Included in this issue of the newsletter:

• Message from Sasakawa USA's Chairman Satohiro Akimoto

July Activities

• Sasakawa USA Emerging Experts Delegation (SEED): SEED Trip to Japan
• The Alliance Working in America (TAWA): TAWA Portland
• US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative: US-Japan Cyber Security Mapping Project Advisory Workshop
• US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative: Trends in Science, Technology, and Economic Security in the United States and Japan
• Japan US Military Program (JUMP): JUMP Norfolk
• Sasakawa USA Women's Advancement Network (SWAN): Women's Lunch Roundtable with Ms. Wendy Cutler



Recaps 

• Policy Briefing: Key Takeaways from President Biden's Trip to Japan with Ms. Katherine Monahan

Publications 

• Japan Political Pulse: Abe's Assassination and Implications for Constitutional Revision (Dr. Smith)
• US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative: Will the U.S. Look to Japan to Step Up its Economic Game in Southeast Asia? (Mr. Baron)
• The Diplomat: What's on the Agenda at the Japan-US 'Economic 2+2'? (Mr. Schoff)

External Engagements

• Mr. James Schoff Joins the "Ukraine War's Impacts on the Extended Deterrence: Implications for USFJ" by the Yokosuka Council on Asia Pacific Studies
• JUMP-USMC Sunset Parade

Announcements

• US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative: Welcoming New Non-Resident Scholar Ms. Mihoko Matsubara
• Sasakawa USA Launches Newly Designed Website

Message from Sasakawa USA's Chairman Satohiro Akimoto

I am delighted to announce the launch of our new website, http://spfusa.org. Please take a look, as it is designed to help you connect with Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA’s activities. Below is my chairman’s message with a vision for how we hope to deepen our partnership with each of you.

Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA (Sasakawa USA) is committed to deepening the understanding of and strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and Japan for the benefit of a free and open international community. We do so as the bilateral relationship between the two countries is crucially important for our way of life, such as democracy, freedom, rule of law, free enterprise, and transparency. Such values are constantly challenged and even threatened by forces of autocracy and authoritarianism, as most recklessly demonstrated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Japan is now ready to play a new and increased role in joining the United States together with other like-minded countries to promote and protect universal values.

Sasakawa USA is working to upgrade our grant-giving activities and increase our think tank capabilities. We have made concrete developments, both internally and externally, to become an energetic, thoughtful, and effective organization.

First, we are lucky to have a strong team led by Mr. James Schoff, Senior Director of the US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative, Ms. Shanti Shoji, Director of Programs, and Ms. Misa Imanaka-Miller, Director of Administration. They will continue to ensure that their respective responsibilities are running at the highest level possible.

Second, we are thrilled to work with our high-level and well-respected advisors and distinguished senior fellows. We are truly grateful to them for giving us valuable guidance and expert contributions to our growing activities.

Third, we are fortunate to have a close but independent working relationship with Sasakawa Peace Foundation in Tokyo to connect Tokyo and Washington, D.C. Our relationship with Sasakawa Peace Foundation allows us to have a wide-variety of programs, which cater to interests of policy and academic communities with mid to long-term views in mind. 

Fourth, we are open and determined to collaborate with other like-minded organizations in the policy, academic, and grassroots arenas. We have already been working with several important partner organizations in Washington, D.C.

Sasakawa USA is well-aware that we are a small fish in a big pond. But we are determined to grow, work with others, and contribute to the international community through the U.S.-Japan relationship. We welcome any feedback or comments from you. Thank you very much.

July Activities

Sasakawa USA Emerging Experts Delegation (SEED): SEED Trip to Japan

On July 31, the 2022 SEED study trip to Japan began. Nine American public health professionals traveled to Tokyo, Japan to deepen their understanding of Japanese perspectives on the COVID-19 response, as well as the principles and goals behind the Japanese government and medical community’s handling of the pandemic. The delegation will meet with Japanese federal, prefectural, and local politicians and officials; public health experts; health security scholars; journalists; and health practitioners to grow their own understanding of how to address future global health crises and foster collaboration with Japan. This is the eighth program year for the SEED study trip and the first since 2019, due to the coronavirus pandemic. SEED is also designed to introduce participants to Japan as it is the first time most of them are visiting.

