Japan: Contending with Change at Home and Abroad Conference

Event details are follows:

Opening Session | 8:30am - 9am

Welcoming Remarks by Dean Joel Hellman; Framing Remarks by Sheila A. Smith

PANEL 1:The Politics of Social Change | 9 am - 10:30 am

Significant structural shifts are afoot associated with Japan’s rapidly aging society. The under representation of younger Japanese and women in politics, the economic hollowing out of rural communities, and the emerging popular disquiet over immigration are all affecting politics. After the Lower House election in February, how are these social issues shaping political choice and governance priorities?

Moderator: Leonard Schoppa, The University of Virginia | Panelists: Charles McClean, Yale University; Kay Shimizu, University of Pittsburgh; Michael Sharpe, CUNY Graduate Center

PANEL 2: In Search of Economic Dynamism | 10:45 am - 12:15 pm

This panel will explore Japan’s economic performance and will look at the opportunities/risks at home as well as the impact on Japan of a changing global economic system. Panel should include both analysis of the domestic economy and of the potential impact of geoeconomic competition.

Moderator: Kristi Govella, CSIS and Oxford University| Panelists: Phillip Lipscy, University of Toronto; Kenta Saito, Mitsui & Co; Kristin Vekasi, University of Montana (VIRTUAL)

Luncheon Keynote Discussion | 12:30 pm - 2:20 pm

Moderator: Evan Medeiros, Georgetown University | Keynote Guest: Jake Sullivan, former National Security Advisor; Kissinger Professor of the Practice of Statecraft and the World Order, Harvard Kennedy School

Panel 3: Navigating Major Power Competition | 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

This panel will look at some of Japan’s foreign policy priorities to ascertain how its relationships with major powers are shaping its choices. It will include analysis of Japan’s national strategy but also look at Japan’s effort to strengthen global and regional institutions.

Moderator: Sheila A. Smith, Georgetown University | Panelists: Ken Jimbo, Keio University and International House of Japan; Yuichi Hosoya, Keio University and International House of Japan; Christopher Johnstone, The Asia Group

Concluding Remarks | 4:00 pm - 4:15 pm

Sheila A. Smith, Georgetown University

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To request accommodations due to a disability, contact Christina Prinssen at [email protected] no later than 04/10/2026. A good-faith effort will be made to fulfill all requests made after this date. Please contact Christina with any other inquiries regarding this event. All journalists / media should register for a ticket as such.

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Host or Publisher SFS Asian Studies Program