Enabling Professional Growth & Fostering Grassroots Connections
with World-class Expertise
YOKOSUKA COUNCIL ON ASIA-PACIFIC STUDIES
Join Us
YCAPS wants you!
We are a rapidly growing group taking aim at big
issues impacting the Asia-Pacific Region
If you'd like to join an event just RSVP and turn up. If you aren't sure and want more information, then drop us a line. We bring together a diverse group of individuals with different backgrounds and experiences to help us explore common challenges. Our members include students, young professionals, leaders at the top of their careers and retired experts. Our programs are designed to help everyone develop while building bridges between Yokosuka's thought communities.
Upcoming Events
All YCAPS Events will be Virtual during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Getting to Know Japan Seminar (via Zoom)October 21, 2021 19:00 (Japan)YCAPS Director for Policy Research Dr. Stephen Nagy will deliver an introductory session on China-Japan relations. To provide background for current policies, Dr. Nagy will explain some of the defining moments in the relationship’s long history before we transition to Q&A.
To join please use this link to register with Zoom. You will need the link and passcode provided in the confirmation email.
See the event page for more details.
In-person Event - YokohamaOctober 23, 2021, 13:00-18:00 (Tokyo).Yokohama is the site of the original foreign community in Japan (Admiral Perry's ships actually arrived where we will meet - in the Sakuragichō area) and is the 2nd largest city in Japan. It has a number of ethnic neighborhoods - including the largest Chinatown in Asia - and as a port city, is distinctly international. Dr. Kyle Cleveland, Sociology Professor at Temple University Japan, will lead a group of YCAPS members around this area to several significant sites.
Please RVSP via: michael.okamoto@ycaps.org
See the event page for more details.
Getting to Know Japan Seminar (via Zoom)
October 26, 2021 10:00 (Japan)
Russia is Japan's geographically closest neighbour, yet relations are often distant. This talk explains why. It does so by introducing key points of history, as well as the details of the ongoing territorial dispute. It also highlights current tensions in the relationship, especially prominent security issues.
To join please use this link to register with Zoom. You will need the link and passcode provided in the confirmation email.
See the event page for more details.
Getting to Know Japan Seminar (via Zoom)
November 4, 2021 19:00 (Japan)
Dr. Anand Rao, Professor of Political Science at SUNY Geneseo, will introduce the intricate relationship between Korea and Japan. Before we go into an open discussion of contemporary issues and disputes, Dr. Rao will provide the background by explaining some of the most relevant periods in the relationship’s history.
To join please use this link to register with Zoom. You will need the link and passcode provided in the confirmation email.
See the event page for more details.
Getting to Know Japan Seminar (via Zoom)
November 9, 2021 10:00 (Japan)
This talk will explore the main differences between the legal systems, and legal cultures, of the United States and Japan. In particular, it will highlight American influence on Japanese law, as well as areas where the two systems diverge. Topics include the role of lawyers and judges, separation of powers, and the drafting and implementation of the constitution.
To join please use this link to register with Zoom. You will need the link and passcode provided in the confirmation email.
See the event page for more details.
Learning Lessons from the Cold War in the Pacific: How We Competed with the Soviets Then, and How We Compete with the Chinese Now
Community Conversation in Sasebo (in person event)
November 11, 2021, 6:30PM-8:00PM
We are very excited to re-announce this event! Previously scheduled for October, we delayed it out of concerns related to the covid-19 pandemic.
Professor Narushige Michishita will provide an overview of US-Japan Alliance operations at sea during the Cold War and how that history relates to today’s Great Power Competition with China. He’ll then take your questions. Come early for the social reception where you can meet new people and join the YCAPS community.
17:30-18:30 Welcome Reception: Arrive at your leisure and socialize over a snack
18:30-20:00 Seminar: Engage with Prof. Michishita and attendeesSee the event page for more details.
Getting to Know Japan Seminar (via Zoom)
November 18, 2021 20:30 (Japan)
Dr. Michael Sharpe will provide an introductory overview of Japanese minority groups as well as discuss some of the issues and questions regarding foreign immigration to Japan. After his presentation, there will be an open Q&A.
To join please use this link to register with Zoom. You will need the link and passcode provided in the confirmation email.
See the event page for more details.
Indo-Pacific Maritime HourNovember 18, 2021 16:00 (Honolulu), 18:00 (San Diego); 21:00 (Washington DC).November 19, 2021 10:00 (Singapore), 11:00 (Tokyo).VADM Robert Thomas (USN, ret) will offer his thoughts about recent changes in the underseas balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. The last 45 minutes will be a roundtable discussion with Q&A.
To join please use this link to register with Zoom. You will need the link and passcode provided in the confirmation email.
See the event page for more details.
Have a look at our blog or Facebook events site to learn more about past YCAPS events.
Professional Development Programs
YCAPS is committed to supporting the personal and professional development of our membersNetwork Building
Meet People with Shared Interests and Common Ambitions
YCAPS events are organized on the principal that who you meet is as important as what you learn. Therefore seminars and professional development experiences typically include a social portion where members can interact on a personal level with the world-class facilitators as well as the other participants. The events have proven to be fantastic opportunities to find mentors and develop peer-to-peer support networks.
Open Seminar Series
Learn from World-class Experts in a Relaxed Setting
YCAPS open seminars feature leading experts who come from around the world to share their perspectives with our participants. Open to the public, the setting is community-oriented relaxed, accessible and professional. Getting to Know Japan webinars offer introductory-level information about Japan's social and cultural landscape. The Community Conversation series highlights topics that are of immediate interest to the base-hosting communities in Japan. These seminars are specifically designed to be applicable to all levels of expertise, from curious students to professionals working in that field. They are typically held in-person new US bases in Japan. Indo-Pacific Maritime Hour events are more technical in nature. These interactive online discussions engage regional practitioners directly involved in maritime security to shed light on maritime issues that have significant implications on regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. The Indo-Pacific Policy Dialogue program is designed to address advanced-level policy-oriented interests for academics, experts, and other specialists. These interactive online sessions facilitate dialogue among security experts, policy analysts, and senior academics in an effort to examine a wide-range of issues affecting the Indo-Pacific region.