Photo: SEED 2022 Delegation with The Hon. Taro Kono, Member, House of Representatives

The Alliance Working in America (TAWA): TAWA Portland

On July 19, Sasakawa USA, in partnership with the Japan Institute of Portland Japanese Garden, held the latest installment of TAWA on the garden’s grounds nestled in the hills of Portland, Oregon’s Washington Park. The TAWA Portland program explored the building blocks of the U.S.-Japan bilateral alliance through the lens of creative enterprise, climate, agriculture, and sustainable industries. The program also highlighted opportunities for the U.S. and Japan to collaboratively address the myriad of shared challenges faced in our local and global communities, including climate change, resource scarcity, upholding free trade and investment, and navigating a complex international geopolitical landscape. The in-person program was invitation-only and attended by local leaders in business, government, education, and sustainability, including The Honorable Kate Brown, Governor of Oregon; Oregon State Senator Elizabeth Steiner Hayward; and Consul-General Masaki Shiga of the Consular Office of Japan in Portland. Ms. Shanti Shoji, Director of Programs at Sasakawa USA, who grew up in Portland and attended the University of Oregon, provided welcome remarks on behalf of Sasakawa USA. A video, written recap, and pictures of the event will be available on Sasakawa USA’s website in the coming weeks. 

Photo: Governor of Oregon, The Hon. Kate Brown

US-Japan Cyber Security Mapping Project Advisory Workshop

The US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative hosted an advisory workshop with subject matter experts from government, think tanks and the private sector to discuss bilateral cyber security management. The purpose of this meeting was to share ideas for developing a web-based interactive tool to explain how each government organizes itself to address cyber security challenges and solicit advice for ways to improve the “Alliance Mapping” design. The participants recommended a functional approach that helps users understand the different roles that cyber security authorities play in protecting critical infrastructure, responding to cyber-attacks, and engaging bilaterally and multilaterally to enhance stability. Additional advisory workshops are planned, and the web-based tool is scheduled to be completed by March 2023.

Photo: Mr. Schoff speaking at the workshop.

US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative: Trends in Science, Technology, and Economic Security in the United States and Japan

On July 27, the US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative hosted a private bilateral roundtable event on science, technology, and economic security with representatives from the U.S. and Japanese governments. The roundtable took advantage of the Washington visit by Japanese State Minister for Cabinet Affairs in Charge of Economic Security, Dr. Keitaro Ohno and his delegation. Various State Department officials and staff members from Congressional offices participated. The discussion encompassed a range of topics from legislation by both governments on support for innovation and economic security to bilateral science and technology initiatives for addressing global challenges. The fruitful event highlighted near-term priorities and had both sides committing to the promotion of closer bilateral coordination for technology innovation efforts.

Photo: (L-R) Mr. Nobuhiko Tanaka, Counsellor, Cabinet Secretariat; Mr. Yutaka Hara, Director, Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Japan’s Cabinet Office; Ms. Allison Schwier, Acting Science and Technology Advisor, U.S. Department of State, EAP; Mr. Andrew Zvirzdin, Foreign Policy Fellow, Office of U.S. Senator Todd Young, Indiana; The Hon. Keitaro Ohno, Member, House of Representatives; Dr. Satohiro Akimoto, Chairman and President, Sasakawa USA; Mr. Mitchell Dobbs, International Relations Officer, Office of Science and Technology Cooperation, U.S. Department of State, STC; Mr. James Schoff, Senior Director, US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative, Sasakawa USA. 

Japan U.S. Military Program (JUMP): JUMP Norfolk

On July 9, Sasakawa USA held a JUMP event, "The Unwavering Alliance: Highlighting JMSDF and U.S. Navy Cooperation," in Norfolk, Virginia, in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan. This event coincided with the Japan Training Squadron conducting its port call at Naval Station Norfolk. JUMP Norfolk featured remarks on the U.S.-Japan security alliance in the global context by Ambassador Tamaki Tsukada, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan; Rear Admiral Marc Miguez, Commander of the Carrier Strike Group Two; and Rear Admiral Shukaku Komuta, Commander of the Japan Training Squadron. Vice Admiral Dan Dwyer, Commander of the U.S. Second Fleet, toasted in celebration of the U.S.-Japan alliance at the JUMP event reception, which featured a live band and Japanese cuisine. 

Photo: (L-R) Ms. Shanti Shoji, Director of Programs, Sasakawa USA; Rear Admiral Shukaku Komuta (JMSDF), Commander, Japan Training Squadron; Vice Admiral Dan Dwyer (USN), Commander, U.S. Second Fleet; Ambassador Tamaki Tsukada, DCM, Embassy of Japan; Rear Admiral Marc Miguez, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Two; Dr. Satohiro Akimoto, Director of JUMP, Chairman and President, Sasakawa USA. 

