretary of State Blinken, in Washington.  He will be joined by Senior Acting Secretary General Yoko Kamikawa, who had served as Justice Minister three times. Hon. Kamikawa will also meet Women, Peace, and Security leaders, while she will be in Washington. 

Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA will facilitate a visit by the Integrated Security Dialogue (ISD) delegation to Washington from April 30 to May 5. The delegation, led by LDP’s former Secretary-General Akira Amari, will focus on exchanging views on integrated security, a combination of military, economic, and technology security, which has increasingly become important to deter serious challenges posed by authoritarian powers, to protect vulnerable allies and friendly nations, and to effectively deal with the Global South. Hon. Keizo Takemi, Hon. Haruko Arimura, Hon. Takayuki Kobayashi, Hon. Keitaro Ohno, and Mr. Nobukatsu Kanehara will join Hon. Amari. Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA hopes the ISD delegation will play a role in deepening security relations between the U.S. and Japan.  

April Activities

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

On April 13, Sasakawa USA hosted the virtual policy briefing and discussion, “Changing Dynamics in Japan‘s Refugee Policy,” featuring remarks by Dr. Saburo Takizawa, Professor Emeritus, Toyo Eiwa University; Former UNHCR Representative in Japan; and Vice President, CARE International Japan. Dr. Takizawa discussed Japan’s contributions to the international refugee system, developments in Japan’s refugee policy resulting from the war in Ukraine and the coup in Myanmar, new reforms currently being considered in the Diet, and changes in the international perception of Japan’s refugee policy. Dr. Takizawa’s remarks were followed by commentary from Dr. Peter Skerry, Professor of Political Science at Boston College and recipient of Sasakawa USA’s Journalism & Academia Fellowship. The video recording is available on Sasakawa USA's YouTube page. 

Rising Indo-Pacific Security Experts (RISE): RISE Discussion with Minister Motosada Matano

On April 19, Sasakawa USA welcomed Minister Motosada Matano, Head of the Political Affairs section at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C., to discuss Japan’s current security and defense policies, touching on Japan’s national defense, the U.S.-Japan alliance, and opportunities for Japan to take the lead on cooperation with partners through its 2023 G7 Presidency. Minister Matano’s remarks were followed by an engaging discussion with members of Sasakawa USA’s Rising Indo-Pacific Security Experts (RISE), a network of young and emerging Indo-Pacific security experts whose research and professional development we strive to support through networking and dialogue in the D.C. area. The discussion was moderated by Sasakawa USA Chairman and President Dr. Satohiro Akimoto. 

Photo: Attendees of the RISE discussion

Washington Kenkyu Group: Discussion with Mr. James Schoff

On April 11, the Washington Kenkyu Group welcomed Mr. James Schoff, Senior Director of the NEXT Alliance Initiative at Sasakawa USA. Mr. Schoff presented remarks on his recent visit to Taiwan with Admiral Philip Davidson, former commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command. His remarks covered a profile of Taiwan’s perspectives and insights, energy transformation, the security landscape, economic concerns, and relations with Japan. Following was a lively Q&A discussion with attending Japanese representatives from the private sector, media, and think tanks. The discussion also highlighted recent Chinese military action in the region, as well as the upcoming Taiwanese election, and how the escalation of these activities could affect the U.S.-Japan alliance. 

Photo: Mr. James Schoff and members of the Washington Kenkyu Group

US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative: NEXT Alliance Conference Papers Published

The NEXT Alliance Initiative published three papers from participants of the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 NEXT Alliance Conferences (NAC). NAC Annapolis participant and Senior Principal of International Security and Policy at The MITRE Corporation, Ms. Barbara Grewe, authored a paper entitled “Effectively Integrating Cybersecurity into National and Economic Security to Improve Outcomes in Both Spheres.” For NAC Tokyo, two Sasakawa USA Distinguished Senior Fellows (Non-Resident) authored papers on the topic of command and control (C2). Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, USMC (Ret.) authored a paper entitled “The Clock is Running”, published on April 14. Lt. Gen. Wallace “Chip” Gregson, USMC (Ret.) authored a paper entitled “Command Relationships for New Collective Defense Challenges,” published on April 19. The papers are published on the NEXT Alliance Conference page here for Annapolis 2022 and here for Tokyo 2023.

Photo: Ms. Barbara Grewe, Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson (USMC, Ret.), and Lt. Gen. Wallace "Chip" Gregson (USMC, Ret.)

USJETAA: JETs on Japan Publication Series

As part of our partnership in support of JET Program alumni, Sasakawa USA and USJETAA are pleased to share the latest addition to the JETs on Japan Forum publication series: “U.S.-Japan Trade Relations: From Adversaries to Allies,” by Mr. David Boling, Director of Japan and Asian Trade at the Eurasia Group. In his piece, Mr. Boling reflects on how American perceptions of Japan and bilateral trade relations have dramatically shifted over the past four decades, drawing on his personal experience as former Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Japan in the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations.

JETs on Japan Forum is a publication series that aims to elevate the awareness and visibility of JET alumni working across diverse sectors and provides a platform for experienced JET alumni to contribute to deeper understanding of U.S.-Japan relations from their area of expertise.

Upcoming Events

U.S.-Japan Integrated Security Dialogue: Japanese Diet Members to Visit Washington

In early May, Sasakawa USA's U.S.-Japan Integrated Security Dialogue program will welcome to Washington, D.C. a delegation of seven Diet members from Japan. The delegation is led by the Hon. Akira Amari, Member of the House of Representatives, Liberal Democratic Party, who spearheads Japan’s economic security strategy. The delegation seeks to (1) share updates on new security concerns in the Indo-Pacific, (2) inform political developments in Japan, and (3) discuss and exchange ideas on how to strengthen integrated security coordination between the U.S. and Japan. The delegation will engage with U.S. lawmakers, policymakers, industry, and policy experts through a public event and various private meetings in Washington, D.C.  

Photo: Hon. Akira Amari

Commentary & Analysis: Upcoming Book on Europe's Evolving Strategic Vision for the Indo-Pacific

Sasakawa USA will publish a new book, "Europe’s Evolving Strategic Vision for the Indo-Pacific: Nine Perspectives," based on its recent Commentary & Analysis publication series that examined Europe’s current and future role in the vital Indo-Pacific region.

With this new book, Sasakawa USA highlights how Europe has altered its close economic ties with China amid geopolitical concerns over peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. In "Europe’s Evolving Strategic Vision for the Indo-Pacific: Nine Perspectives," a global cohort of experts and scholars analyze Europe’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific and provide recommendations for Europe’s deeper involvement in Asia via the economy, diplomatic affairs, and security contributions. The new book features viewpoints from the European Union, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, India, ASEAN, Australia, Japan, and the United States. Key topics include sustainable development, the green transition, ocean governance, digital governance, connectivity, and defense cooperation.

"Europe’s Evolving Strategic Vision for the Indo-Pacific: Nine Perspectives" is a comprehensive and insightful look at practical steps Europe can take to make meaningful contributions to the Indo-Pacific region, along with building an integrated Atlantic-Pacific future. The new book will be available in print and as an eBook on Sasakawa USA’s website in late spring.

Photo: Japan’s Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi (3rd L) disembarks from the deck of the German Navy frigate Bayern during a visit to the ship docked at the International Cruise Terminal in Tokyo on November 5, 2021. (Photo by DAVID MAREUIL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

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