On May 21, the U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) hosted its 36th Business Advisory Board (BAB) Meeting at the Tokyo American Club, featuring Dr. Gerald Curtis, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Columbia University and a member of the USJC Board of Councilors, as the keynote speaker. His address, titled “The U.S.-Japan Relationship In a Rapidly Changing World,” drew approximately 120 business leaders, several TOMODACHI Initiative alumni, and interns.
Fred Katayama, USJC Executive Vice President, served as emcee. Masaaki Tanaka, Vice Chair of the Board of Councilors, delivered opening remarks, followed by heartfelt remarks from USJC President and CEO Audrey Yamamoto, who shared our passionate commitment to the Council’s vision and mission.
Dr. Curtis offered his perspective on major U.S. policy shifts, defining them not as a conservative return but as a fundamental restructuring of American democracy. He said Donald Trump’s inauguration as President of the United States on January 20, 2025 marked the end of the 80-year postwar era. Regarding foreign policy, Dr. Curtis highlighted the U.S. withdrawal from its role of promoting alliances, open trade, and development aid, emphasizing that this shift toward a deal-making model is not temporary. Then, he urged the Japanese government to respond both tactically and strategically to these global changes, emphasizing the need for Japan to strengthen its leadership. He said Japan as a leading middle power can potentially expand its global influence by taking advantage of current disruptions. On the other hand, he also expressed concern that Japan’s risk-averse political culture might hinder its ability to act decisively on the world stage. Specifically concerning tariff negotiations, he recommended that rather than rushing into immediate deals, Japan would be better served by creating roadmaps and engaging in careful, prolonged consideration.
Concluding his speech, Dr. Curtis underscored the enduring strength and importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance, especially people-to-people connections at the grassroots level, and affirmed the vital role of organizations like USJC in preserving and deepening these bilateral ties. During the Q&A session, TOMODACHI alumnus Sunwoo Christian Park (TOMODACHI Boeing Entrepreneurship Seminar ‘22) asked how the younger generation can lead and make the world a better place, and Dr. Curtis advised being optimistic and taking risks.
Following the lecture, a networking dinner was held to encourage meaningful interaction among participants. Another TOMODACHI alumna, Kaho Arima (TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program ‘20), reflected on the event, stating, “I received practical and encouraging advice on how to bring a new business idea to life. I was also introduced to a startup affinity group at USJC, which I would like to join in order to help launch my business.”
To see more photos from the event, click here.