YCAPS

Key Events of 2026

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

Japan's National Defense Strategy in the Takaichi Era, YCAPS Community Conversations, July 23, 2026

Youth Leadership for Climate Protection, YCAPS Pacific Connect, July 20, 2026

Who Are the Foreigners?, YCAPS Getting to Know Japan , July 16, 2026

How Nixon's Deal with China Triggered Japan-US Alliance Transformation, YCAPS Community Conversations, June 30, 2026

Japan's Policy Towards Foreigners and Immigrants at a CrossroadsRead More

YCAPS Members Explore the Kiyosumi Gardens and the Fukagawa Edo Museum

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 18:10:11 -0700

Summary by Andrew Marvin and Davis Piper*

On Saturday, August 1st, YCAPS hosted Experience Edo: Kiyosumi Gardens and the Fukagawa Edo Museum, bringing together members and guests for an afternoon exploring the history and culture of Edo-period Tokyo. The event was planned and led by YCAPS Summer Interns Andrew Marvin and Davis Piper, who guided participants through both sites while facilitating discussions on the historical significance of Edo and its lasting influence on modern Tokyo.

The afternoon began at Kiyosumi Gardens, where participants explored the landscape garden’s scenic paths, ponds, and carefully arranged stones while learning about its history, design, and role in Tokyo’s development. The group then visited the Fukagawa Edo Museum, where life-sized recreations of homes, shops, and streets provided an immersive look into everyday life during the Edo period.

Throughout the visit, participants discussed how museums preserve the experiences of ordinary people and how many aspects of modern Tokyo—from urban design to commerce and community life—have their roots in the Edo period. The event concluded at Blue Bottle Coffee Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Flagship Cafe, where attendees continued the conversation over coffee and reflected on the day’s experiences.

YCAPS would like to thank everyone who joined us for an engaging afternoon of learning and discussion. We also extend our appreciation to Summer Interns Andrew Marvin and Davis Piper for organizing and leading this educational experience. We look forward to welcoming everyone to future YCAPS events.

YCAPS Hosted Representative KONO Taro for a Discussion on Japan’s National Security

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 06:57:42 -0700

On July 30, 2026, the Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies (YCAPS), in partnership with the Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies (ICAS), welcomed Representative KONO Taro for a special Community Conversations event at Werk Yokosuka. The evening included networking, a lecture, and a question-and-answer session focused on Japan’s national security.

Representative Kono, an experienced member of Japan’s House of Representatives and former minister of defense and foreign affairs, shared his perspective on the changing security environment in the Indo-Pacific. In keeping with the event’s off-the-record format, the discussion addressed broad themes rather than specific policy positions.

He discussed China’s growing military and economic influence, the continued importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance, and the need for closer coordination between Japan and its international partners. He also addressed challenges facing Japan’s defense industry, including supply chains, production capacity, and the recruitment of Self-Defense Force personnel amid the country’s declining population. The conversation further explored how artificial intelligence, robotics, and other emerging technologies may shape the future of defense.

During the question-and-answer session, attendees raised issues related to regional security cooperation, defense technology, Japan’s industrial development, and the country’s relationships with partners in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

YCAPS would especially like to thank Representative Kono for taking time in his busy schedule to speak for us, event patron Oliver Ben Karp without which we could not have put on such an event, as well as Baird Brewery for...Read More

YCAPS Members in Fussa Discuss Japan’s New Active Cyber Defense Policy

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 22:36:04 -0700

On July 28th, YCAPS was happy to welcome Dr. Benjamin Bartlett (Department of Political Science at Miami University in Oxford) to the Fussa Citizen’s Hall in Fussa for an off‑the‑record Community Conversations seminar. Dr. Bartlett gave a wide-ranging talk on cyber defense, initially introducing the concept and the main mindsets that various nation states use in their cyber policy before getting into depth on Japan’s previous policy as well as the new “active cyber defense” policy. He also gave our members well developed context and how Japan’s strategy compares to both allies and rivals. YCAPS members were able to then enjoy a relaxed small group discussion style Q&A session which was immensely valuable.

ASPEN Yokohama Dinner Discussion with Col Tetsuro Fujimoto

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:34:10 -0700

ASPEN members met for a dinner discussion with Col. Tetsuro Fujimoto, Chief of the Education Planning Section, Education Office, Personnel and Education Department, Air Staff Office, Japan Ministry of Defense, at Antenna America - Kannai on July 24, 2026. Col. Fujimoto outlined his role and led a lively conversation on Japan’s personnel shortages, recruitment and retention efforts, and the cultural and historical differences that shape military service compared with the U.S. Participants discussed opportunities to innovate in education and training to address human capital challenges

The Allied Security Practitioners Exchange Network (ASPEN) is an initiative hosted by YCAPS that focuses on the professional development of Japanese and United States security practitioners through networking, dialogue, and educational programming.

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 Iwakuni Members Examine Japan’s National Defense Strategy in the Takaichi Era

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 23:58:51 -0700

On July 23rd, YCAPS welcomed Dr. Adam P. Liff (Indiana University) to the Lotus Cultural Center in Iwakuni for an off‑the‑record Community Conversations seminar. He provided a brief and thorough overview of Japan’s national defense strategy and the implications of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s announced revision. We had a great group of about 15 attendees join the reception and presentation, which concluded with a lively Q&A and light networking; refreshments were provided.

