Publications 

The world is slowly but surely opening up after it shut down over two years ago due to the COVID-19 crisis. We see more people on the Metro and see more cars on the roads when we commute. We see more people working at offices and eating at restaurants in downtown Washington. We see people getting their “normal life” back while figuring out how to navigate life with COVID-19.

We see an increasing number of lawmakers and policymakers traveling between Washington and Tokyo this Spring. An increasing number of Americans are now visiting Japan. From the Senate, Sen. Bill Hagerty, Sen. Ben Cardin, and Sen. John Cornyn visited Tokyo last month. From the House, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Gregory Meeks, Rep. Kathy Caster, Rep. Mark Takano, Rep. John Garamendi, Rep. Susan DelBene, Rep. Ami Bera, and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi were scheduled to visit Tokyo. While the House delegation was postponed at the last moment due to a positive COVID-19 test result of Speaker Pelosi, it is now planned in late May.

Japanese lawmakers and policy makers have also resumed their annual Golden Week visits to Washington. Four cabinet members, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Koichi Hagiuda; Minister of Defense Nobuo Kishi; Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization Daishiro Yamagiwa; and Minister in charge of Economic Security Takayuki Kobayashi are scheduled to meet their counterparts in Washington. Secretary-General of Japan’s National Security Secretariat Takeo Akiba is in town from May 1 to 3 to meet with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and other key policy makers. Mt. Fuji Dialogue, which was created by late Tsuyoshi “Go” Sunohara of Nikkei, sends a delegation of lawmakers to Washington during Golden Week, as well.

Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA is supporting an Integrated Security Dialogue visit from May 1 to 6, headed by The Hon. Akira Amari, who has held important government and party positions, including most recently Secretary-General of the LDP. The delegation, which consists of The Hon. Taku Otsuka of the Lower House, and The Hon. Keizo Takemi, The Hon. Haruko Arimura, and The Hon. Iwao Horii of the Upper House, will deepen understanding of cooperation on economic security between the U.S. and Japan. Ambassador Koji Tomita gracefully received the delegation at his residence upon their arrival from Tokyo. It was mentioned that it was the first time for Ambassador Tomita to welcome a parliamentary group since he arrived in Washington.

We are witnessing an increasingly dangerous world, where what are supposed to be accepted norms, values, and humanity are under attack. The White House announced President Joe Biden will visit Japan from May 21 to 24. We expect heavy traffic between Washington and Tokyo in the coming months.

On April 21, Sasakawa USA hosted the virtual Policy Briefing, "The State of the Indo-Pacific Region and the U.S.-Japan Alliance: A Discussion with ADM Philip Davidson." In this event, ADM Davidson (USN, Ret.), who was the 25th Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, shared his insights on the current security environment in the Indo-Pacific, accounting for how evolving concerns such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine affect Indo-Pacific states’ relations within and beyond the region. He emphasized that the U.S.-Japan alliance remains the cornerstone of peace, prosperity, and order in the Indo-Pacific and recommended greater transparency, integration, and cooperation on all fronts of the alliance (space, cyber, trade, telecommunications, energy, climate, freedom of navigation of the seas and skies) to optimally deter actors who would threaten our shared vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. The recap and video of the event will be available on the Sasakawa USA website in the coming weeks.

Photo: ADM Davidson

On April 12, Sasakawa USA hosted the fifth discussion for the current SEED cohort, featuring remarks by Mr. Yoshiyuki Sagara, Fellow at Asia Pacific Initiative (API). In his off-the-record remarks, Mr. Sagara discussed API’s Independent Investigation Commission on the Japanese Government’s Response to COVID-19 and focused on the Diamond Princess response and border control measures. The delegation will continue to have monthly discussion sessions until departing for Japan this summer.

