Having surmounted numerous challenges, diplomatic and economic, over the last century, ties between Japan and the United States have stayed among the few constants amid the shifting geopolitical situation in the world.
Facing serious demographic problems, Japan has needed to seek growth beyond its borders. To date, Japan has become the largest foreign direct investor in the United States (to the tune of more than $720 billion). With the rise of China, the issue of regional security has grown more important.
“The U.S.-Japan relationship is as strong as ever, and more important than ever,” U.S.-Japan Council President and CEO Suzanne Basalla told GMI POST, who recalled the recent visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Washington D.C., in January.
“It's going to take the best of the United States and the best of Japan working together in order to address the challenges that both of our countries have. There's a lot of good the U.S. and Japan can do together that will benefit everyone. So, it’s important to drive people-to-people relationships to bring together leaders at all levels in the U.S. and Japan to create solutions to global concerns,” Basalla said.
Established in 2008, the U.S.-Japan Council, in line with the challenge posed by President Biden, has reaffirmed its mission to promote people-to-people relationships, develop and connect global leaders, and further strengthen the relationship between the two long-time partners.
“The U.S.-Japan relationship is robust and special, but it needs the cooperation of both the Japanese and American people to remain vibrant. We need to reinforce the foundation of the relationship that we've inherited from the generations before us and this task needs everyone’s continual work and investment. This effort includes young people; it includes women; and it includes all of our different communities throughout both countries,” Basalla said.
