Included in this issue of the newsletter:

January Activities

• Advancing Women, Peace and Security: High-Level Stakeholders Converge in Washington
• H.E. Yoko Kamikawa's Washington Engagements
• U.S.-Japan Research Exchange: Drs. Misaki Kiguchi and Hiromi Yoshida Visit Japan
• Policy Briefing: Japan's Shifting Political Landscape with Mr. Koji Sonoda of The Asahi Shimbun
• Congressional Program on U.S.-Japan Relations and the Indo-Pacific: Winter 2025 Sessions
• Washington Kenkyu Group: Discussion with Hon. Glenn Nye
• US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative: Roundtable on U.S. Nuclear Deterrent Modernization and Asian Allies

External Engagements

• 9th U.S.-Japan-Korea Trilateral Symposium: Strengthening Trilateral Relations Through Technology and Innovation
• Sasakawa USA and Juntendo University Event on Women in the Medical Field
• Sasakawa USA Briefing for the Mansfield Foundation's U.S.-Japan Network for the Future

Upcoming Activities

• Japan US Military Program (JUMP): 2025 Annual Dinner
• US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative: Conference on Updating Allied Nuclear Deterrence Strategies

January Activities

Advancing Women, Peace and Security:

High-Level Stakeholders Converge in Washington

Sasakawa USA, in partnership with the Embassy of Japan and Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS), hosted a high-level event on January 16, titled “From Resolution to Revolution: Marking 25 Years of the Women, Peace and Security Framework.” With this year marking the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 which launched the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, the event brought together representatives and key stakeholders from a variety of countries that have demonstrated leadership and innovation in advancing the WPS Agenda. Over 350 attendees gathered in-person and online to hear highlights of best practices for implementing the WPS Agenda.

The event began with a high-level networking breakfast session to facilitate meaningful connections across key government and civil society stakeholders working to advance WPS implementation. The public event consisted of two panels on the success stories from national level WPS implementation and on women civil society leaders. The first panel featured H.E. Yoko Kamikawa, former minister for Foreign Affairs in Japan and chair of the WPS Parliamentarians’ Network, and Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta, then-ambassador-at-large for the Office of Global Women’s Issues at the U.S. Department of State. The second panel’s featured speakers included: Ms. Bineta Diop, special envoy for the chairperson of the African Union Commission on Women, Peace and Security; Ms. Anna Tarhata S. Basman, former legal chief for the Peace Implementing Panels of the Government of the Philippines in the Bangsamoro Peace Process, former member of Parliament, and attorney general in Bangsamoro Transition Government; Dr. Avila Kilmurray, community leader and peacebuilder in Northern Ireland; and Ms. Maho Nakayama, director of the Peacebuilding Program at Sasakawa Peace Foundation. In addition, H.E. Kamikawa received the 2025 Trailblazer Award from GIWPS, to honor her leadership and initiative in spearheading the advancement of the WPS Agenda in Japan.

Amb. Shigeo Yamada of Japan and Amb. Melanne Verveer of GIWPS delivered opening remarks to commence the discussions. H.E. Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, president of Kosovo, provided recorded remarks. Dean Joel Hellman of Georgetown University’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and Amb. Verveer moderated the panel discussions. Dr. Satohiro Akimoto, chairman and president of Sasakawa USA, concluded the event with closing remarks.

Top photo (left to right): H.E. Yoko Kamikawa, Amb. Shigeo Yamada, Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta, and Hon. Lois Frankel at the high-level breakfast prior to the public event “From Resolution to Revolution: Marking 25 Years of the Women, Peace and Security Framework”

Bottom photo: Amb. Melanne Verveer (left) presents H.E. Yoko Kamikawa with the 2025 Trailblazer Award from GIWPS in recognition of H.E. Kamikawa's leadership to advance WPS.

