PRESS CONFERENCE
Japan's Choices in the Trump Era
Joshua W. Walker, President and CEO, Japan Society
11:00-12:00 Friday, February 13, 2026
Language: The speech and Q & A will be in English.
At a time when U.S. foreign policy is being rewritten by President Trump, Japan has been thrust into choices of its own—compelled to reconsider its alliance with the United States and its own future direction.
The outcome of Japan's general election on February 8 is expected to have significant implications for the country's diplomacy and its position in the international community. Against this backdrop, the FCCJ will host Joshua Walker, President and CEO of Japan Society and author of "Dōmei no Tenki" (Alliance at a Crossroads), published in Japan in late January.
Drawing on the election results, Walker will explore how Japan should navigate the era of Trump 2.0, what strategic choices lie ahead for the alliance, and what geopolitical challenges it will face in its own changing region. By taking a deeper look at the structural and historical forces that sustain the alliance, he will also examine Japan's soft power and global relevance as well as the success of Japanese companies in the U.S.
A leading young expert on U.S. politics, the Middle East, and Japan, Walker has previously held senior positions at the Eurasia Group and both the U.S. State Department and Department of Defense. Please join us for a timely and in-depth discussion on the evolving state of U.S.–Japan relations.
How to attend: Please register by emailing front@fccj.or.jp with your name and the name of your media outlet. FCCJ members should also include their membership number. Doors will open 15 minutes before the event.
How to watch online: https://www.youtube.com/c/FCCJchannel/live
How to ask questions: https://forms.gle/QK4m9yPT2pKG3ZWj8
TV crew: Please make a reservation at front@fccj.or.jp. Doors open for TV crews only at 30 minutes before the event. FCCJ will limit live-streaming of FCCJ-hosted press conferences to Club members only. Non-members will no longer be permitted to live-stream these events. However, non-members may still film for reporting purposes and use footage after the press conference.
Professional Activities Committee