In this issue of the NBR Analysis are the considered reflections on the developing politics of Northeast Asia of two of the wisest diplomat-scholars in the region. Gathering their thoughts for addresses to a November 17–18, 2006, NBR conference to mark the new Pyle Center for Northeast Asian Studies, Ambassadors Armacost and Satoh write from the perspective of decades of experience. As the U.S.-Japan alliance enters a new phase, they discuss the problems that the two allies must face singly and together.