In March 2023, JITTI USA hosted the “U.S.–Japan International Exchange and Tourism Symposium 2023” in Washington, D.C., bringing together leading experts in these fields. The event served as an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of multilayered and wide-ranging people-to-people ties between Japan and the United States in the post-pandemic era, and to explore ways to rebuild and strengthen those relationships.

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Building on the momentum of such efforts, the period from January 2024 to March 2025 was designated the “U.S.–Japan Tourism Year,” during which both countries implemented a variety of initiatives to promote bilateral engagement. In their February 2025 summit meeting, Prime Minister Ishiba and President Trump reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the uniquely strong Japan–U.S. relationship through close coordination. These developments have contributed to further strengthening people-to-people exchanges and bilateral relations.

Looking ahead, such exchanges are expected to accelerate even more around major international events. The United States is preparing to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 250th anniversary of American independence, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics. Japan, meanwhile, welcomed a record number of inbound tourists in 2024 and hosted Expo 2025 in Osaka from April to October. These milestone events are likely to further boost international engagement, including between Japan and the U.S.

In the context of an increasingly unstable international landscape—marked by China’s growing authoritarianism, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and rising nationalism—the role of people-to-people exchange has taken on renewed significance. These international experiences are not only essential for the continued development of the Japan–U.S. relationship but also play a key role in fostering mutual understanding and trust, contributing to global stability.

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Moreover, people-to-people exchanges offer opportunities to gain new perspectives and can lead to changes in how people think and act by exposing them to different cultures and systems. These encounters can influence personal values and behaviors, and when such learning is integrated into society with respect for one’s own traditions, it can lead to positive societal transformation. The ripple effect of such realizations and actions will only grow in importance as we strive for a more resilient and open international community.

Against this backdrop, it is both timely and meaningful to bring together policymakers and stakeholders from both countries to discuss the current and future roles of people-to-people exchange through this symposium.