This project seeks to contribute to the strategic policymaking of Japan and the U.S. by organizing an international conference among researchers and policy experts from the U.S. as well as its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Through frank discussions, this project aims to boost regional understanding and cooperation in order to refine strategic policy while also supporting smooth implementation.

From 11-13 December 2019, the International Peace and Security Department at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) co-hosted the international conference "Bridging the Straits II" (BtS) with the US Naval War College (USNWC) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Command and Staff College (MCSC).

The BtS conference was comprised of a panel discussion and workshop. The panel discussion began with opening remarks by Mr. Nobuo Tanaka, SPF Chairman, Rear Admiral Shoshana S. Chatfield, USNWC President, and Vice Admiral Yoshihisa Inui, MCSC President. In total, 50 participants (scholars from Japan, the US, Australia, India, South Korea, and Singapore, as well as naval officers from the JMSDF, US Navy and US Marine Corps etc.) with an interest in the Indo-Pacific region gathered​ to discuss on the research agendas in the region at this closed conference, which took place under the Chatham House Rule. At the workshop, the researchers presented on their recent research outcomes and discussed their research topics with the BtS participants.

Risa Nobe