Included in this issue of the newsletter:

• Message from Sasakawa USA's Chairman Satohiro Akimoto

May Activities

• U.S.-Japan Integrated Security Dialogue: 2024 Diet Delegation Visited Washington
• Sasakawa USA Women's Advancement Network (SWAN): Discussion on Japan's Strides in Women, Peace and Security with Hon. Miki Yamada
• Sasakawa USA Women's Advancement Network (SWAN): Discussion on Women in the Military and Women, Peace and Security with BGen Maura Hennigan (USMC)
• Sasakawa USA Emerging Experts Delegation (SEED): Pre-Departure Briefing with Mr. James Schoff
• Congressional Study Group on Japan (CSGJ): Chiefs of Staff Trip to Japan
• Washington Kenkyu Group (WKG): Discussion with Ms. Celinda Lake
• US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative: Cybersecurity Roundtable with Ms. Mihoko Matsubara and Mr. Taro Hashimoto

External Engagements

• Mr. James Schoff Speaks at Brookings' Mt. Fuji Event
• CLAIR Chairman Visits Sasakawa USA
• Women, Peace and Security Caucus Hosted by Ambassador Shigeo Yamada

Publications

• Japan Political Pulse (JPP): Tokyo's Uncertain Political Environment (Dr. Satohiro Akimoto)
• US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative: NEXT Alliance Conference Article Published (Mr. Michael Frank)

Announcements:

• United States Japan Exchange & Teaching Programme Alumni Association (USJETAA): Grant Applications

Featured Staff:

• Ms. Yoshiko Takahashi

Message from Sasakawa USA's Chairman Satohiro Akimoto

There are major concerns in Japanese politics today. The Japanese public is terribly upset with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) as the LDP seems out of touch with expectations that Japanese people have for the party. LDP lawmakers must reflect upon how they have seriously lost the confidence of Japanese people over a widespread slush fund scandal and an inability to earnestly introduce political reforms. It is only natural that the party has been dealt miserable defeats in the three by-elections in Shimane, Tokyo, and Nagasaki in April, the gubernatorial election in Shizuoka in May, and the mayoral election in Tokyo’s Minato Ward in June. The LDP seems to be on the verge of losing power in the next general election.

The first major concern is that the LDP might not be able to regain collective vigor and capacity to lead the nation. This may sound hyperbolic, but the LDP is structurally shaken to the core by the sudden dissolution of its factional system. The LDP’s factions are not simple groupings of likeminded lawmakers but are institutional platforms for distribution of money, gaining and exerting influence, securing Cabinet and intraparty posts, and education of junior lawmakers. While LDP lawmakers still informally get together, institutional functions of factions have been essentially destroyed. As a result, the party presidential election in September could produce an unexpected result, as it will not be decided based on the usual faction-based voting among LDP lawmakers. It is safe to say that it will take some time for the LDP to regroup to regain its organizational coherence and capacity.

In addition, the LDP is mired with internal discord and distrust among its members. At the leadership level, the relationship between Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi, a presumptive challenger to party leadership, is said to have worsened beyond repair. Secretary-General Motegi has reportedly been busy trying to secure support from lawmakers who have lost factional bases. At the rank-and-file level, regular lawmakers are worried that many of them will lose their seats in the next general election. Finally, former Abe faction members are angry with Prime Minister Kishida over his seemingly politically motivated disciplinary measures against 39 of them. It may require a prolonged time to regain cohesive strength as a political party.

The second major concern is that it is not clear whether or not the biggest opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP), has what it takes to lead the nation. Mr. Kenta Izumi, leader of the CDP, was euphoric following victories this spring in the three by-elections and the gubernatorial election in Shizuoka. It was the first time in almost a quarter century since CDP-backed candidates won more than three elections that were held simultaneously. Mr. Izumi said he might field more than 200 candidates, which the CDP party assembly set in February as the goal for the next general election. However, these recent victories were supported by protest votes over the LDP because of the LDP’s slush fund scandals, not necessarily enthusiasm for the CDP.

