May 18, 2017 - In This Issue:
U.S.-Japan cooperation in defense, trade, and more discussed at Fourth Annual Security Forum
 

On May 2, 2017, Sasakawa USA hosted its  Fourth Annual Security Forum, bringing together government officials, academics, and security experts at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. to discuss Asian security within the context of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

The event was renowned as a success, providing diverse views on challenging issues with panel discussions on congressional views on trade, U.S.-Japan defense policies, the North Korea threat, cybersecurity cooperation, and more. In addition, results of the  Sasakawa USA tabletop exercise involving the Senkaku Islands were discussed.


Event: European Views on Asia and Japan: A Relationship in Need of Engagement?

On Wednesday, May 31 from 2:30pm-4:30pm, Sasakawa USA is excited to partner with the  German Marshall Fund of the United States  (GMFUS) to co-host the second iteration of the Views of Japan Series. "European Views on Asia and Japan: A Relationship in Need of Engagement?" will look at the growing, yet complex, relationship between Europe and Japan. This is a public event. Registration is required.

Job Opportunity: Associate Fellow, U.S.-Japan Security and Foreign Policy Program

Sasakawa USA is currently accepting applications for an experienced Associate Fellow for the U.S.-Japan Security and Foreign Policy Program. The Associate Fellow will conduct research on U.S.-Japan security and foreign policy, help develop new programs, and author articles and reports. The deadline to apply is June 9, 2017.

Asia on Air: Episode 04: Chris Nelson on North Korea, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Drama

Episode 04 of Asia on Air features Capitol Hill and Asia expert  Chris Nelson discussing his decades of experience with and observations of the U.S.-Japan-DPRK drama.

The recent exchanges of threats between Kim Jong-Un and Donald Trump have brought these issues back into the spotlight. Chris Nelson provides a breath of fresh air to key questions about North Korea.


Report: Senkaku Islands Tabletop Exercise

Sasakawa USA held a tabletop exercise at the Lockheed Martin Center for Innovation to explore crises between Japan and China over the Senkaku Islands. 

The report summarizes the exercise, and provides insights on issues that will be important in the case of an actual crisis. Yomiuri Shimbun also provided exclusive news coverage of the event.


Click here to read the full report, and click here for Yomiuri Shimbun's event coverage.
In the News: Fourth Annual Security Forum coverage, Abe's constitutional ambitions, and Daniel Bob moderates CFR panel

Comments on North Korea and TPP at Annual Security Forum capture media attention:  Sasakawa USA's Fourth Annual Security Forum focused on significant Asian security issues such as North Korean missile launches and the Trump administration's policy in the region. Coverage of the event by media outlets such as Associated Press and Wall Street Journal also focused on these relevant topics. Click here to read more.


Abe reaches for a constitutional legacy:  Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has always been open about his commitment to revising Japan's postwar constitution, writes Sasakawa USA Fellow Tobias Harris. So, Abe's pledge to amend the document by 2020, made on the 70th anniversary of the constitution's promulgation, was hardly a surprise. Click here to read more.


Daniel Bob moderates panel on U.S.-Japan security cooperation: On May 12, Sasakawa USA's Director of Programs and Senior Fellow, Daniel Bob, moderated a panel for the 50th Anniversary International Affairs Fellowship Conference, hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations.  The topic of the panel was Emerging Challenges in U.S.-Japan Security Cooperation.  Click here to read more.

From Nippon.com: Japan catches up on AI technology, and faces a long road to labor reform

Deep Learning's Rise Leaves Japan Playing AI Catchup:  It was not until the mid-1980s that Japanese researchers began pondering the idea of thinking machines. Japanese companies and universities are now increasingly pouring resources into unlocking the secrets of deep learning. The country's slow start and scarcity of AI experts, however, has hindered progress.  Click here to read more.



Long Road Ahead for True Labor Reform:  On March 28, Prime Minister Abe's government released a "plan of action" for labor reforms, targeting long working hours and excessive wage and benefit disparities. Labor scholar Yamada Hisashi cautions that the plan, while well-intentioned, omits important steps. Click here to read more.
Event Recap: Congressional Reception for Diet Members

On May 2, Sasakawa USA co-hosted a reception celebrating the U.S.-Japan relationship for Japanese Diet Members visiting Washington, D.C. during Japan's Golden Week holiday. The reception, which took place on Capitol Hill, included Diet Members visiting for sponsored events, as well as Members traveling independently. 

  Upcoming events: May and June 2017
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Join us this spring for events on the Europe-Japan relationship, and defense in Northeast Asia. Please   check our events page for event details and new listings as they get posted. 
Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA

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