Looking Ahead in U.S.-Japan Relations

This free event is being held in-person and is open to everyone.

As one of the United States’ most important allies and an influential nation, Japan is a cornerstone in global geopolitics. Hear about the rich ties between the United States and Japan from the Consul General of Japan in Chicago Jun Yanagi. He will share his insight on Japan’s foreign and defense posture, current political climate, and Japanese economy.

In addition to the numerous international partnerships Japan and the United States share, which range from economic and diplomatic to military cooperation and more, Japan has also built a lasting relationship with Minnesota itself. These deep connections include former Vice President and Ambassador to Japan Walter Mondale and the sister-city relationship between Nagasaki and St. Paul. Modern opportunities including investments in healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and energy, provide a foundation for cooperation between Minnesota and Japan for decades to come.

Speakers:

Mr. Jun Yanagi, Consul General of Japan in Chicago

Before being appointed Consul General of Japan in Chicago in July 2023, Jun Yanagi served in numerous roles throughout the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He began his diplomatic career in 1988, serving in the Ministry’s North East and South East Asia Divisions as well as diplomatic assignments in Nigeria, Australia, Russia, Canada, Vietnam, and Vienna. Jun Yanagi has also served as Director of the Western Europe and International Science Cooperation Divisions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as a professor at Tohoku University, and as Deputy Director of Cabinet Intelligence.

Professor Eric Schwartz, Chair of the Humphrey School’s global policy area

Eric Schwartz is the chair of global policy at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Prior to his return to the Humphrey School in 2023, he served as president of Refugees International from 2017-2022. He has also served as dean of the Humphrey School; U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration; director of the Connect U.S. Fund; Deputy Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery under UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan; among other roles.

Presented in partnership with the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

Please contact Katie Kelley at [email protected] for questions or accessibility accommodations.

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