Latest Activities | The Japan Forum on International Relations

July 21, 2026

Exchange of Views with Project Leader Minori Takahashi on Future Study Group Activities

JFIR President Mayu Watanabe, Program Director Yohei Takahata, and Director of Research Wakako Ito visited Hokkai-Gakuen University and exchanged views with Project Leader Minori Takahashi. Taking into account developments in the international situation surrounding the Arctic and the progress of the study group, they discussed a wide range of issues concerning future research activities and the direction of policy recommendations.

July 21, 2026

Discussion on Arctic Policy with Associate Professor Juha Saunavaara

JFIR President Mayu Watanabe, Program Director Yohei Takahata, and Director of Research Wakako Ito visited the Arctic Research Center at Hokkaido University and exchanged views with study group member Juha Saunavaara on the security environment surrounding the Arctic, regional cooperation, and international trends in Arctic research.

July 16, 2026

3rd Regular Meeting “Study Group on the Evolving Dynamics of the Arctic and Japan’s Response ” Held

Study group member Osamu Inagaki presented his research, titled “Characteristics and Development of the International Legal Order in the Arctic,” followed by a free and open exchange of views among the participants.

July 16, 2026

In Anticipation of the 140th Anniversary of Japan–Thailand Diplomatic Relations: Institutional and Normative Engagement with Southeast Asia from a Historical Perspective

JFIR held Diplomatic Roundtable Plus (219th meeting) in collaboration with the study group, with David M. Malitz, Senior Research Fellow at the German Institute for Japanese Studies (DIJ), as guest speaker on the topic above.

July 2, 2026

1st Study Session: China’s Attempt to Govern the “Waters East of Taiwan”: The Domestic Foundations of Changing the Status Quo

JFIR held the first Study Session for JFIR members as well as researchers and practitioners. Chair Chisako Masuo delivered a presentation on the topic above.

June 30, 2026

Policy Recommendations Released: “The Deepening of US-Japan Cooperation on ‘Non-Military’ Aspects”

JFIR has released policy recommendations from its study group on "The Deepening of US-Japan Cooperation on 'Non-Military' Aspects," chaired by Dr. MAESHIMA Kazuhiro, JFIR Distinguished Research Fellow and Professor at Sophia University. The recommendations are the result of two years of research.

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June 25, 2026

1st Japan-side Regular Meeting / Study Group on Strengthening the Foundations of U.S.–Japan Cooperation

Chair Kazuhiro Maeshima outlined proposed directions for future research. The Japan-side members then exchanged views on how the study group should proceed.

June 25, 2026

Full Meeting of U.S. and Japan Members / Study Group on Strengthening the Foundations of U.S.–Japan Cooperation

Following opening remarks by Chair Kazuhiro Maeshima to mark the launch of the study group, Director of Research Wakako Ito provided an overview of the study group. Members from Japan and the United States then exchanged views on how the study group should proceed.

June 16, 2026

2nd Regular Meeting “Study Group on the Evolving Dynamics of the Arctic and Japan’s Response ” Held

Study group member Takahiro Ishihara presented his research, titled “Military and Security Developments in the Arctic,” followed by a free and open exchange of views among the participants.

June 12, 2026

2nd Regular Meeting “Study Group for Applying Japan’s Strengths to Further the WPS Agenda” Held

Attorney Sakura Kamitani was invited as an external lecturer and presented research titled “The Current State and Challenges of Sexual Violence in Digital Spaces,” followed by a free and open exchange of views among attendees.