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A New Era in U.S.-Japan Relations

On March 20, MUFG and the Japan Society hosted a symposium in Washington, D.C. titled: A New Era in U.S.-Japan Relations.

MUFG Americas Holdings Corp. Executive Chairman Masatoshi (Masa) Komoriya and Japan Society CEO Dr. Joshua Walker opened the session at the historic Willard Hotel to an audience of more than 200 clients, policymakers, former members of Congress and presidential administrations, the diplomatic corps, Japanese American community leaders and other D.C. influencers.

Billed as a 'strategic dialogue,' the three-hour session was a very honest, bold conversation about the current state of politics, policy, trade and other topics.

Dr. Walker introduced our new MUFG Americas Committed to Empowering a Brighter Future video that describes the history and breadth of MUFG’s operations today, as well as the firm’s commitment to the U.S. market. 

The video, and the event itself, is a first and significant step in advancing our public affairs/brand awareness in seeking to establish MUFG as a source of strength in the U.S. We are also a source of strength in the global financial system, serving the needs of our GCIB and JCB clients. We are proud to be a ‘first call' bank in project finance and other sectors, supporting a growing U.S. economy and spurring job creation.

Founded in 1907, the Japan Society was the ideal partner as the premier organization connecting the U.S. and Japan through business, public policy and diplomacy.

Hailey Orr, Head of Corporate Strategy and Development, moderated the first panel, titled: C-Suite Outlook: U.S.-Japan Economic and Investment Trends. Panelists:

  • Takajiro Ishikawa, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Americas
  • Eri Kakuta, Partner, PJT Partners
  • Dr. Kenneth Weinstein, Japan Chair, The Hudson Institute
  • Glenn Nye, President and CEO, Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress

  • While there is some uncertainty with U.S. trade policy, the U.S. offers long-term stability, top talent and innovation.
  • The U.S.-Japan relationship is the strongest in the Indo-Pacific region, which is vital to both countries’ energy, economic and national security.
  • Economic drivers and opportunities for collaboration: semiconductor production, communication technology such as 6G, autonomous vehicles, ship building and repair, satellite production, and quantum computing.
  • One standout partnership that shows both countries’ commitment to one another: NASA’s Artemis moon mission.
  • Under the current Administration, important to "lean in and tell your story" in Washington.

Dr. Walker moderated the second panel, titled: The U.S.-Japan Alliance: Politics, Policy and Economic Partership. Panelists:

  • Former U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO)
  • Former U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD)
  • Former Deputy Secretary, Department of Commerce, Don Graves

  • In an extremely polarized policy environment, "support for Japan as a key ally" is among the few areas where there is bipartisan consensus and agreement in Washington.
  • Japan is poised to emerge from the ongoing, and occasionally challenging, dialogue between the Trump Administration and the government of Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba on issues ranging from the U.S.-Japan trade deficit to issues regarding regional economic and national security; Japan may be potentially stronger on an array of key issues, including energy given Japan's unique energy needs.
  • While 'America First’ has always been a boon politically, it’s clear most Americans don’t fully grasp how and how many jobs are created and supported in the U.S. based on our relationship, and foreign direct investment, with and from Japan.
  • The U.S. and Japan have many shared values: economic, geopolitical, the rule of law, protection of workers’ rights and intellectual property, and more.
  • Japan’s economy is built on innovation because small country with a small (and shrinking) population. Will continue to see more innovation in automation due to these factors.
  • Be relevant and highly engaged in Washington, tell your story.

Roger Hollingsworth, Head of U.S. Government and External Affairs, moderated a conversation with Rahm Emanuel, former United States Ambassador to Japan, member of Congress, Chicago Mayor, and White House Chief of Staff in the Obama Administration.

  • Japan is the largest foreign direct investor (FDI) in the U.S., as is the U.S. in Japan.
  • We have a unique alliance that took root 80 years ago after the end of World War II.
  • Over the decades, the one constant in the Indo-Pacific has been the U.S.-Japan relationship.
  • It’s a symbiotic connection that has allowed both countries to leverage what each does best for the benefit of the other.

Event Details

Date: March 20, 2025
Location: Washington D.C.