YCAPS Interns Visit the Tokyo National Museum

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:18:32 -0700

Summary by Andrew Marvin and Davis Piper*

As part of their summer internship experience with the Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies (YCAPS), interns Andrew Marvin and Davis Piper visited the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park. The visit offered a chance to explore Japan’s cultural heritage and learn more about the historical and artistic developments that have shaped the country.

One of the most memorable objects Andrew and Davis saw was a seventeenth-century suit of samurai armor from the Edo period (see below). Known as gusoku, the armor featured a two-piece cuirass, red lacing, and an aquatic design. Its gold-colored plates resembled fish scales, while the helmet was shaped like a horned turban shell. The shell’s thick exterior represented strong and impenetrable defense. The armor showed that samurai equipment was not only designed for protection, but could also reflect the owner’s rank, identity, and personal taste.

The visit also provided insight into how Japanese artistic traditions developed through contact with neighboring societies in East Asia. Examining these objects offered a broader perspective on Japan beyond contemporary politics and security, showing how cultural traditions, historical experiences, and regional exchanges continue to influence Japan’s identity and its role in the Indo-Pacific.

YCAPS Joins Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Leaders at the 14th Regional Maritime Partnership Programme

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 23:36:33 -0700

YCAPS participated in the 14th Regional Maritime Partnership Programme (RMPP), jointly hosted by the Singapore Information Fusion Centre (IFC) and the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS). The programme brought together an impressive network of maritime security practitioners, military officers, academics, government agencies, and industry leaders from across the Indo-Pacific and beyond to discuss the evolving maritime security environment, international law, emerging technologies, and regional cooperation.

The programme featured an outstanding line-up of internationally recognised speakers, including Professor Geoffrey Till of King's College London, one of the world's foremost maritime strategists; Dr Leonardo Bernard of the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, who led sessions on the Law of the Sea; and Professor Christian Bueger of the University of Copenhagen, a leading authority on maritime security and maritime governance. Participants also benefited from presentations by experts from government and industry, including AI and maritime technology specialists, reflecting the growing role of innovation in maritime domain awareness.

The RMPP underscored the importance of international collaboration in addressing shared maritime challenges. Representatives from numerous regional and extra-regional navies, coast guards, maritime agencies, research institutions, and industry partners participated in discussions, the Senior Commanders' Dialogue, and site visits to key Singapore maritime organisations. The breadth of participation reinforced the IFC's role as a leading hub for maritime information sharing and cooperation, while providing valuable opportunities for professional networking and the exchange of operational best practices across the global maritime security community.

Finafinau and Right to Democracy to discuss about how youth in American Samoa are demonstrating leadership for climate change prevention and environmental protection.

Speaking about how her small organization of Finafinau started with just seven students around a table and grew into more than 100 young people, Dr. Suluai-Mahuka showcased the various projects Finafinau youth engaged in climate protection, including local political advocacy, trash clean-ups and monitoring, and anti-deep-sea mining rallies. She reminded audience members that youth need more than just information and empowerment to lead, they also need adults to mentor and make space for them. Given the challenges that climate change places on the next generation, especially on islands like those in American Samoa, youth leadership in this space is not just natural, it is vital.

During the Q&A portion of the webinar, Dr. Suluai-Mahuka linked the discussion to our previous Pacific Connect webinar on deep-sea mining. She explained how American Samoa youth have joined and led aspects of the territory’s fight against deep-sea mining, which has continued to go ahead despite local and international protests. She elaborated more on the environmental threats that and other climate-related issues pose to island communities. She also discussed the different ways that Finafinau youth are connected internationally to other youth movements, and the ways that youth have led adults—especially their parents—into their environmental protection projects.

The webinar closed with a hope that Finfinau could partner with like-minded organizations in Japan sometime in the future.

YCAPS Scholars Present at the 2026 Taiwan International Ocean Forum

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:29:07 -0700

The 2026 Taiwan International Ocean Form was held in Taipei on July 8 and 9. Joining experts and public officials from 16 countries, four YCAPS scholars shared their insights as panelists during the two-day event.

Preceding the conference, panelists and Maritime GENIE participants made a courtesy call to visit and hear remarks from President Lai Ching-te, as well as enjoyed a tour of the Taiwan 101 tower.

The conference opened with a morning of dialogues by public officials from Taiwan, the UK, the USA, India, the Netherlands, Japan, New Zealand, and Ukraine around questions of enhancing maritime resilience and translating strategy thereof into practice. In the afternoon, the conference shifted to panels of scholars and practitioners. John Bradford (YCAPS Executive Director & Managing Research Fellow) and Jeffrey Payne (YCAPS Senior Research Fellow) spoke on the panel about Emerging Issues in Indo-Pacific Security, from the role of maritime straights to maritime domain awareness. The day concluded with a panel on countering gray-zone activities and the role of the coast guard.

The second day opened with a keynote speech by Semi Malaki, Deputy Secretary of the Ocean Unity of the Office of the Prime Minister of Tuvalu, on Tuvalu’s new National Ocean Policy and necessary next steps. In the panel that followed on ocean resilience for sustainable development, Jenna Lindeke Heavenrich (YCAPS Research Fellow & Director of Pacific Connect) built on Mr. Malaki’s points to elaborate on climate-related ocean issues that affect sustainable development in the Pacific.

During the next panel, on Emerging Technologies for Ocean Governance, Benjamin Blandin (YCAPS Research Fellow) analyzed China’s maritime capabilities and technological prototypes from the perspective of what could actually be brought to bear in the case of a Taiwan Straights contingency.