Sasakawa USA Women's Advancement Network (SWAN): Women's Lunch Roundtable with Ms. Wendy Cutler

On July 7, Sasakawa USA hosted the SWAN lunch roundtable, “Promoting Women’s Leadership in Trade in the Indo-Pacific Region.” The event featured remarks by Ms. Wendy Cutler, Vice President of the Asia Society Policy Institute, who kicked off a discussion on how fostering leadership opportunities for women in Southeast Asia can support peace and prosperity in the broader Indo-Pacific region, with a focus on what actions are necessary to support these kinds of initiatives. Attendees included women leaders from government, think tanks, the private sector, and media with expertise working on trade matters. Ms. Shanti Shoji, Director of Programs at Sasakawa USA, moderated the discussion. 

Photo: (L-R) Ms. Shanti Shoji, Director of Programs, Sasakawa USA; Ms. Alexandra Melillo, Associate, The Asia Group; Ms. Nicole Uehara, Senior Manager for Global Business Research, Sojitz Corporation of America, Inc.; DCM Cindy Wee, Deputy Chief of Mission & Minister-Counsellor, The Embassy of Singapore in Washington, D.C.; Ms. Yuka Hayashi, Reporter on Trade and International Economy, The Wall Street Journal; Ms. Emma Chanlett-Avery, Specialist in Asian Affairs, Congressional Research Service; Ms. Anita Rajan, General Director, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association Washington, D.C. Office; Ms. Tina Wong, Export Controls Lead, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Office of Policy and Regional Affairs, U.S. Department of State; Ms. Melanie Berry, Senior Project Manager for Political and Security Affairs, The National Bureau of Asian Research; Ms. Ryoko Shinohara, Counsellor, Economic Section, Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C.; and Ms. Eliya Harnood, Associate Program Officer, Sasakawa USA.   

Recaps

Policy Briefing: Key Takeaways from President Biden's Trip to Japan with Ms. Katherine Monahan

On June 28, Sasakawa USA hosted the virtual Policy Briefing, “Key Takeaways from President Biden’s Trip to Japan.” This event featured Ms. Katherine Monahan, Director, Office of Japanese Affairs, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, U.S. Department of State, for a discussion on challenges and opportunities that lay ahead for the U.S. and Japan following President Biden’s visit to Japan. Ms. Monahan further provided her analysis of the U.S.-Japan bilateral relationship within the context of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy and increasingly complex global dynamics, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The recap and video of the event are now available on our website. 

Japan Political Pulse: Abe's Assassination and Implications for Constitutional Revision (Dr. Smith)

In this month’s Japan Political Pulse article, “Abe’s Assassination and Implications for Constitutional Revision,” Dr. Daniel M. Smith, Gerald L. Curtis Visiting Associate Professor of Modern Japanese Politics and Foreign Policy at Columbia University, examines the prospects for constitutional revision after two recent events – the assassination of former Prime Minister Abe on July 8 and the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) win in the July 10 House of Councillors elections. Dr. Smith remarks that pro-constitutional revision Diet members now hold enough seats to pass an amendment bill in both the upper and lower chambers. However, obstacles and uncertainty remain for Prime Minister Kishida, the LDP, and whether constitutional revision will come to fruition. Key questions to answer include who will lead Abe’s faction, the Seiwa Seisaku Kenkyukai, what are the constitutional revision plan details, and would the majority of voters approve constitutional revision in a national referendum. You can read more of Dr. Smith’s initial interpretations in his article here. 

Photo: People pray at a site outside of Yamato-Saidaiji Station where Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe was shot during an election campaign on July 08, 2022, in Nara, Japan. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)

US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative: Will the U.S. Look to Japan to Step Up its Economic Game in Southeast Asia? (Mr. Baron)

Mr. Sam Baron published his first article as a Non-Resident Scholar for the NEXT Alliance Initiative on July 22 entitled, “Will the US Look to Japan to Step Up its Economic Game in Southeast Asia.” The piece profiles Japan’s aptitude for engaging Southeast Asian nations and predicts continuity with Prime Minister Kishida after his Upper House election success. Mr. Baron suggests that the US should take a page from Japan’s foreign policy book and listen closely to Southeast Asian views, as the allies work to promote a new Indo-Pacific Framework.