The reality is that while the CDP appeals for political leadership change, the party has not presented a basic policy platform to lead the nation. In fact, as Mr. Izumi’s relationship with Nippon Ishin no Kai and the Democratic Party for People (DPP) are strained, Mr. Izumi tends to coordinate in elections with the Japan Communist Party (JCP), which has a different core political philosophy. The JCP helped the CDP win the three by-elections by not fielding any candidates. Also, it is not even clear whether Mr. Izumi can retain his party leadership in the CDP presidential election in September.

While Prime Minister Kishida has made remarkable achievement in terms of pushing the country’s national security agenda forward, he has become the eighth longest serving prime minister in Japan on April 23, 2024, serving 933 days. Combined with the longest serving Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who served for 3,188 days, Japan has been blessed recently with two prime ministers who have aggressively transformed Japan into a “normal country” in terms of national security. What the current political situation in Tokyo presents are threats to Japan’s efforts to establish realistic national defense capabilities and be a contributing power—together with the United States—to stability in the Indo-Pacific.

May Activities

U.S.-Japan Integrated Security Dialogue:

2024 Diet Delegation Visited Washington

From April 28 to May 3, Sasakawa USA's U.S.-Japan Integrated Security Dialogue (ISD) program welcomed six Diet members to Washington, DC. The delegation was led by Hon. Akira Amari, member of the House of Representatives, former secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party, who spearheads Japan’s economic security strategy, and delegation deputy leader Hon. Takayuki Kobayashi, member of the House of Representatives, Liberal Democratic Party member and Japan’s first minister of Economic Security. The delegation held more than 30 meetings with U.S. and Japanese counterparts and sought to deepen the understanding of key issues in the Indo-Pacific region among policy makers, experts, and business leaders. The discussion topics covered issues from national security to economic security, diplomacy, and cybersecurity. In addition, the ISD delegation met with the ambassador of the Philippines to the United States, further building an unwavering bond between the countries. Sasakawa USA deeply appreciates every meeting partner. 

Photo (left to right): Dr. Satohiro Akimoto, Hon. Masanobu Ogura, Hon. Akihisa Nagashima, Hon. Takayuki Kobayashi, Sen. Bill Hagerty, Hon. Akira Amari, Hon. Miki Yamada, and Hon. Masanao Ozaki

Sasakawa USA Women's Advancement Network (SWAN): Discussion on Japan's Strides in Women, Peace and Security with Hon. Miki Yamada

On May 2, Sasakawa USA held a roundtable event on “Japan’s Strides in Women, Peace and Security (WPS): Insights from the WPS Parliamentarians’ Network Japan.” The discussion featured Hon. Miki Yamada, member of Japan’s House of Representatives and chief secretary for the WPS Parliamentarians’ Network Japan, along with commentary by Ms. Shanti Shoji, director of Programs at Sasakawa USA. In her remarks, Hon. Yamada provided updates on the progress that has been made on WPS in Japan and the work that the WPS Parliamentarians’ Network Japan has undertaken to support this momentum. Japan is now the second country in the world, after the U.S., to have an established caucus-like group. In Japan, they boast a membership of more than fifty members. Ms. Shoji shared recent developments on WPS within the U.S.-Japan alliance, and noted how Prime Minister Kishida and President Biden expressed both countries’ shared commitment to cooperation on WPS as seen in the Joint Leaders’ Statement and Factsheet for Japan’s Official Visit, which took place in April. The roundtable included representation from the Embassy of Japan, congressional staff, federal government, civil society, and the media. Hon. Yamada’s remarks were followed by a fruitful exchange on areas of potential collaboration between the U.S. and Japan to continue building upon the major milestones that have been achieved thus far in the promotion of the WPS agenda.