H.E. Yoko Kamikawa's Washington Engagements

From January 14 to 17, Sasakawa USA welcomed H.E. Yoko Kamikawa, former Japanese minister for Foreign Affairs and chair of the WPS Parliamentarians’ Network, to Washington, DC. While in Washington, H.E. Kamikawa held meetings with key stakeholders on issues related to Women, Peace and Security; the Arctic; and U.S.-Japan relations. These high-level engagements with U.S. policymakers and experts allowed for sharing of information and deepening understanding on key strategic issues for the U.S. and Japan and further strengthened the steadfast alliance. H.E. Kamikawa was also featured as a speaker at the high-level event hosted by Sasakawa USA, the Embassy of Japan, and Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security on January 16, “From Resolution to Revolution: Marking 25 Years of the Women, Peace and Security Framework.” Sasakawa USA extends our gratitude to H.E. Kamikawa for her time and valuable contributions to these important discussions. 

Top photo: H.E. Yoko Kamikawa and Hon. Andy Barr (R-KY), co-chair of the Congressional Study Group on Japan

Bottom left photo: Amb. Michael Sfraga, then-ambassador-at-large for Arctic affairs at the U.S. Department of State, and H.E. Yoko Kamikawa

Bottom right photo: H.E. Yoko Kamikawa with Hon. Jen Kiggans (R-VA), co-chair of the U.S. Women, Peace and Security Caucus

U.S.-Japan Research Exchange:

Drs. Misaki Kiguchi and Hiromi Yoshida Visit Japan

From January 6 to 10, Dr. Misaki Kiguchi, vascular surgeon and associate professor at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, and Dr. Hiromi Yoshida, emergency pediatric physician at Seattle Children’s Hospital and clinical associate professor at the University of Washington, travelled to Japan through Sasakawa USA’s U.S.-Japan Research Exchange. The doctors’ study trip focused on women’s career development in medicine, the universal and unique challenges that the U.S. and Japan face in promoting women’s advancement in the medical profession, as well as opportunities for both countries to better support sustainable careers for both women and men in medical fields. Throughout the week, Drs. Kiguchi and Yoshida engaged with women physicians across various specialties, government officials, legislators, medical organizations and institutions, as well as women leaders in business. The two doctors will produce a joint research paper based upon the takeaways from their study tour, which will be published on Sasakawa USA’s website.

Photo (left to right): Dr. Misaki Kiguchi, Dr. Hiromi Yoshida, Hon. Keizo Takemi, and Dr. Satohiro Akimoto

Policy Briefing: Japan's Shifting Political Landscape

with Mr. Koji Sonoda of The Asahi Shimbun

On January 9, Mr. Koji Sonoda, deputy editor-in-chief of political news at The Asahi Shimbun, provided insights into Japanese politics at the virtual Policy Briefing, “New Year, New Politics: Japan’s Shifting Political Landscape,” hosted online by Sasakawa USA. In his presentation, Mr. Sonoda discussed the challenges facing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in 2025, such as a lack of domestic political stability and a new president in Washington, and how Ishiba’s administration may navigate Japan’s relationships with their Indo-Pacific neighbors, including China, Taiwan, South Korea, North Korea, and Southeast Asia.

Photos (left to right): Mr. Koji Sonoda and Dr. Satohiro Akimoto

Congressional Program on U.S.-Japan Relations

and the Indo-Pacific: Winter 2025 Sessions

The Winter 2025 Congressional Program on U.S.-Japan Relations and the Indo-Pacific, a Sasakawa USA partnership with the East-West Center in Washington, has begun!

The first week of sessions launched on January 21, on Capitol Hill, where participants heard from experts on the topic of “Japanese Domestic Politics: Implications for Japan’s International Engagement,” featuring insights from Min. Kentaro Fujimoto, head of political affairs at the Embassy of Japan, and Dr. Satohiro Akimoto, chairman and president of Sasakawa USA. The second session on January 23, focused on “The U.S.-Japan Alliance as the Cornerstone of Indo-Pacific Peace, Security, and Stability,” with presentations by LtGen Wallace Gregson, USMC (Ret.) and distinguished senior fellow (non-resident) at Sasakawa USA, and Mr. James Schoff, senior director of Sasakawa USA’s US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative.

