Japan-United States of America Relations

January 13, 2023
Japanese
Prime Minister Kishida who makes a speech at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) (Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
Prime Minister Kishida who makes a speech and the audience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) (Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)

On January 13, commencing at 3 p.m. (5 a.m. on January 14, Japan time), for approximately 1 hour, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, who is visiting Washington, D.C., delivered a speech entitled “Japan’s decisions at history’s turning point” at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). The overview of the speech is as follows.

  1. At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida presented his recognition that the international community is at a historic turning point and that the free, open and stable international order that we have dedicated ourselves to upholding is now in grave danger. He then emphasized the importance of strengthening the Japan-U.S. relationship in order to bring about a better future for coming generations.
  2. Prime Minister Kishida went on to describe two major decisions in Japan’s foreign and security policy: the shift in the policy toward Russia in response to its aggression against Ukraine, and the shift in the security policy by formulating the three key documents, including the new National Security Strategy.
  3. Prime Minister Kishida then affirmed Japan’s intention to double down on its diplomatic efforts, and stated that three elements are essential to mapping out a vision for the next international order: strengthening the unity of like-minded countries, especially the G7, strengthening relations with those referred to as “the Global South,” and relations with China.
  4. In closing, Prime Minister Kishida stated that, with respect to all that he mentioned, the Japan-U.S. Alliance is the anchor, and that the commitment of the U.S. to the Indo-Pacific region is vital. He then expressed his strong determination to overcome history’s turning point and bring about a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” together with the U.S.

[Reference]

  • Prime Minister Kishida’s speech at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) “Japan’s decisions at history's turning point” (Japanese (PDF)Open a New Window / English (PDF)Open a New Window )

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