2025 marked a new era in US-Japan relations under political leadership transitions in both countries. Although Japan is facing growing expectations in the region and around the world to own the mantle as a leader of a free and open international order, Japan’s ability to do so will also depend on the strengths of its own political leadership, which has undergone significant changes since the Liberal Democratic Party’s ruling coalition lost its majority in the 2024 October general election and subsequently in the 2025 Upper House election.
In this context, JCIE USA organized a series of three online discussions to explore Japan’s domestic political developments and its engagement in key regions of the world to assess Japan’s standing as a global leader as well as the implications for US-Japan relations.
Each discussion featured leading experts from Japan, the United States and the featured regions.
Briefing & Discussion on Japanese Politics: “Japan’s Upper House Election: Key Takeaways”
July 22 (invitation-only)
Speakers
Daniel M. Smith Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Pennsylvania
Noriko Akiyama Senior Political Writer, The Asahi Shimbun
Ken Moriyasu Washington Correspondent, Nikkei Asia
Moderator: Kazuyo Kato Executive Director, JCIE USA
Co-Creating a Future Together: Japan’s Investment in Africa and Alignment with the United States
October 22 (public)
Speakers
Prof. Scarlett Cornelissen Professor, Political Science, Stellenbosch University
Director, Stellenbosch University Japan Centre
Hiroki Ishida Director, AAIC Partners Africa Limited
Joshua Meservey Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute
Shuhei Ueno Deputy Director General (Planning and TICAD Process), Africa Department, JICA
Moderator: Kazuyo Kato Executive Director, JCIE USA
Implications of Demographic Transition: An ASEAN–Japan–US Dialogue on Security, Innovation, and Regional Cooperation in an Aging Asia
December 16 (public)
Speakers
Hon. Masahiko Kiya
Ambassador in Charge of Okinawan Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Dr. Andrew Oros
Senior Fellow and Director of the Japan Program, Stimson Center
Dr. Kyaw Min Soe
Head of Policy Advocacy, Information, Education, and Communication (IEC), and Capacity Building at the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI)
Moderator: Kazuyo Kato
Executive Director, JCIE USA
These events were made possible by a generous grant from the Toshiba International Foundation.