Photo: Mr. Baron

US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative: What's on the Agenda at the Japan-US 'Economic 2+2'? (Mr. Schoff)

NEXT Alliance Initiative Senior Director Jim Schoff’s article on the Economic 2+2 was recently published in The Diplomat. Entitled “What’s on the Agenda at the Japan-US ‘Economic 2+2’?,” Mr. Schoff analyzed the agenda of the first Economic 2+2 dialogue that occurred in Washington on July 29. He examined the complexity of current economic security challenges, as well as the potential benefits of coordinating policy and pooling resources when possible. Most importantly, Mr. Schoff wrote, it is wise to take a long-term view on this agenda due to the difficulty in coordinating across so many stakeholders in both government and the private sector. His cautionary tone reflected the fact that the original 2+2 framework took several years to develop before reaching its full potential.

Photo credit: DepositPhotos

External Engagements

Mr. James Schoff Joins the "Ukraine War's Impacts on the Extended Deterrence: Implications for USFJ" by the Yokosuka Council on Asia Pacific Studies

On July 14, US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative Senior Director James Schoff contributed to an international virtual dialogue with over 100 participants hosted by the Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies (YCAPS). The dialogue focused on “The Ukraine War's Impacts on the Extended Deterrence: Implications for US Forces Japan,” which is part of YCAPS “Community Conversations” seminar series supported by Sasakawa Peace Foundation. Mr. Schoff followed Dr. Tomonori Yoshizaki’s opening presentation with a description about how U.S. defense strategy is evolving and its potential impact on Japan and on alliance cooperation. The two scholars then engaged in discussion with the audience about the similarities and differences between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and possible future Chinese action against Taiwan.

JUMP-USMC Sunset Parade 

On July 5, Dr. Satohiro Akimoto, Director of JUMP and Chairman and President of Sasakawa USA attended the Sunset Parade at the United States Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, by the Parade host's invitation, Brigadier General Mark Clingan, Assistant Deputy Commandant to Combat, Development, and Integration and Deputy Commanding General of Marine Corps Development Command. Dr. Akimoto attended a reception before the evening Parade featured the Parade’s host, BGen Mark Clingan, the Guest of Honor, LtCol Joseph Shusko (Ret.), and the Commander of Marine Corps Barracks Washington, Col Robert Sucher. The Sunset Parade, which followed, featured a one-hour performance consisting of the music of "The Commandant's Own", the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps as well as a precision drill by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon of Marine Barracks Washington.

Photo: (L-R) Brigadier General Mark Clingan (USMC), Assistant Deputy Commandant to Combat Development and Integration; Colonel Robert Sucher (USMC), Commanding Officer of Marine Barracks Washington; LtCol Joseph Shusko (USMC, Ret.), Founder of Marine Corps Martial Arts Center of Excellence) 

Announcements

US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative: Welcoming New Non-Resident Scholar Ms. Mihoko Matsubara

Ms. Mihoko Matsubara joined Sasakawa USA as a Non-Resident Scholar for the US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative. She will provide research and analysis on cyber security challenges facing the United States and Japan, as well as alliance policy coordination in both the public and private sectors. Alongside her contributions to the US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative, Ms. Matsubara is Chief Cybersecurity Strategist at NTT Corporation in Tokyo and is well-recognized globally for her thought leadership on cyber security issues. She wrote a Japanese book in 2019 on cyber security entitled, “Cyber Security: Cybersecurity to Protect the Way of our Digital Life.” Our NEXT Alliance non-resident scholars and visiting fellows represent a select group of high-quality specialists who contribute regularly to our research and mission, with her writings featured on the Sasakawa USA website. Learn more about her here.

Sasakawa USA Launches Newly Designed Website

Sasakawa USA has launched newly designed website, https://spfusa.org! Our website serves as a showcase of our activities, which are dedicated to deepening the understanding of and strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and Japan for the benefit of a free and open international community. The new website has a fresh, clean look, which highlights the impactful work we do through: Policy Engagement & Research, Outreach & Exchange, Congressional Engagement, and the US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative. Visitors can easily find our programs from the homepage, navigate smoothly between program pages, and access our leading-edge policy research and opinions about the issues shaping the U.S.-Japan alliance and the Indo-Pacific region. We also have added new content about our exciting US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative and U.S.-Japan Integrated Security Dialogue programs. Check out our new look, http://spfusa.org!

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www.spfusa.org