Co-presented by the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth and the Sun & Star Program on Japan and East Asia at SMU’s Tower Center for Policy Policy and International Studies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected billions across the globe and has forced governments to act rapidly in order to ensure public safety. Leaders in Japan had the dual dilemma of being one of the first countries to experience the disease and dealing with the postponement of a massive spectator event, the 2020 Summer Olympic Games. Japan has also demonstrated unique leadership styles, varying between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, and Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura. Additionally, this period has represented a challenge for relations between Japan and the U.S. given the two countries’ restricted access. Join us for this engaging discussion on how leaders in Japan addressed the pandemic, the importance for the future of Japanese politics,  and the implications for the U.S.-Japan alliance.

Panelists

Dr. Yosuke Sunahara – Professor in Graduate School of Law, Kobe University

Moderator

Dr. Hiroki Takeuchi – Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of the Sun & Star Program on Japan and East Asia in the Tower Center, Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Co-Presented by