The Sasakawa USA U.S.-Japan Research Exchange offers U.S. and Japan policy leaders and experts an in-depth one-week research exchange that deepens understanding of U.S.-Japan relations through engagements with influential figures across politics, policy, business, and society. Through high-level discussions, site visits, and cross-cultural experiences, research fellows generate fresh insights on critical bilateral issues from both American and Japanese perspectives. Fellows forge meaningful connections with counterparts, gain nuanced understanding of shared challenges and opportunities, and contribute to strengthening ties between the two nations. As thought leaders, fellows are uniquely positioned to shape the future of U.S.-Japan relations through their expanded networks and enriched perspectives following the program.
Amb. Derek Mitchell and Ms. Min Mitchell, October 26 – November 2, 2025
Amb. Derek Mitchell and Ms. Min Mitchell traveled to Tokyo, Japan to meet with policy practitioners and experts to learn how Japan has been responding to threats of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI).
Mr. Masafumi Iida, October 6-10, 2025
Mr. Masafumi Iida traveled to Washington, DC to meet with policy experts and practitioners in think tanks, government, and the private sector to assess the current state and the future of the U.S.-China strategic competition.
Ms. Kathryn Paik, November 2-9, 2025
Ms. Kathryn Paik traveled to Tokyo, Japan to meet with Pacific Island security experts to learn more about Japan’s engagement with the region, as well as to discuss opportunities for bilateral cooperation in the Pacific on mutual security interests.
Mr. Corey Eide, Dr. Regardt Ferreira, Dr. Miwako Kitamura, Ms. Yumiko Mori
June 23-29, 2025
A delegation of experts on community resilience and disaster risk reduction traveled to Tokyo and Noto, Japan to explore how formal and informal systems can effectively interact and be bridged to strengthen whole community resilience.
Dr. Shawn Harding, May 19-24, 2025
Dr. Shawn Harding traveled to Tokyo and Chiba, Japan to study Japan’s security cooperation in defense procurement with strategic partners outside of the bi-lateral relationship, and the resulting effects on the U.S.-Japan alliance.
Mr. Robert Tomkin, April 12-21, 2025
Mr. Robert Tomkin, Writer and Editor at Congressional Quarterly, to study the strategic relationship between Japan, Europe, and the United States.
Dr. Misaki Kiguchi and Dr. Hiromi Yoshida, May 6, 2025
Commentary and Analysis
Drs. Kiguchi and Yoshida share their key takeaways from their U.S.-Japan Research Exchange trip to Japan. The two doctors explored the universal and unique challenges that the U.S. and Japan face in promoting women’s advancement in the medical profession, as well as opportunities for both countries to better support meaningful participation and sustainable careers for women in medical fields.
Brian Harding, February 14, 2024
Commentary and Analysis
Brent D. Sadler, August 30, 2022
Commentary and Analysis
Mr. Sadler summarizes the key findings from his 2022 In-Depth Research Trip to Tokyo, Kyoto, Maizuru, and Kobe visiting experts from government, think tanks, universities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan Coast Guard, and the Japanese Self Defense Forces to gain insights on current Japanese perceptions of security threats in and around the Sea of Japan.
Ankit Panda, February 13, 2020
Commentary and Analysis
Panda explores the history of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, the United States’ decision to withdraw, capabilities, concerns, and implications for the U.S.-Japan alliance for the post-INF era.
Ankit Panda, January 23, 2020
Commentary and Analysis
Panda explores the ramifications in East Asia of the United States’ decision to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty and how the U.S.-Japan alliance might best position itself for the post-INF era.
Dani Charles, September 24, 2019
Commentary and Analysis
Charles outlines the relationship between Japan and Israel, particularly in how it relates to cyber, innovation, and technology, and recommends avenues in which the United States can extend its role as a supporter in the relationship.
Sonja Schaefer, June 26, 2019
Commentary and Analysis
Schaefer outlines a brief historical background on the development of global steel excess capacity and analyzes two of the world’s largest producers and consumers of steel, Japan and the United States, in an effort to assess how they can influence a global reduction in steel excess capacity.
Sharon Burke, October 3, 2018
Commentary and Analysis
Burke posits that Japan–playing to its strengths as a security builder–has an opportunity to improve global readiness for the great security challenges of the later part of this century, not all of which are military in nature.
Tarak Shah, July 5, 2018
Commentary and Analysis
Shah highlights current trends in the Japanese electricity market, notes areas of strength, and outlines specific changes that Japanese policy makers could implement for a safer, cleaner energy future.
Grace Ruch Clegg, May 23, 2018
Commentary and Analysis
Ruch Clegg shares her findings on the legacy, benefits, challenges, and outlook for sister city relationships between the United States and Japan. Clegg finds that despite the challenges, U.S.-Japan sister relationships remain a vibrant element of the broader bilateral relationship.
Sasakawa USA
1819 L Street NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 296-6694
Email: info@spfusa.org
2026 Sasakawa USA | Privacy Policy | Sitemap
Custom WordPress Design, Development & Digital Marketing by time4design