Photo: Mr. Sagara

The Alliance Working in America Series (TAWA): TAWA Alabama 

On April 26, Sasakawa USA, in partnership with Global Ties Alabama, held the most recent installment of the TAWA series in Huntsville, AL. The TAWA-AL program highlighted the economic relationship between Japan and Alabama as well as the broader U.S.-Japan alliance and the importance of its economic impact throughout the U.S. The in-person program was open to the public and attended by local business leaders, politicians, economic development leaders, and students. Ms. Shanti Shoji, Director of Programs of Sasakawa USA, moderated the discussion with a panel consisting of Mr. Mark Brazeal, Vice President of Administration of Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA; Ms. Emma Chanlett-Avery, Specialist in Asian Affairs of the Congressional Research Service; The Hon. Paul Finley, Mayor of the City of Madison, AL; and Mr. Kenji Kunimoto, Treasurer of Toyota Manufacturing of Alabama. The event also included introductory remarks on Alabama-Japan relations by The Hon. Mark Jackson, Honorary Consul of Japan in Alabama; and Ms. Jacqui Shipe, CEO of Global Ties Alabama. A more detailed description of the event and Sasakawa USA’s trip to Huntsville, AL will be available on the Sasakawa USA website in the coming weeks.

Photo: (L-R) Dr. Donna Oti, CEO, Communication and Culture, LLC; Ms. Shoji; Mr. Mark Brazeal, Vice President of Administration, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA, Inc; Mr. Kenji Kunimoto, Treasurer, Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Alabama; Ms. Emma Chanlett-Avery, Specialist in Asian Affairs, Congressional Research Service; The Hon. Paul Finley, Mayor, City of Madison, AL; Ms. Jacqui Shipe, CEO, Global Ties Alabama; The Hon. Mark Jackson, Honorary Consul General of Japan in Alabama; The Hon. Mike Shaw, City of Hoover Council Member; and Mr. Masashi Aihara, President, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA

Japan U.S. Military Program (JUMP): JUMP at Sakura Matsuri 

On April 9 and 10, Sasakawa USA in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan, Defense Section, held a booth at the 60th Sakura Matsuri in Washington, D.C. The JUMP exhibit engaged over 300 festivalgoers and provided an understanding of the footprint of the U.S. forces in Japan and the impact of U.S.-Japan defense cooperation on regional security in the Indo-Pacific. Hands-on activities showcased the number of U.S. bases in Japan, U.S. personnel, and their families. In addition, these activities demonstrated the role of host nation support by Japan and the importance of the forward deployed presence to the United States and regional security partners. JUMP looks forward to its upcoming programming to continue engaging its current and new members.

Photo: Midshipmen; Amb. Koji Tomita, center; Captain(N) Hiroyuki Sano, second from the right; and Dr. Satohiro Akimoto, far right

Commentary & Analysis: Japanese-European Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific: Spurred by Global Challenges and Threats (Mr. Tanaka) 

Sasakawa USA published its fifth paper in the Commentary & Analysis series on Europe’s evolving strategic vision for the Indo-Pacific. “Japanese-European Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific: Spurred by Global Challenges and Threats” is written by Mr. Ryosuke Tanaka, a Research Fellow in the US-Europe-Russia Division of the Regional Studies Department at the National Institute for Defense Studies. In his paper, Mr. Tanaka analyzes Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy with the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Furthermore, Mr. Tanaka examines China’s impact on Japan-EU cooperation, as well as how the Russian invasion of Ukraine affects Europe’s focus in the Indo-Pacific. In conclusion, Mr. Tanaka spotlights what areas Japan and Europe can strengthen cooperation in preparation for any Indo-Pacific crisis, such as sharing a mutual understanding of international affairs through global forums like the G7 and uniting on economic sanctions against an offending country. You can read Mr. Tanaka’s paper here.

Photo: Mr. Tanaka

In this month’s Japan Political Pulse article, “Prime Minister Kishida Welcomes President Biden's Tokyo Visit,” Dr. Satohiro Akimoto, Chairman and President of Sasakawa USA, reflects on the importance of the U.S.-Japan relationship for Prime Minister Kishida in the lead up to July’s Upper House elections. Dr. Akimoto predicts that President Biden’s May 21-24 visit to Japan, which coincides with a Quad meeting, gives Prime Minister Kishida ample opportunity to showcase Japan’s bilateral relationship with the U.S., his views on security, and strengthen his international stature. Ultimately, in summary, Dr. Akimoto declares it is crucial for Prime Minister Kishida to establish a genuine rapport with President Biden on national security, foreign affairs, and economic issues to gain confidence and maintain his favorable polls ahead of this summer’s election. You can read Dr. Akimoto’s article here.

