Past Events
YCAPS-ASPEN (Kobe)
Friday, July 25, 2025
On July 25th, a group of ASPEN participants from the Kobe area gathered for a casual dinner at the Alchemy bar and restaurant. A month after ASPEN held the HADR workshop in Kobe, this informal meet up allowed members to re-connect and discuss future ASPEN activities in the local area. There is a high demand for more exchange opportunities that enables members to learn more about each other’s personal and professional lives.
YCAPS-ASPEN (Sasebo)
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
ASPEN held its first event in Sasebo, Japan on 23 July, 2025. A small group of ASPEN members gathered for a casual discussion over drinks and dinner at a local Izakaya. While friendships were being made, the group discussed potential ASPEN activities and events that may help expand the membership in Sasebo.
YCAPS-ASPEN (Yokohama)
Saturday, July 12, 2025
ASPEN hosted a private dinner and discussion at Antenna America with Captain Keitaro Ushirogata, Senior Research Fellow at the JMSDF Command and Staff College, as part of its continuing effort to foster informal, in-depth dialogue among security professionals and scholars.
YCAPS-ASPEN (Kobe)
Saturday, June 14, 2025
ASPEN held it's second workshop in Kobe, and hosted almost 40 security practitioners at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) office in Washington DC. The program included multiple presentations from leaders directly involved in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations (HA/DR). We also had leaders discuss Japanese and American responses to recent disasters, and the group held HA/DR simulations in the afternoon. After the workshop, participants enjoyed an evening of networking and camaraderie at the Alchemy Bar and Restaurant.
YCAPS-ASPEN (Okinawa)
Sunday, June 1, 2025
ASPEN held it's first event in Okinawa, where a small group of American and Japanese members met up for a casual dinner discussion to welcome new Okinawa-based members and re-connect with existing members. It was a great evening at the Chatan Gyu-Kaku filled with camaraderie and delicious food.
YCAPS-ASPEN (Washington D.C.)
Friday, May 16th, 2025
ASPEN had a discussion with LTC Marcus Morgan about developments with the US-Japan Alliance C2. Afterwards, attendees enjoyed refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres over casual conversation while developing their networks.
YCAPS-ASPEN (Yokohama)
Saturday, April 12, 2025
ASPEN members gathered for an evening of American beer, wings, and nachos at Antenna America. More than a dozen ASPEN members met each other and engaged with 2024 CFR/Hitachi Fellow, Scott Harold, on Japan’s evolving defense industry cooperation. It was a great evening of networking and learning about the intricacies and complications of the Japanese defense industry environment.
YCAPS-ASPEN (Yokohama)
Friday, Jan 25, 2025
ASPEN Members met in Yokohama to renew bonds and further shared cameraderie. ASPEN members had the opportunity to engage across SDF branches, Academia, and US military members. It was an enjoyable evening building friendships and sharing experiences over ice cold beer and nachos.
YCAPS-ASPEN (Yokosuka)
Saturday, Oct 26, 2024
YCAPS is excited to share that on October 26th, the Allied Security Practitioner Exchange Network (ASPEN) held its inaugural event. With over 30 security practitioners from across the region, brilliant minds came together on board the Mikasa Memorial Ship in Yokosuka. The workshop included an overview of the role of the Mikasa ship, the history of the US-Japan alliance, and sessions examining the communication and control networks necessary in the event of a regional conflict.
