2025 | The Japan Forum on International Relations

March 5, 2026

Central Asia + Japan Dialogue “Preservation of Traditional Culture and Its Application to Industrial Development and International Activities”

On March 5, 2026, The Japan Forum on International Relations(JFIR), in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, convened the 14th Tokyo Dialogue of the “Central Asia + Japan” Dialogue under the theme “Preservation of Traditional Culture and Its Application to Industrial Development and International Activities.” The meeting was held at the International Conference Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo.

The dialogue brought together more than 100 participants. From the Japanese side, seven representatives participated, including Ms. Mayu Watanabe, President of JFIR, and Mr. Yohei Takahata, Executive Director of JFIR. The discussion also featured five distinguished panelists from Central Asia.

Participants engaged in lively and substantive exchanges of views on the preservation of traditional culture and its potential for industrial development and international engagement, highlighting the importance of cultural heritage as a bridge for deeper cooperation between Japan and the countries of Central Asia.

February 18, 2026

“The Day After: Prospects for a Peace Agreement in the Russia–Ukraine War”

The 215th Diplomatic Roundtable was held on above theme with Dr. Hanna Shelest, Director of the Foreign Policy Council of Ukrainian Prism, and Mr. Dmytro Shulga, Director of the International Renaissance Foundation (IRF).

Memo

January 22, 2026

“The War in Ukraine and European Security”

“The War in Ukraine and European Security”
JFIR convened an in-person public symposium on the above-mentioned theme, with the participation of H.E. Yurii Lutovinov, Ambassador of Ukraine to Japan, as well as Ambassadors of European Union (EU) Member States to Japan.

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January 21, 2026

The Future of Global Governance

The 214th Diplomatic Roundtable was held on above theme with Prof. Hylke Dijkstra of Maastricht University and Prof. Hylke Dijkstra of Maastricht University.

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November 21, 2025

“The Impact of the MAGA Movement on the U.S.-Japan Security Relationship and the Indo-Pacific”

The 213rd Diplomatic Roundtable was held on above theme with Prof. Kristóf György Veres, International Director, Danube Institute and Prof. Sean Nottoli, Visiting Fellow, Danube Institute.

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November 17, 2025

6th Regular Meeting “Study Group for Applying Japan’s Strengths to Further the WPS Agenda” Held

Professor Mimaki reported on research titled “Beyond ‘White Feminism’: A Critical Examination of ‘Feminist Diplomacy’,” followed by a free and open exchange of views among attendees.

November 14, 2025

“Global Trends and Isreal’s Position in the Changing World Order”

The 212nd Diplomatic Roundtable was held on above theme with Prof. Michal Hatuel Radoshitzky, Senior Advisor, Prof. Alon Bar, Senior Advisor for International Programs and Prof. Yuval Weinreb, Director of the Advanced and Emerging Technologies Program, MIND Israel.

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November 12, 2025

5th Regular Meeting “Study Group for Applying Japan’s Strengths to Further the WPS Agenda” Held

Professor Kenji Wada of Musashino Gakuin University was invited as an external lecturer and reported on research titled “Challenges in Gender Mainstreaming in Women, Peace, and Security,” followed by a free and open exchange of views among attendees.

November 4, 2025

Open Lecture: WPS (Women, Peace, and Security) Special Colloquium

Our study group co-hosted a special colloquium with the Center for the Multicultural Public Sphere, affiliated with the Faculty of International Studies, Utsunomiya University. The event featured Ms. Kateryna, a Ukrainian bandura player, and brought together about 100 students of Utsunomiya University to reflect on the relationship between peace and gender through music. From our study group, Research Leader Prof. Wakana Takahashi, General Manager Mr. Yohei Takahata, and Deputy General Manager Dr. Wakako Ito participated in the event.

October 16, 2025

4th Regular Meeting “Study Group for Applying Japan’s Strengths to Further the WPS Agenda” Held

Hirose Second Leader reported on research titled “Russia's Invasion of Ukraine and LGBT Issues,” followed by a free and open exchange of views among attendees.