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Washington Kenkyu Group: Discussion with Mr. Michael Schiffer, Ms. Shanti Shoji, and Min. Yasuyuki Okazaki
April 27, 2026 @ 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
On April 27, Sasakawa USA hosted a Washington Kenkyu Group policy briefing event as part of our “Reimagining Development Strategies in the Indo-Pacific” project to discuss U.S.-Japan cooperation on development assistance and prospects for how the allies can work together in a post-USAID world. The event featured remarks by Mr. Michael Schiffer, former assistant administrator of USAID for Asia and distinguished senior fellow (non-resident) at Sasakawa USA, Ms. Shanti Shoji, director of programs at Sasakawa USA; and commentary by Mr. Yasuyuki Okazaki, economic minister at the Embassy of Japan. The three speakers discussed Japan’s development priorities, the reorganization of U.S. development under the Department of State, and insights gained on the future of bilateral development cooperation following Mr. Schiffer and Ms. Shoji’s research trip to Japan in January 2026. The Washington Kenkyu Group event was attended by 30 people, primarily Japanese business, media, and government representatives.
Photo (left to right): Ms. Shanti Shoji, Min. Yasuyuki Okazaki, Mr. Michael Schiffer, and Dr. Satohiro Akimoto