Photo (front row, left to right): Ms. Monica Herrera, Ms. Shanti Shoji, Hon. Miki Yamada, Ms. Sahana Dharmapuri, and Ms. Jennifer Hawkins, (back row, left to right): Min. Kosei Nomura, Ms. Risa Marburg, Mr. Takahito Fushiki, Ms. Mika Takagi, Dr. Jessica Smith, Ms. Erin Cooper, Ms. Jennifer Miller, Ms. Mirna Galic, Ms. Anna McDonald, Ms. Lorraine Harbison, Mr. Toru Takei, Col. Yuka Nakazato, and Ms. Mari Sakai

Sasakawa USA Women's Advancement Network (SWAN):

Discussion on Women in the Military and Women, Peace and Security with BGen Maura Hennigan (USMC)

On May 16, Sasakawa USA held a SWAN roundtable conversation with Brigadier General Maura M. Hennigan (USMC), president of U.S. Marine Corps University (MCU). Together with MCU Provost Dr. Rebecca Johnson, MCU Professor Dr. Lauren Mackenzie, and Sasakawa USA Director of Programs Ms. Shanti Shoji, BGen Hennigan discussed women in the U.S. military and the progress that MCU has made to integrate Women, Peace and Security (WPS) into its curriculum. An engaging Q&A touched upon potential opportunities for collaboration between U.S. and Japanese forces on WPS, particularly when it comes to disaster response, how professional military educational institutions can effectively utilize their resources to promote WPS studies, and how to ensure that commitment to these efforts is sustainable.

Photo (left to right): Ms. Shanti Shoji, BGen Maura Hennigan, and Dr. Satohiro Akimoto

Sasakawa USA Emerging Experts Delegation (SEED):

Pre-Departure Briefing with Mr. James Schoff

On May 24, Sasakawa USA hosted the first virtual pre-departure briefing for delegates of the 2024 Sasakawa USA Emerging Experts Delegation on Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) through Women, Peace and Security (WPS). The session featured US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative Senior Director Mr. James Schoff, who shared his insights on the past, present, and future of the U.S.-Japan relationship and a framework for the alliance to provide context before the delegation arrives in Japan. Following the briefing, the delegates—whose expertise ranges from disaster risk communication to emergency preparedness in public transportation, to post-disaster appeals management—participated in a Q&A session with Mr. Schoff moderated by Ms. Shanti Shoji, director of Programs at Sasakawa USA. This was the first in a series of pre-departure briefings that will be held in the leadup to the delegation’s trip to Japan, which will take place from July 6-14.

Photo: Mr. James Schoff

Congressional Study Group on Japan (CSGJ):

Chiefs of Staff Trip to Japan

From May 25 to June 1, a bipartisan delegation of eight Congressional chiefs of staff traveled to Tokyo and Kobe, Japan as part of the Congressional Study Group on Japan, a program of FMC, which is supported by Sasakawa USA. The delegation met with members of the Diet, government officials, the U.S Embassy, professors, business leaders, journalists, students, and cultural experts in Tokyo and Kobe throughout the week. This trip provided an opportunity for the delegation members to gain a nuanced understanding of the issues of mutual interest between the U.S. and Japan and to deepen their political, economic, historical, and cultural knowledge of Japan.

Photo (front row, left to right): Mr. Marc Cevasco, Ms. Brooke Oliver, Ms. Laura Engquist, Ms. Liz Amster, and Ms. Lorraine Harbison, (back row, left to right): Ms. Shanti Shoji, Ms. Ashley Menzler, Mr. Andrew Renteria, Mr. Joshua Straka, Ms. Louise Bentsen, and Mr. Jaret Hildebrand

Washington Kenkyu Group (WKG):

Discussion with Ms. Celinda Lake

On May 7, Sasakawa USA hosted Ms. Celinda Lake, president of Lake Research Partners, as part of Sasakawa USA’s Washington Kenkyu Group. One of the leading pollsters for the Democratic Party, Ms. Lake shared her analysis and outlook for the 2024 U.S. presidential and congressional elections. The participants engaged in a lively Q&A session following Ms. Lake’s remarks which was moderated by Dr. Satohiro Akimoto, chairman and president of Sasakawa USA.



