Japan Outlook 2026

​As 2026 begins, the U.S.-Japan relationship sits at the center of a rapidly shifting political and business environment. In Japan, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will call a national election on February 8 to seek voter backing for increased spending, tax cuts, and a new security strategy that is expected to accelerate Japan’s defense build-up. In the U.S., President Donald Trump continues to set a new tone in the U.S. centered on national and international security, immigration, economics and trade vis-à-vis tariffs, and more. 

​Please join us online for the Japan Society of Northern California’s annual Japan Outlook program to review the election results and what they could mean for the future of U.S.-Japan relations, and discuss prospects for U.S.-Japan relation, including tariffs and trade leverage, economic and technology security, evolving industrial policy, and heightened regional security dynamics that are accelerating defense and dual-use opportunities. 

​We are thrilled to welcome two amazing speakers for this program: Emma Chanlett-Avery, Deputy Director of the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Washington, DC office and Director for Political-Security Affairs, and Kiyoaki Aburaki, Managing Director for Japan, BowerGroupAsia and a longtime Keidanren leader with deep insight into Japan’s private-sector strategy. The conversation will be moderated by the Japan Society of Northern California’s Board Chair, Larry Greenwood. 

​Date: Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 from 4PM-5 PM  

​Venue: Online via Zoom (Link provided upon registration) 

​Agenda:
4:00    Opening Remarks | Steve Pollock, Japan Society of Northern California
4:05    Moderated Discussion | Emma Chanlett-Avery, Asia Society Policy Institute; Kiyoaki Aburaki, BowerGroupAsia; and moderator Larry Greenwood, Japan Society of Northern California
4:40    Audience Q&A
4:55    Closing Remarks | Steve Pollock, Japan Society of Northern California