Latest Activities | The Japan Forum on International Relations

June 12, 2026

Meeting between the Leader and General Manager

Project Leader Wakana Takahashi and General Manager Yohei Takahata met to review the progress of the research project and exchanged views on research issues with an eye toward the future operation of the study group and the direction of dissemination of its findings.

June 12, 2026

1st Regular Meeting / Study Group on Redesigning Japanese Diplomacy

Following opening remarks by JFIR President Mayu Watanabe, Director of Research Wakako Ito provided an overview of the study group, after which members exchanged views on how the study group should proceed.

June 5, 2026

International Workshop on China’s Maritime Expansion and the Regional Order

Associate Professor Aravind Yelery of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Associate Professor Tongfi Kim of the Brussels School of Governance (BSoG), both visiting Japan, delivered presentations on the topic above.

June 2, 2026

“AUKUS as a Tool of Full-Spectrum Strategic Competition”

The 216th Diplomatic Roundtable was held on above theme with Prof. Thomas Wilkins, Distinguished Research Fellow, JFIR / Associate Professor, The University of Sydney, as the guest speaker.

Memo

May 20, 2026

First Joint Meeting of Chairs and Deputy Chairs Held “The Emerging Managed World Order and Japan’s Strategic Position”

Following opening remarks by President Watanabe, Director of Research Ito provided an overview of the project. This was followed by questions and comments from the chairs and deputy chairs.

May 11, 2026

1st Regular Meeting “Study Group on the Evolving Dynamics of the Arctic and Japan’s Response ” Held

Project Leader Minori Takahashi gave opening remarks for the launch of the study group, followed by an overview by Program Director Yohei Takahata. Participants, including study group members, then exchanged views on the future direction of the group.

May 11, 2026

Preparatory Meeting by Project Leader Minori Takahashi and Program Director Yohei Takahata “Study Group on the Evolving Dynamics of the Arctic and Japan’s Response”

Ahead of the launch of the “Study Group on the Evolving Dynamics of the Arctic and Japan’s Response,” Project Leader Minori Takahashi and Program Director Yohei Takahata discussed the future direction and key issues of the research, taking into account changes in the international politics, security, and economic environment surrounding the Arctic.

May 4, 2026

1st Regular Meeting / Study Group on China’s Pursuit of “Pax China” System

Following opening remarks by Chair Chisako Masuo, Director of Research Wakako Ito provided an overview of the study group, after which members exchanged views on how the study group should proceed.

April 24, 2026

1st Regular Meeting (Second Year) “Study Group for Applying Japan’s Strengths to Further the WPS Agenda” Held

Professor Futoshi Taga of Kansai University was invited as an external lecturer and presented research titled “Perspectives and Methods in Men’s Studies and Masculinity Studies,” followed by a free and open exchange of views among attendees.

April 10, 2026

Public Symposium “Taking Women, Peace and Security (WPS) to the Next Stage”

To widely disseminate the research outcomes from its first year, the study group held a public symposium under the above theme. The symposium featured multifaceted discussions on key issues surrounding WPS and its future prospects, followed by a lively Q&A with the audience. In addition, Yoko Kamikawa, Member of the House of Representatives, delivered a video message as a special guest, offering important insights for the symposium.