Speaker: The Honorable Kazuyuki Katayama, Consul General of Japan in Detroit

Dr. Katayama began with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in 1983, where he served as Director of the Energy Resources Division and Director of the Cultural Affairs Division. He has held posts at the Japanese Embassies in China, the U.S., Malaysia, and Belgium. He joined the Detroit Consulate in 2013.

Abstract

The U.S. and Japan share basic values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, and rule of law. We enjoy close economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges. The U.S.-Japan alliance is the cornerstone of Japan’s security. Japan’s relationship with the U.S. and China was the decisive factor for its destiny during the early 20th century, and their influence continues to this day. Japan’s choice is not a simple selection between the U.S. or China. It is clear, however, that the U.S. remains the most important partner for Japan, while it is in both countries’ national interest to promote a constructive relationship with China.