Mongolia Connect
Strengthening grassroots community connections for the common good
The YCAPS Mongolia Connect program creates opportunities for Americans, Japanese, and Mongolians to establish international friendships, develop intercultural leadership skills, and learn about issues impacting the greater international community. The program's events mix of social and educational experiences, language lessons, and opportunities to serve others in a unique and impactful way, through empowering and connecting these three countries communities, YCAPS seeks to create lasting impacts and sustainable people to people relationships.
YCAPS Roundtables
Informed Small-group Dinner Discussions
YCAPS members gather in small groups to discuss timely topics in a lively social atmosphere. Each roundtable is facilitated by a specialist who provides read-ahead materials to enable those attending to dive right into the discussion even before the food arrives. Invitations are shared with YCAPS members and those on our email list.
YCAPS University Chapter
Cultivating the Careers of Motivated Students
The University Chapter connects university students to enable them to exchange knowledge and ideas, to assist with their academic or professional growth, and to connect them with young professionals and world-class experts. University Chapter participants also assist events and projects organized by the YCAPS main body. Participants is open to any full-time university student (undergraduate and graduate students). If you are interested in joining University Chapter events, please join our private Facebook group.
YCAPS Afloat
Supporting U.S. Navy Sailors at sea and their commands
YCAPS Afloat directly supports U.S. miltary personnel in their efforts to expand their regional knowledge and strategic thinking while deployed and during port visits throughout the Indo-Pacific. Working in alignment with commands’ leadership and/or Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) programs, YCAPS Afloat provides information and other resources or, when there are sufficient interested personnel, establishes a YCAPS chapter on board specific ships. If you are interested in receiving resources or establishing a YCAPS Afloat chapter, please send us an email to get in touch.
Reference Materials
Organizing and Sharing Information
The YCAPS creates and distributes reference materials for practitioners, researchers and students engaging with the region's strategic, diplomatic and legal affairs. Underwriting the Alliance is an annotated collection of the key bilateral treaties, agreements, and policy documents that provide the structure of the U.S.-Japan Alliance. The YCAPS reading list is built on the suggestions of our members and participants.
Fellowships, Scholarships, and Conferences
Connecting People with Opportunities
YCAPS has formal and informal relationships with many organizations that sponsor a wide range of professional development programs. These include university scholarships, fellowships, internships, travel grants, and conferences. If some cases, YCAPS members have opportunities for priority placement in these programs. In other cases, YCAPS volunteers are available to advise on placement and coach applications. Download the guide or contact us for more information. Download the YCAPS Guide to Fellowships, Scholarships and Conferences.
Writers' Circle
Become a YCAPS writer
The YCAPS Writers' Circle is a peer-to-peer network that supports professional writing throughout the process from idea to publication. Some of our members are professional editors or experienced authors who have published many books and articles. Others are aspiring to see their first piece in print. If you would like to get involved to get some advice regarding outlets and audiences, receive feedback on a draft manuscript, or to help others on their writing projects, email the Writers' Circle. We'll find you partners that suit your needs!
Our Partners
YCAPS partners with other organizations to deliver world-class programming
The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership was established in 1991 to promote collaboration between the people of Japan, the United States, and beyond in order to address issues of global concern. YCAPS collaborates with GCP to jointly deliver the online Getting to Know Japan Webinar Series.
YCAPS has an active partnership with the Japan-U.S. Military Program (JUMP) based on our common objectives and shared values. The most tangible manifestation of this partnership is the YCAPS-JUMP Seminar & Professional Development Program Series which provides opportunities for members of the U.S. military community in Yokosuka to develop professional networks with strategic thinkers from across Greater Tokyo and learn from world-class experts.
YCAPS and TUJ's Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies (ICAS) both serve as centers of gravity for professional development and advanced thinking on issues related to Asian politics, society, and economics. Because our regular event venues are about 90 minutes from each other, we share some audience members while serving different core communities. YCAPS and ICAS take advantage of this situation to regularly co-sponsor events.
The Pacific Forum is a non-profit, foreign policy research institute based in Honolulu, Hawaii. YCAPS collaborates with the Pacific Forum to gather regional perspectives and disseminating findings and recommendations to opinion leaders, governments, and publics. We have co-sponsored public seminars, published collaborative reports, and jointly delivered the online Maritime Discussion Series.
Team Members
YCAPS and its services wouldn't be possible without our dedicated team of volunteers and Employees. From social media management, website planning, and webinar moderating, to event organization, research, and community outreach, our team works tirelessly to ensure that we can continue to deliver world-class events that appeal to both experts and casual attendees.
To learn more about our team members and their backgrounds, please visit our volunteer page.
Support
YCAPS is an all-volunteer organization, but we do need funds to deliver our programming
Your Financial Support is Appreciated
Make a Donation
YCAPS volunteers do not accept salaries or any sort of material compensation. However, we cannot deliver programs and events without funding. Internet services, advertising, consumables at our receptions, and tokens of appreciation for our speakers are among the largest costs. Partnerships with like-minded organizations and donations in kind from supporting businesses are a tremendous help, but more funds enable us to do more for our community. Follow this link to donate. Your donations are very much appreciated. YCAPS is 501(c)3 organization and donations are deductible from US income taxes.
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