Photo (left to right): Dr. Satohiro Akimoto and Ms. Celinda Lake

US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative:

Cybersecurity Roundtable with 

Ms. Mihoko Matsubara and Mr. Taro Hashimoto

On May 14, the US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative convened its fifth bilateral dialogue on “Mapping the Future of U.S.-Japan Cybersecurity Cooperation.” Senior Director Mr. James Schoff welcomed 20 American and Japanese specialists to the event from government entities, think tanks, and the private sector. Ms. Mihoko Matsubara, chief cybersecurity strategist at NTT, and Mr. Taro Hashimoto, visiting fellow at CSIS, each gave presentations to start the discussion. The roundtable conversations focused on a roadmap for U.S.-Japan cybersecurity cooperation in the wake of the Biden-Kishida summit that occurred in Washington this past April. The vibrant and insightful points by participants covered geopolitical context for cybersecurity measures stemming from the summit, private sector context as it relates to critical infrastructure protections, the Internet of Things (IoT) cybersecurity labeling regimes, and reviewing Japan’s new security clearance legislation (enacted in May) that includes non-defense companies for the first time.

Photo: Mr. James Schoff (center) and cybersecurity roundtable participants

External Engagements

Mr. James Schoff Speaks at Brookings' Mt. Fuji Event

On May 2, US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative Senior Director Mr. James Schoff participated in a Brookings event entitled “Emerging Technologies and Geopolitical Divides: The Transformation of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.” Moderated by Brookings’ Center for Asia Policy Studies Director Ms. Mireya Solís, Mr. Schoff spoke alongside four other panelists including two members of Japan’s Parliament, Hon. Keitaro Ono and Hon. Keisuke Suzuki, from the visiting Mt. Fuji Dialogue delegation. Panelists talked about how both countries can continue developing their respective technology centers, strengthen supply chains and critical infrastructure, and enhance technology security. In his remarks, Mr. Schoff highlighted the growing economic competition between the U.S. and China, how domestic politics will continue driving economic competition and create gaps between Washington and Tokyo, and possible bilateral strategies for reining in potentially self-defeating aspects of U.S. economic security policy. 

CLAIR Chairman Visits Sasakawa USA

On May 13, Sasakawa USA hosted the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) Chairman Mr. Mitsuru Yasuda. Together with Senior Director Mr. James Schoff, Program Director Ms. Shanti Shoji, and Chairman and President Dr. Satohiro Akimoto, they discussed U.S.-Japan relations, Sasakawa USA’s support of U.S. Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program alumni, and what roles in the U.S.-Japan relationship former participants of the JET Program engage in today. Towards the end of the meeting, several of Sasakawa USA’s JET alumni met with the CLAIR chairman and shared their experiences teaching English in Japan. 

Photo (front row, left to right): Ms. Shanti Shoji, Mr. Masahiro Enso, Mr. Mitsuru Yasuda, Dr. Satohiro Akimoto, and Mr. James Schoff, (back row, left to right): Ms. Abigail Williams, Ms. Kathryn Bubolz, Mr. Matthew Gillam, and Mr. Erim Gulum

Women, Peace and Security Caucus Hosted by Ambassador Shigeo Yamada

On May 22, Japan Ambassador to the United States Shigeo Yamada and the Embassy of Japan hosted an event at the Ambassador’s Residence convening members of the United States Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Congressional Caucus, the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues at the State Department, and civil society leaders working to integrate WPS within the U.S.-Japan alliance. Following the return of the first U.S. delegation on WPS to Japan with Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Geeta Rao Gupta and WPS Caucus Member Hon. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, this gathering provided the unique opportunity to discuss key takeaways and follow-ups from the trip to further collaboration between the U.S. and Japan on advancing the WPS agenda. Sasakawa USA is committed to continuing efforts to integrate WPS within the U.S.-Japan alliance together with our partners in this dynamic community, and we appreciate Sasakawa USA Advisory Committee Member Ambassador Melanne Verveer’s support and guidance in the necessary work to do so.