Photo: Prime Minister Kishida and President Biden met virtually on January 21, 2022

(Official Website of the Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet)

Dr. Satohiro Akimoto, Chairman and President of Sasakawa USA, was delighted to be a moderator for the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Japan Chair Program to roll out “Japan’s Effectiveness as A Geo-Economic Actor.” The new book, which is part of the historical Adelphi Series of the IISS is co-authored by Mr. Robert Ward, Japan Chair and Director of Geo-Economics and Strategy, and Ms. Yuka Koshino, Research Fellow for Security and Technology Policy. In “Japan’s Effectiveness as A Geo-Economic Actor,” Mr. Ward and Ms. Koshino examine how Japan might be able to become a more effective geo-economic actor given its various constraints on international power projection, beginning with the Japanese constitution. Dr. Akimoto moderated a closed discussion on the book with Mr. Ward, Ms. Koshino, and Washington experts of the region. Dr. Akimoto is Associate Fellow, Asia Pacific, of the IISS.

Photo: Dr. Akimoto, Mr. Ward, and Ms. Koshino

On April 6, Sasakawa USA Senior Director Mr. James Schoff led a study session for young members of the District of Columbia Urban Debate League as they prepared to debate whether “Japan should revise Article 9 of its constitution to develop offensive military capabilities.” The group discussed various arguments for and against constitutional revision in Japan, and they explored some of the historical, cultural, and political contexts behind the issue. This national debate topic, occurring across multiple tournaments, is just the latest issue that the DC Urban Debate League has tackled. The league has provided high-quality debate opportunities to over 5,500 students in grades 6-12 from more than 50 schools across the DC metro area over 20 years.

Photo: Mr. Schoff

On April 19, Sasakawa USA Senior Director Mr. James Schoff spoke at an in-person briefing for congressional staff, jointly organized by the US-Asia Institute and the Embassy of Japan. The event is part of their Japan 2022 Briefing Series and features U.S. Congressional Affairs Minister Tomoaki Ishigaki and Ms. Emma Chanlett-Avery of the Congressional Research Service. The event considered geopolitical, security, and economic trends relevant to the U.S.-Japan alliance and related issues for Congress.

Photo: Mr. Schoff, Ms. Chanlett-Avery, and Min. Ishigaki

From May 1 to 6, as part of the U.S.-Japan Integrated Security Dialogue program, Sasakawa USA welcomes a high-level parliamentary delegation of six from Japan. The delegation will be led by The Hon. Akira Amari, the champion of Japan’s economic security strategy. The delegation will hold closed-door meetings with U.S. lawmakers, policymakers, and experts to conduct in-depth discussions focused on the following themes: 1) U.S.-Japan alliance security concerns within the Indo-Pacific, 2) political developments within Japan that strengthen economic security, and 3) U.S.-Japan coordination to address shared global and regional security threats.

Photo: (L-R) The Hon. Akira Amari, Member, House of Representatives; The Hon. Keizo Takemi, Member, House of Councillors; The Hon. Haruko Arimura, Member, House of Councillors; The Hon. Taku Otsuka, Member, House of Representatives; The Hon. Iwao Horii, Member, House of Councillors; Prof. Nobukatsu Kanehara, Doshisha University

Sasakawa USA is pleased to announce that LtGen Lawrence “Larry” Nicholson, (USMC, Ret.) and LtGen Wallace “Chip” Gregson, (USMC, Ret.) have joined Sasakawa USA as Distinguished Senior Fellows (Non-Resident). LtGen Nicholson retired after 39 years of active-duty service, last serving as the Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force in Japan, while LtGen Gregson retired after over 37 years of active-duty service, last serving as the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Asian and Pacific Security Affairs from 2009 to 2011. With their expertise and experience, Sasakawa USA will continue to play a critical role in strengthening the U.S.-Japan diplomatic and security alliance.

