YCAPS

Key Events of 2026

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:43:46 -0800

An Introduction to Judo, YCAPS Getting to Know Japan, May 12, 2026

From Kimono to Street Style: The Global Story of Japanese Fashion,YCAPS Getting to Know Japan, April 7, 2026

Deep-Sea Mining: Pacific Perspectives, YCAPS Pacific Connect, March 31, 2026

U.S.-Japan Trade Relations,Read More

YCAPS Participates in 8th Annual Alexander C. Cushing International Law Conference

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 20:54:39 -0700

The 8th Annual Alexander C. Cushing International Law Conference was held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, on June 8-9, 2026, bringing together leading scholars, legal experts, military practitioners, and policymakers to discuss the theme “International Law and Conflict at Sea.” Representing the Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies (YCAPS) were Ivy Ganadillo, Director of Maritime Programs, and Professor Sato Yoichiro, Senior Research Fellow. Organized by the U.S. Naval War College’s Stockton Center for International Law and the Korea Institute for Maritime Strategy, the conference examined a range of maritime security issues, including developments in East Asia, maritime sanctions enforcement, the protection of critical undersea infrastructure, and the governance challenges of deep seabed mining.

The conference provided a valuable platform for exchanging perspectives on the evolving legal and strategic challenges facing the maritime domain. Discussions highlighted the importance of international law, maritime governance, and international cooperation in addressing emerging security concerns at sea. Participation in the conference also offered opportunities to engage with experts and practitioners from across the Indo-Pacific and beyond, strengthening professional networks and fostering dialogue on issues critical to regional and global maritime security.

Taiwan Maritime GENIE Webinar with OAC Deputy Minister Raymond Sung

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 20:48:35 -0700

On May 26th, the Taiwan Maritime GENIE cohort participated in its second official webinar, co-facilitated by Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council (OAC). During the session, Deputy Minister Raymond Sung delivered a presentation on Taiwan’s role in ocean governance. Sung outlined the OAC’s key responsibilities, including maritime security, public order in the sea, and maritime safety, while also discussing marine conservation, fisheries management, grey zones challenges, and ongoing maritime developments in the region. Participants engaged in a question and answer session to further explore potential research directions for their policy innovation projects.

The webinar also provided an opportunity for four participants to present their proposed policy briefs, each focused on strengthening maritime governance. Their presentations received feedback from fellow cohort members and program organizers as they refined their research frameworks. This summer, the Maritime GENIE cohort will travel to Taiwan to participate in a series of workshops and attend Taiwan International Ocean Forum in Taipei in July.

YCAPS is proudly working in collaboration with the Taiwan Ocean...Read More

YCAPS-Kreab Indo-Pacific Policy Dialogue: "Next Generation Power for Japanese Submarines

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:45:33 -0700

YCAPS and KREAB Japan co-hosted an Indo-Pacific Policy Dialogue June 9, 2026, at the KREAB offices in Tokyo. "Next-Generation Power for Japanese Submarines" considered strategic and practical aspects of submarines propelled by nuclear power, were Japan to decide to acquire them.

KREAB Managing Partner Doi opened the evening by noting the key role submarines play in deterrence, or "enhancing stabilizing power" in Japanese government parlance.

YCAPS Senior Research Fellow Jim Hartman then framed the dialogue in developments over the past five years. In September 2021, the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia surprised even the community of naval professionals with their announcement of AUKUS, a treaty centered on the development of Australian nuclear-powered submarines (SSN). Since then, the Republic of Korea has taken public steps toward its own program for nuclear-powered submarines, and the ruling coalition in Japan announced the intent to consider "next-generation" powered submarines.

Professor Jon Caverley, of the International Institute of Strategic Studies and on leave from the U.S. Naval War College, traveled from Cambridge, Massachusetts for the dialogue. Caverley brought up both strategic and practical points that have not received public attention. For example, if a nuclear-powered submarine is used to hunt adversary submarines that are themselves armed with nuclear weapons, the friendly submarine becomes a nuclear counter-force weapon, even though it itself is not armed with nuclear weapons. He also spoke to the...Read More

YCAPS Yokosuka Members Discuss Military Implications of PRC Control of Taiwan

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:27:31 -0700

On June 11, YCAPS hosted a Community Conversation in Yokosuka, "So What? Military Implications of the PRC Gaining Control Over Taiwan". Professor Jon Caverley, visiting from Cambridge, Massachusetts, proposed a provocative re-look at conventional thinking on the defense of Taiwan. While acknowledging economy, democracy, and credibility as strategically valid reasons the United States and its allies might defend Taiwan, he questioned whether Taiwan is critical to the operational military balance between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the United States. He concluded that if the PRC has capability in the space domain, military control of Taiwan does not affect the operational balance. If the PRC were to lose space capability, Taiwan would matter - a little. In addition to highlighting the criticality of the space domain for both the PRC and the U.S., Caverley stressed the need for the U.S. Navy to remain intact as a fighting force, and for U.S. industry to posture for a prolonged struggle, rather than focusing solely on a battle for the island.

