On January 30, the U.S.-Japan Council hosted the 35th Business Advisory Board (BAB) Meeting at the Tokyo American Club and welcomed Ambassador Hans Klemm, Japan Representative of Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), as the keynote speaker. His presentation titled “A Restored Biopharmaceutical Innovation Ecosystem Will Benefit Japan’s Health Care System and Economy,” attracted 57 business leaders and 7 next generation leaders, including TOMODACHI Initiative alumni and interns.
Fred Katayama, Executive Vice President of the U.S.-Japan Council, served as emcee, while Vice Chair of the Board of Councilors Masaaki Tanaka and USJC Chair Emeritus Kathy Matsui (MPower Partners) welcomed guests and introduced the activities of USJC. Additionally, prior to the keynote address, Board of Councilors Member Kanetsugu Mike (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group), Hirohisa Fujiwara (Tokyu Corporation) and Internal Auditor Norie Iwamoto delivered short self-introductory remarks, which encouraged networking among the participants.
During his speech, Ambassador Klemm discussed Japan’s rapidly progressing aging population and the increasing importance of healthcare. He pointed out the declining share of Japan in global pharmaceutical research and development and the decreasing trend of international investments. In the United States, on the other hand, biopharmaceutical companies based in Massachusetts make up 7.2% of the global drug pipeline. He highlighted that the innovation ecosystem in the United States enables rapid access to drug development and new medicines, the establishment of effective and sustainable healthcare systems, the creation of investment and employment opportunities, and the promotion of economic growth. From this perspective, Ambassador Klemm advocated for the establishment of a similar ecosystem in Japan. In conclusion, he stressed the need to develop a clear life sciences strategy in collaboration with academia and industry, as well as to reform the drug pricing system to promote innovation and access so that Japan can once again exercise leadership in the life sciences sector.
Program alumna, Miki Yamada (TOMODACHI-Dow Women’s STEM Leadership and Research Program ’24) said, “Through my experience researching in the U.S. on this program, I was struck by the open lab environments that encouraged cross-disciplinary discussions, unlike the more compartmentalized structure often seen in Japan. Ambassador Klemm’s insights reinforced my belief that fostering stronger connections among researchers and industry players is crucial for advancing pharmaceutical innovation in Japan.”