Photo (back row, left to right): Ambassador Shigeo Yamada, Ms. Anna McDonald, Ms. Monica Herrera, Ms. Michelle Schein, Ms. Jennifer Miller, Mr. Justin Ramos, and Ms. Kayla McGill, (front row, left to right): Ms. Shanti Shoji, Ms. Katrina Fotovat, Ambassador Melanne Verveer, Hon. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Hon. Lois Frankel, and Col. Yuka Nakazato

Publications

Japan Political Pulse (JPP):

Tokyo's Uncertain Political Environment

(Dr. Satohiro Akimoto)

In his recent article, “Tokyo’s Uncertain Political Environment,” Sasakawa USA Chairman and President Dr. Satohiro Akimoto weighs Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s political future. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidency is up for election in September and Prime Minister Kishida finds himself deeply unpopular in the polls due to his political party’s slush fund scandal. Furthermore, the LDP’s recent losses in three prefectural by-elections and a gubernatorial election signal the prime minister’s weakening strength as a political party leader. Will Prime Minister Kishida’s lead on implementing political reform be enough to save his LDP party presidency and prime ministership? For more analysis on current Japanese politics, you can read Dr. Akimoto’s article here.

Japan Political Pulse (JPP) regularly publishes articles on the state and trends of Japanese politics for American observers and practitioners of U.S.-Japan relations.

Photo: On May 19, 2024, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited Yamagata Prefecture and held a “Political Reform Roundtable Dialogue.” (Photo via the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan)

US-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative:

NEXT Alliance Conference Article Published

(Mr. Michael Frank)

On May 8, the NEXT Alliance Initiative published an article entitled “Strategic Misalignments: Rethinking U.S. Tactics in the Semiconductor Arena” written by Mr. Michael Frank, CEO and founder of Seldon Strategies and non-resident fellow at the 2430 Group. Derived from the NEXT Alliance Conference in spring 2024 on “U.S.-Japan Economic Security Policy Coordination: Semiconductors,” Mr. Frank emphasizes the geopolitical struggle surrounding semiconductor chips and argues that the U.S. should scale back the semiconductor manufacturing export control regime to align with Japan and the Netherlands, as well as allow the export of all chips but industry state-of-the-art chips. For more NEXT papers on digital transformation, click here. For economic security, click here.

Photo: Mr. Michael Frank

Announcements

United States Japan Exchange & Teaching Programme Alumni Association (USJETAA): Grant Applications

As part of Sasakawa USA’s support of alumni of the Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program, Sasakawa USA and the United States Japan Exchange & Teaching Programme Alumni Association (USJETAA) are pleased to announce that the 2024 JETAA Chapter Grant program is accepting applications.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through October 1, 2024, until all funding has been allocated.

Sasakawa USA and USJETAA launched the initiative as a partnership in 2016 to offer small grants to JETAA chapters and sub-chapters throughout the United States to support events and programs that further U.S.-Japan relations amongst JET alumni.

Featured Staff

Ms. Yoshiko Takahashi

Hajimemashita! My name is Yoshiko Takahashi, and I am an associate manager at Sasakawa USA, as well as the executive assistant to the chairman and president. My work primarily focuses on managing Dr. Satohiro Akimoto’s schedule and assisting with the management of Sasakawa USA’s office building.



In January 2022, I joined Sasakawa USA after having lived in New York, San Francisco, and Honolulu. Each American city has a unique culture and I have been fortunate to experience the varied influences immigrants have brought to the United States. Honolulu is the first place that I lived in the United States, and it certainly is a favorite paradise of mine.

Prior to joining Sasakawa USA, my past work experiences were in the airline and export/import industries. The variety of skills I honed during that time have helped me support Dr. Akimoto with daily tasks so that he can achieve his goals. While this is the first time I have worked directly in U.S.-Japan relations, I have enjoyed learning about the alliance and appreciate its significance.

Currently, I have been overseeing renovations of Sasakawa USA’s fifth floor conference room, and I hope this new facility will contribute positively to our future programs and events.

As I look back, I first came to the United States when I was 11 years old. At that time, I knew that I loved the U.S. and realized that I wanted to live here in the future. Now, having fulfilled a childhood wish, I enjoy living in the U.S. with the same excitement as when I was 11 years old.

Photo: Ms. Yoshiko Takahashi

Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA

1819 L Street, NW, Suite 300

Washington, DC 20036

+1.202.296.6694