Discussant Dr. Benjamin Blandin considered Caverley's remarks and cited developments in the PRC to question whether the PRC would really attempt a "frontal invasion" of Taiwan. Both agreed that an invasion of Taiwan is only one possible action the PRC might take. YCAPS's Jeff Mazziotta moderated Q&A, during which audience members then discussed the importance to Japan of the defense of Taiwan; the expansion of maritime kill chains globally; the role of the U.S. 7th Fleet in the defense of Japan; and the PRC's strategic intentions

ASPEN Members in Washington, DC Gather For a Talk by Mr. Ken Moriyasu

Thu, 28 May 2026 23:06:07 -0700

On Friday, May 29th, ASPEN members in Washington, DC met at the Transpacific Future Center (TPFC) for a talk by Ken Moriyasu, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and former longtime Nikkei Asia correspondent. Mr. Moriyasu spoke about the growing importance of Eurasia to the strategies of both China, the United States, and Japan, generating a lively discussion.

The Allied Security Practitioners Exchange Network (ASPEN) is an initiative hosted by YCAPS which focuses on professional development for Japanese and United States security professionals.

For questions please contact Nick Millward, ASPEN Community Manager at nick@ycaps.org

To learn more about ASPEN, visit the YCAPS ASPEN webpage here.

YCAPS at the 87th Black Ship Festival

Sun, 17 May 2026 01:22:30 -0700

From May 15th to 17th, 2026, YCAPS Executive Director and John Bradford and Senior Advisor for Education Annette Bradford represented the organization at the 87th Black Ship Festival in Shimoda, Japan. In Shimoda, they joined fellow Perry 175 committee member Hiroko Yamaguch to met with city leaders from both Shimoda and its sister city of Newport, Rhode Island. These conversations were important steps laying groundwork for future activities supporting the memory of Commodore Matthew Perry and the US Navy Expedition to Japan. For YCAPS and the Perry 175 initiative, participating in these vibrant local celebrations provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with the communities that share this rich maritime history, honoring the enduring legacy and strength of U.S.-Japan relations. The shared goal is to ensure that these upcoming multi-year commemorations serve not only as moments of celebration, but as robust platforms for meaningful reflection and continued dialogue on the maritime connections that shape the Indo-Pacific.

The Shimoda Black Ship Festival is held annually to commemorate the historic arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry's expedition in 1853, a pivotal moment that ended Japan's era of seclusion and opened the nation to international diplomacy and trade. The festival begins with a graveside service to remember the crew members of Commodore Perry's expedition who lost their lives. This takes place at Gyokusenji Temple, the site of the first US Consulate. Over a period of three days, there are fireworks, a wreath-laying service, concerts, parades, a sketch reenacting the signing of the Treaty of Shimoda, and, of course, lots of food.

YCAPS welcomes intern Vittorio Bosello!

Thu, 07 May 2026 22:24:40 -0700

YCAPS is pleased to welcome Vittorio Bosello from Italy as a Research Intern for the spring semester!

Vittorio landed in Tokyo as a European Studies double degree Master's student enrolled at Waseda University and Université Libre de Bruxelles. His interests focus on EU-Japan relations, particularly in the field of security and defense cooperation. As a Research Intern at YCAPS, he contributes to the analysis of sources and drafting of papers, and supports the organization and running of YCAPS events.

Maritime Security Port of Call

Sat, 02 May 2026 18:42:47 -0700

On 23 April, YCAPS organized the Maritime Security Port of Call, a professional networking event on the sidelines of Singapore Maritime Week. Held on the relaxed pub terrace, more than a dozen individuals stopped by. A range of maritime professionals — ship owners, maritime lawyers, seafarer advocates, academics, etc. — represented communities with varied angles on the issues of the day. Therefore, it is no surprise that the topics were wide ranging. The connections built were meaningful and have already launched additional conversations and collaboration extending beyond that evening.

Announcing the Participants of the Subic Squad Forum 2026

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:56:48 -0700

The Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies (YCAPS), in collaboration with La Trobe Asia, the Philippines–Australia Forum, FACTS Asia, We Protect Our Seas, and the University of the Philippines–Diliman Asian Center, is pleased to announce the selected participants for the Subic SQUAD Forum 2026. This program is supported by funding from the United States-Japan Foundation and Australian National University-Philippines Institute.

Following a highly competitive selection process, we are proud to welcome a diverse cohort of scholars and practitioners from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States. These participants bring a wide range of expertise in Indo-Pacific security, defense cooperation, and regional governance, reflecting the program’s commitment to fostering the next generation of policy-relevant voices in the region.

Under the theme “Developing Emerging Voices on Regional Security: Positioning the Philippines as a Hub for Regional Security Cooperation,” the program will support participants through a combination of online training, mentorship, high-level policy engagement, and in-person collaboration in the Philippines.

Meet the 2026 Cohort:

Genevieve Quirk (Australia)

Genevieve Quirk BSc (UQ), DULF (UParis III–Sorbonne), MEnvLaw (ANU), PhD (UOW) is a Lecturer in International Relations at the University of Wollongong. Genevieve held a postdoctorate research fellowship on the Defence Strategic Policy Grant project ‘Pacific Maritime Security Coordination’ and her PhD at the Australian...Read More