Perspectives on the Japan-U.S. Relationship

with Ambassador Koji Tomita

On May 13, 2021, NBR staff, donors, and friends gathered for the tenth monthly President’s Circle dialogue with Koji Tomita, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States.

NBR President Roy Kamphausen started the evening with his presentation and discussion of the top five Asia issues for the past month. He examined the implications of the recently signed 25-year cooperation agreement known as the China-Iran Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, recent sanctions on Russia, Canada-China relations, unexpected results of South Korea’s mayoral by-elections in Seoul and Busan, and reshuffling in the upper echelons of the ruling Communist Party of Vietnam following its 13th Congress in Hanoi. He also offered updates on the ongoing political dysfunction in Ulaanbaatar as well as the timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan.

In the second half of the event, Ambassador Tomita shared his perspectives on the Biden and Suga summit that took place in mid-April. He highlighted the commitments made on climate change and technology as well as the inclusion of Taiwan in the joint statement for the first time in decades. An intriguing Q&A session saw guests inquire about the prospects for U.S.-Japan-ROK trilateral cooperation, the Quad, and responses to assertive Chinese behavior in East Asia. Ambassador Tomita impressed the audience with his gracious demeanor and transparent responses to challenging questions about the U.S.-Japan alliance relationship.

The hour-long event was held virtually, with guests calling in from across the United States and Asia.