EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS:
10/16/2025: In partnership with the National Jazz Museum of Harlem, the Japan Society, the International House of Japan, and the United States-Japan Foundation Jazu Harlem is hosting on October 16 an invitation-only evening of music and conversation with GRAMMY® Award-winning drummer Ulysses Owens Jr.
Jazu Harlem celebrates the vibrant and evolving legacy of jazz music and its connections to the nation of Japan.
American jazz and Japan share a deep connection, rooted in cultural exchange and mutual admiration. Beginning as early as the 1920s and expanding conderably after WWII, jazz has been embraced in Japan as both art and identity, fostering world-class musicians, dedicated audiences, and renowned festivals. This transpacific bond reflects jazz’s universal language—bridging cultures, inspiring innovation, and honoring its African American roots. The cross-cultural dialogue is ever-evolving, as evidenced by the past 30 years of Black American music’s continued influence on Japanese pop music (J-pop) and, in return, J-pop influencing jazz musicians in the United States today.
Through performance and dialogue, Owens Jr. will explore the deep connections between Harlem, New York City, and Japan—showcasing how jazz transcends borders and generations.
On October 23, the Embassy of Japan in Canada, in partnership with the International House of Japan and the American Friends of the International House of Japan is holding an invitation-only special reception and dialogue on the important role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening Japan-Canada-US ties. This lecture discusses the significance and recent progress of Japan-Canada-US cooperation in the strategic areas of the Indo-Pacific, economic security, climate change and more, with a particular focus on the promotion of cultural exchange and its significance in a diplomatic context.
RECENT EVENTS:
9/30/25: The American Friends of the International House of Japan, the International House of Japan, the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the United States-Japan Foundation, and the 21st Century Japan Politics and Society Initiative at the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies at IU joined forces for a dynamic discussion on the future of philanthropy in Japan and the U.S. that also highlighted data from The Global Philanthropy Environment Index 2025.
VIDEO LINK HERE
9/22/2025: This high-level, invitation-only, dialogue convened global thought leaders and government officials for strategic conversations on two critical challenges: the geoeconomic foundations of the U.S.–Japan partnership, and the implications of AI for global security and diplomacy. H.E. Mr. Takeshi Iwaya, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, provided a keynote address on Japan’s foreign policy and global governance, offering insights into Japanʹs foreign policy thinking during a time of international flux.
READ MINISTER IWAYA’S SPEECH HERE
VIEW MOFA PRESS RELEASE HERE
VIEW MOFA YOUTUBE HIGHLIGHTS HERE
VIEW THE PROGRAM
VIDEO LINKS BELOW
Highlights Video
Japan's Foreign Policy and Global Governance - Keynote Address by H.E. Mr. Takeshi Iwaya, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan
Session 1: Geoeconomic Statecraft: Renewing U.S.-Japan Partnership
Session 2: AI and Global Security: Balancing Innovation, Security, and Global Responsibility
6/30/2025: G7 Readout: Implications of the Kananaskis Summit for Japan’s Relations with the U.S. and Canada
leading experts from Japan, Canada, and the United States ENGAGED IN an in-depth discussion on the outcomes of the June 15 to 17, 2025, G7 Leaders’ Summit and their implications for North America-Japan relations, the Indo-Pacific region, and the broader global landscape.
The webinar discussed the implications of the recent G7 summit for Japan's relations with the US and Canada. Key points included the lack of a joint communique, the importance of economic security, and the need for Japan to act as a bridge between regional and global issues. The summit highlighted Japan's role in critical minerals and defense cooperation with Canada and how The US-Japan relationship faceS challenges due to economic pressures and the absence of high-level meetings. The discussion also emphasized the need for multi-track diplomacy and the role of private and civil society sectors in shaping global policies.
Speakers include the following:
Emma Chanlett-Avery
Deputy Director and Director for Political-Security Affairs
Asia Society Policy Institute's Washington, DC Office
Dr. Kristi Govella
Associate Professor
University of Oxford
Dr. Ken Jimbo
Managing Director
International House of Japan
Matthew Millar
Chairman and CEO
The MIllar Group
Jonathan Berkshire Miller
Co-Founder and Principal
Pendulum Geopolitical Advisory
Dr. Joshua Walker
President and CEO
Japan Society
Moderator:
Dr. David Janes
Vice President, North America, International House of Japan
Executive Director, American Friends of the International House of Japan
Co-sponsored by: Japan Society, The University of Chicago International House, International House at UC Berkeley, and The University of Chicago Center for East Asian Studies.
5/14/25: We held a virtual gathering of IHJ members in North America.
4/30/2025: The Future of the Global Order and Disarmament: A conversation with Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, United Nations.
2/25/2025: John D. Rockefeller 3rd and Japan: Legacy & Lessons for the Future.
VIDEO LINK HERE
2/6/2025: Reflections on the Founding of the International House of Japan: Insights from Rockefeller & Matsumoto for the Future.
VIDEO LINK HERE
1/16/2025: Political Change and the Future of U.S.-Japan Relations: Video Link Here
A New Phase in North American Initiatives
On October 22, 2024, Ambassador Mikio Mori, Consul General of Japan in New York, hosted an event at his residence to mark the expansion of International House of Japan and AFIHJ activities in North America.
Ambassador Mikio Mori Hosts Event in New York City, Marking New North American Initiatives
On October 22, Ambassador Mikio Mori of the Consulate General of Japan in New York hosted a significant event at his official residence. This occasion marked the commencement of a new chapter for the International House of Japan (IHJ), focusing on broadening its North American initiatives and expanding its presence in the region. This endeavor reflects a strategic step forward, reinforcing the institution's commitment to building a free, open, and sustainable future through intellectual dialogue, policy research, and cultural exchange with a diverse world. The event highlighted the integral role the American Friends of the International House of Japan (AFIHJ) plays in the United States as a key partner of the International House of Japan.
Speakers highlighted the major geopolitical shifts taking place in the world today and ways in which the I-House, building on its 72 years of experience in cultural and intellectual exchange, is uniquely well positioned to respond and be highly relevant. Ambassador Mori indicated his deep interest in supporting the International House of Japan's role in enhancing the U.S.-Japan relationship. Dr. Kent Calder, Chair of the Board of AFIHJ, highlighted the crucial role the International House of Japan has played in U.S.-Japan relations and how the American Friends of the International House of Japan is working nationally to amplify and support its work, with a special focus on the next generation. Mr. James Kondo, Chair of the International House of Japan, noted the I-House's commitment to and investment in North America and provided details about the exciting new directions for IHJ while simultaneously preserving the traditional garden and mid-century modern building, and continuing to build the important legacy of the organization. Mr. Justin Rockefeller, grandson of John D. Rockefeller III, spoke about his family's legacy of cultural exchange to build understanding and the importance of institutions such as the International House of Japan.
The evening featured over 50 distinguished guests from throughout the United States who are passionate supporters of the International House of Japan and the important role IHJ plays in the world. IHJ and AFIHJ look forward to your support, engagement, and ideas as we develop initiatives in North America.