The second week of sessions began on January 28, focusing on “U.S.-Japan-ROK Cooperation,” with insightful presentations from Dr. Jefferey Hornung, Japan lead at RAND, and Dr. Sydney Seiler, senior advisor (non-resident) and Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. On January 30, the program explored “The United States, Japan, and Southeast Asia,” featuring distinguished speakers Amb. Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United States, and Amb. Kurt Tong, managing partner at the Asia Group.

The program’s eight sessions from January 21 to February 13, grant Congressional staff the opportunity to participate in interactive discussions with prominent experts from government agencies, think tanks, universities, and other policy institutions, about the importance of the U.S.-Japan relationship and its impact on the Indo-Pacific region.

Upcoming session topics include: "The Taiwan Contingency;" "The United States, Japan, and the Pacific Islands;" "Economic Security;" as well as "Future National Security Architecture in East Asia."

For more information, please visit the East-West Center and Sasakawa USA websites.

Washington Kenkyu Group:

Discussion with Hon. Glenn Nye

On January 29, Sasakawa USA hosted a Washington Kenkyu Group event featuring the Hon. Glenn Nye, president and CEO of the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC). Hon. Nye, a former U.S. Representative, analyzed the current state of U.S. politics and electoral systems, highlighting the increasing division that has led to instability in Washington. Drawing on his experience as a legislator and his work at CSPC, he outlined potential electoral reforms that could help reverse this negative trend. Sasakawa USA would like to thank Hon. Nye for sharing his expertise with the Washington Kenkyu Group audience, contributing to our organization’s ongoing efforts to foster understanding between the U.S. and Japan. 

Photo (left to right): Hon. Glenn Nye and Dr. Satohiro Akimoto

US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative: Roundtable on 

U.S. Nuclear Deterrent Modernization and Asian Allies

On January 29, the US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative hosted an in-person roundtable dialogue on “Investing in the ‘Umbrella’: Progress and Prospects for U.S. Nuclear Deterrent Modernization.” The dialogue explored the relationship of the U.S. nuclear modernization program to alliance defense policy making, focusing on strengthening enhanced deterrence. Guest speakers Mr. Matt Korda, associate director for the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, and Mr. John Erath, senior policy director for the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, initiated the dialogue with thought-provoking presentations. The participants then discussed the current state of the U.S. nuclear modernization program and its prospects over the next four years. Particular focus was given to two key questions: What will the U.S. nuclear deterrent look like? What should it look like? The roundtable was organized in cooperation with graduate students at George Washington University, supporting their Capstone Project on “Extended Deterrence & Allies.”

Photo: Participants at the US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative's roundtable on “Investing in the ‘Umbrella’: Progress and Prospects for U.S. Nuclear Deterrent Modernization”

External Engagements

9th U.S.-Japan-Korea Trilateral Symposium: Strengthening Trilateral Relations Through Technology and Innovation

On January 9, Sasakawa USA, in partnership with The Korea Foundation, sponsored the International Student Conferences' (ISC) 9th U.S.-Japan-Korea Trilateral Symposium Strengthening Trilateral Relations through Technology and Innovation. The symposium was a part of ISC’s Trilateral Forum, held January 4-11, in Washington, DC, and featured two panels, one of experts and one of university students. US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative Senior Director James Schoff participated as a panelist and spoke on AI development and safety policy in Japan and the U.S. Mr. Schoff underscored that a core part of the trilateral policy challenge is maximizing the scope of shared interests, effectively identifying potentially beneficial collaborations, ensuring information sharing and information security, and managing U.S.-China competition dynamics. 

