Japan-United States of America Relations

On October 15, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, sent the following congratulatory remarks at the 2026 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference held in Tokyo. The remarks were delivered on her behalf by Mr. OZORA Koki, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Distinguished Guests,

Since its establishment in 2009, the U.S.-Japan Council has made a significant contribution to the advancement of Japan-U.S. relations by bringing together the people of our two countries and nurturing the next generation of leaders.

I would like to express my sincere respect and appreciation to all those who have devoted themselves to these efforts over the years.

Today, the international order is experiencing a period of great instability. In my recent address to the General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly, I reaffirmed Japan's determination to assume greater responsibility for the peace and prosperity of the international community as the world faces profound changes.

Against this backdrop, the importance of the Japan-U.S. Alliance is greater than ever. At my summit meeting with President Trump last month, we concurred to further strengthen cooperation across a wide range of fields and make the Japan-U.S. Alliance even more robust.

It is increasingly important for Japan and the United States to coordinate closely and work together to contribute to peace and prosperity in the region and the international community.

At the same time, the further development of Japan-U.S. relations requires not only cooperation between our governments, but also deeper exchanges between our peoples.

As the international community undergoes profound change, the role of the U.S.-Japan Council in connecting people across generations and fields and fostering the next generation of leaders is becoming increasingly important.I hope that your network will continue to give rise to new leaders and new ideas that will carry Japan-U.S. cooperation forward.

The Government of Japan will continue to deepen its partnership with the Japanese American community and the U.S.-Japan Council as we work together to elevate Japan-U.S. relations to even greater heights.

In closing, I sincerely hope that today's Annual Conference will further strengthen the bonds between Japan and the United States and serve as a fruitful opportunity to foster new forms of cooperation for the future of our two countries.    

October 15, 2026
TAKAICHI Sanae
Prime Minister of Japan