The U.S.-Japan alliance is a living, ongoing partnership. This project focuses on expanding working-level interactions between the U.S. and Japanese defense establishments. The project provides key analysis to policymakers who draft the policies that govern the alliance, while working with experts in the military and the policy community to understand the challenges of the alliance in a historical and contemporary context. Through engagement with officials, the project identifies and raises awareness of specific issues — from strategic messaging to the nuts and bolts of alliance interactions — that can lead to misunderstanding and tension.
President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida's new vision of a US-Japan alliance resets the balance of equal partnership
April 10, 2024
Examining Japan’s 2022 nuclear debate and its implications for the U.S.-Japan alliance with actionable recommendations for extended deterrence in Japan
February 28, 2024
Revamping Japan's industrial base and efforts to solidify the implementation of policy into practice will lift the alliance to new levels
February 7, 2024
The new vision for the U.S. Marine Corps will impact cooperation with allies as well.
July 24, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic provides leverage to set effective international norms against cyber threats
March 11, 2021
Japan’s 2021 defense budget is set to be its largest ever but is this trajectory fiscally sustainable?
February 17, 2021
As Japan works on its next generation fighter, joint development with the United States has challenges and rewards
September 1, 2020
As Washington considers a troop withdrawal from South Korea, Tokyo must prepare for its own Special Measures Agreement negotiations
August 26, 2020
Copyright The Henry L. Stimson Center