Orginal Post: 13 March 2020
Latest Update: 19 March 2020
YCAPS is concerned with the health and safety of its members and our community. Therefore, we are continually monitoring the evolving situation with regard to COVID-19. We are taking the directions, recommendations, and requests of the Japanese and United States governments very seriously. We are resolved to continue to provide world-class opportunities for our members and guests to learn about our regional dynamics while remaining safe. Therefore, we will be cancelling some previously planned events, adjusting the format of others to mitigate risk, and incorporating public health considerations into the initial planning of all future activities. Below is a summary of how our COVID-19 response has impacted specific events.
-- Blue-Eyed Samurai Hike, 25 March. This event has been cancelled.
-- Seto Sea International Leadership Voyage, 2-6 May. This event has been cancelled. After consultations between YCAPS leadership and our partners at ISPA-J, we have determined to cancel the voyage out of respect for the risks associated with sleeping in close quarters, the reduced access to health care at sea, and the general uncertainty involved in the national health situation. We made this decision now so that participants, some of whom would have been arriving from overseas, can plan appropriately.
--Blue-Eyed Samurai Sail, 23-24 May. This event has been cancelled. After consultations between YCAPS leadership and the host ship Miraie, we have determined to cancel the Sail out of respect for the risks associated with sleeping in close quarters, the reduced access to health care at sea, and the general uncertainty involved in the national health situation.
We look forward to announcing new events that are being planned for May and beyond. We are also committed to preserving the opportunity for professional dialogue and development across our diverse interest areas: national security, foreign policy, leadership, and cross-cultural connections. There is so much to appreciate about how our nations embraces challenges – we can continue to learn from our diverse approaches.