Photo: LtGen Nicholson and LtGen Gregson

On April 19, Sasakawa USA held its annual meeting with members of Sasakawa USA’s Advisory Committee on Projects to review progress made in the fiscal year 2021, and discuss what is in the works for 2022 and beyond. The Advisory Committee consists of five prominent leaders in global affairs: ADM Philip Davidson (USN, Ret.), 25th Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command; Dr. Joseph S. Nye. Jr., University Distinguished Service Professor, Emeritus, Harvard University; The Hon. Randall G. Schriver, Chairman of the Project 2049 Institute; Amb. Kurt Tong, Partner of The Asia Group; and Amb. Melanne Verveer, Executive Director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security. Through the experience and expertise of this committee, Sasakawa USA will continuously dedicate its work to deepening the understanding of and strengthening the U.S.-Japan relationship by enriching policy discussions, research, publications, and networks.

Photo: (L-R) ADM Davidson, Dr. Nye, The Hon. Schriver, Amb. Tong, and Amb. Verveer

In March 2022, Mr. Naritada Miura, Sasakawa USA Program Assistant, had a policy paper included in the publication by Stimson Center, “U.S.-Japan Alliance Cooperation in the Post-Pandemic World.” Mr. Miura’s chapter, “Shaping Post-Pandemic U.S.-Japan Technological Cooperation,” provides a brief history of U.S.-Japan technology cooperation, identifies the current challenges Japan faces, and recommends several policies to further strengthen U.S.-Japan cooperation post-pandemic. The PDF version of his work can be accessed here.

Photo: Mr. Miura

Sasakawa USA recently renovated its office at 1819 L Street. The new inviting space, decorated with Sasakawa USA colors and smart technology, is waiting to welcome our friends and guests for events, meetings, and lively conversations.

Photo: Conference room with Sasakawa USA logo

Hello, my name is Vivian Chen and I have worked as the Sasakawa USA Communications Intern since January 2021. In 2016, I graduated with a dual B.A. in International Studies and Japanese Studies from Case Western Reserve University and taught English in Japan via the JET Program. Before joining Sasakawa USA, I worked in various fields in U.S.-Japan relations including as a Residential Advisor for the TOMODACHI Initiative and a Policy Research Fellow at the Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies.

Next month, I will be graduating with my M.A. in International Economy and Japan Studies from Johns Hopkins University SAIS. After I finish graduate school, I am aiming to work in the U.S. federal government in a field where I can continue to support further strengthening of U.S. ties with East Asia as a 2022 Presidential Management Fellows Program Finalist.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to attend the 2019 Annual JUMP Dinner and was immediately interested in working for Sasakawa USA and supporting the U.S.-Japan alliance. Luck and timing just happened to work in my favor when I first applied to my internship position during the winter of 2020. It was almost surreal to be not attending but actually working for the 2022 Annual JUMP Dinner as a Sasakawa USA team member and to see the U.S.-Japan alliance in action at the grassroots level.

I am so grateful for having been given the chance to intern with Sasakawa USA for as long as I have. During my time at the organization, I have focused on boosting Sasakawa USA’s presence through expanding our audience and promoting our activities. It has been incredibly rewarding for me to see our outreach numbers grow in the past year both virtually and in-person. I want to give special thanks to the whole Sasakawa USA team and in particular, my supervisor, Ms. Izumi Swarts.

Izumi has been with me every step of the way from when I was first struggling to learn the ropes of my internship position. She has gone out of her way to be flexible and understanding as I interned during the craziness of graduate school and I cannot appreciate her kindness enough. After departing from Sasakawa USA next month, I still plan to leverage the skills and knowledge I have gained on the importance of the U.S.-Japan relationship, hopefully in federal service. My deepest gratitude to Sasakawa USA!

本当にお世話になりました！

Photo: Ms. Chen