Japan Chair

The mission of the CSIS Japan Chair is to be the leading source of analytic insight and policy-relevant research on Japan, the U.S.-Japan alliance, and Japan’s leadership on the global stage.

About Us
 

The Japan Chair was established to provide a venue in Washington, DC for the study of U.S.-Japan relations and to increase mutual understanding. As Japan's role in Asian and global affairs continues to grow, the Japan Chair is charting a strategic agenda for the U.S.-Japan relationship. The Japan Chair is a unique platform to raise awareness of U.S.-Japan policy issues in a bilateral, regional and global context.

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Meet our network of experts, staff, visiting and adjunct fellows, and senior associates.

Photo: Bryant Wong via CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Photo: Bryant Wong via CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

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Featured Event

Architects of the U.S.-Japan Alliance: Past, Present, and Future

Presented by Japan Chair
October 18, 2024 • 8:30 am – 1:30 pm EDT

Featured Analysis

Photo: KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images

Photo: KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images

Transforming Japan’s Bureaucratic System: Opportunity Amidst Crisis

The bureaucracy in Japan provides important infrastructure for policymaking but is losing its appeal. CSIS Japan Chair visiting fellows Yohei Kobayashi and Makoto Tsujiguchi suggest ways to integrate private sector expertise and revitalize Japan’s civil service.

Commentary by Yohei Kobayashi and Makoto Tsujiguchi — December 5, 2024

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Transforming Japan’s Bureaucratic System: Opportunity Amidst Crisis

The bureaucracy in Japan provides important infrastructure for policymaking but is losing its appeal. CSIS Japan Chair visiting fellows Yohei Kobayashi and Makoto Tsujiguchi suggest ways to integrate private sector expertise and revitalize Japan’s civil service.

Commentary by Yohei Kobayashi and Makoto Tsujiguchi — December 5, 2024

Japan’s Lower House Election: An Aura of Unpredictability

On October 27, Japan held a general election in which the ruling coalition lost its majority for the first time in 15 years. Nicholas Szechenyi and Yuko Nakano of the CSIS Japan Chair analyze the outcome and the path forward for Japan’s political future.

Critical Questions by Nicholas Szechenyi and Yuko Nakano — October 28, 2024

Ishiba Shigeru: Japan’s New Leader

On September 27, Japan’s ruling party elected Ishiba Shigeru as its new leader and next prime minister. Nicholas Szechenyi and Yuko Nakano of the CSIS Japan Chair summarize the campaign, Ishiba’s priorities, and the potential implications for U.S.-Japan relations. 

Critical Questions by Nicholas Szechenyi and Yuko Nakano — September 27, 2024

Japan: An Indispensable Partner in the Indo-Pacific

Japan is watching the U.S. election with a keen interest in furthering the U.S.-Japan alliance. The CSIS Japan Chair addresses Japan’s policy priorities and the potential implications of the election outcome for cooperation on a range of regional and global challenges.

Commentary by Christopher B. Johnstone and Nicholas Szechenyi — September 26, 2024

Kishida Steps Aside

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan announced on August 14 that he will not seek reelection as leader of the ruling party, effectively ending his tenure as prime minister. The CSIS Japan Chair addresses his legacy and next steps in a period of political transition.

Critical Questions by Christopher B. Johnstone, Nicholas Szechenyi, and Yuko Nakano — August 16, 2024

Building a Mutually Complementary Supply Chain between Japan and the United States

Japan’s recent increases in defense spending and relaxation of defense export rules have prompted a new era of opportunity in defense industrial cooperation with the United States, specifically in the realm of uncrewed aerial systems and electro-optical sensors.

Report by Christopher B. Johnstone, Cynthia Cook, Audrey Aldisert, Leah Klaas, Christine Michienzi, Gregg Rubinstein, Gregory Sanders, and Nicholas Szechenyi — August 15, 2024

Navigating the Competitive Seas

Defense industrial cooperation is critical to strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance. CSIS Japan Chair visiting fellow Moyuru Tanaka examines the potential for collaboration in the shipbuilding industry to support military readiness and Japan’s defense industrial base.

Commentary by Moyuru Tanaka — August 13, 2024

A Tale of Two 2+2s: Japan and the Philippines

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited Tokyo and Manila to meet with their counterparts in Japan and the Philippines—a rare sequence of “2+2” engagements on the ground in Asia.

Critical Questions by Christopher B. Johnstone and Gregory B. Poling — August 2, 2024