Top photo: Mr. James Schoff (left) speaking at the 9th U.S.-Japan-Korea Trilateral Symposium

Bottom photo: Students speaking at the 9th U.S.-Japan-Korea Trilateral Symposium

Sasakawa USA and Juntendo University

Event on Women in the Medical Field

On January 10, Dr. Misaki Kiguchi and Dr. Hiromi Yoshida shared insights from their recent U.S.-Japan Research Exchange at an event hosted by Juntendo University and Institute of Science Tokyo. Drs. Kiguchi and Yoshida presented their observations on women in the medical field to an audience of 34 physicians with a diverse array of specialties represented. Following their remarks, the two doctors engaged in a productive discussion with members of the audience, comparing the medical systems in both the U.S. and Japan and exploring ways to improve opportunities for future generations of medical professionals.

The event at Juntendo University, which was part of Sasakawa USA’s U.S.-Japan Research Exchange program with Drs. Kiguchi and Yoshida, garnered media attention with coverage by Nippon TV, and highlighted the significance of their work in promoting gender equality and international collaboration in medicine.

Photo (left to right): Dr. Misaki Kiguchi and Dr. Hiromi Yoshida at Juntendo University

Sasakawa USA Briefing for the Mansfield Foundation's U.S.-Japan Network for the Future

On January 27, Sasakawa USA welcomed this year’s cohort of the Mansfield Foundation’s U.S.-Japan Network for the Future program, which brings together emerging U.S.- and Japan-based experts in policy issues relevant to the U.S.-Japan relationship. Dr. Satohiro Akimoto, Sasakawa USA chairman and president, provided an overview of Sasakawa USA’s activities and its unique role in the U.S.-Japan policymaking space. In addition, the cohort received briefings on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Sasakawa USA’s WPS initiatives by Director of Programs Shanti Shoji, and the US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative’s focus on C3 (command, control and coordination) and AI from Senior Director James Schoff. The visit concluded with discussions facilitated by Dr. Akimoto, Ms. Shoji, and Mr. Schoff on evolving definitions of and approaches to economic security in both countries and how experts working in the U.S.-Japan space can effectively shape policy and bring attention to critical issues as the alliance enters a new era with unprecedented challenges, as well as opportunities for collaboration.

Photo: Participants of the Network for the Future Cohort and partners at the Mansfield Foundation at Sasakawa USA’s office

Upcoming Activities

Japan US Military Program (JUMP): 2025 Annual Dinner

In February, Sasakawa USA and the Embassy of Japan will hold the 2025 Japan US Military Program (JUMP) Annual Dinner in Washington, DC, with leaders from the United States and Japan. The theme for this year’s dinner will be the elevation of the U.S.-Japan security alliance to new heights amid new leadership in both countries and the introduction of new command and control structures. Keynote remarks will be provided by GEN Ryoichi Oriki (JGSDF, Ret.), third chief of staff of the Joint Staff in the Japan Self-Defense Forces (2009-2012), who will also be honored for his lifetime of service to the U.S.-Japan alliance. In addition, Amb. Shigeo Yamada, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States, will share his greetings.

JUMP is made possible by financial support from the Embassy of Japan.

Photo: LTG Koichi Isobe (JGSDF, Ret.) gave keynote remarks at the 2024 JUMP Annual Dinner.

US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative: Conference on Updating Allied Nuclear Deterrence Strategies

The US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative is proud to announce its fifth NEXT Alliance Conference (NAC), scheduled for February 19–21, in Washington, DC. This annual event, convened by Sasakawa USA, centers on an emerging priority issue for the U.S.-Japan alliance. The Winter 2025 conference, Updating Alliance Strategies to Sustain Nuclear Deterrence, will bring together approximately 30 American, Japanese, and Korean specialists from government, academia, think tanks, and the private sector. Participants will consider key drivers of change regarding nuclear threats and deterrence that the allies need to respond to bilaterally and with the Republic of Korea (ROK). The NAC aims to provide background information and ideas to support ongoing official bilateral and trilateral discussions. In addition, the conference will include briefings related to the topic by current and former U.S. government officials. The NAC offers a more comprehensive exploration of complex issues compared to the US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative’s Track 1.5 roundtable dialogues. This in-depth approach allows for a thorough examination of critical topics affecting the alliance.

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