Japan’s Next Prime Minister, “Third Sector” Impact, and Fall Culture

The election of Sanae Takaichi as President of the Liberal Democratic Party—and with it, the historic reality of Japan’s first female Prime Minister—marks the beginning of a new chapter not just for Japan but for the world. As a protégé of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, she inherits both his legacy and his networks, and we hope she will come to value Japan Society as deeply as he did. With her immediate calendar filled by global summitry and a possible first meeting with President Trump, the stakes could not be higher for Japan’s new leader. At Japan Society, we stand ready to support her and Japan’s broader leadership in every way we can as a nonpartisan and nonpolitical not-for-profit. For while Nagatacho and Washington, DC may increasingly march to their own political drumbeats including the American government shutdown that enters its second week, New York remains a cultural and market-driven crossroads—precisely the space where Japan Society’s mission has never been more relevant. Against this backdrop of political change, what a time for seasonal change from a busy and hot summer especially in Japan—both in terms of temperatures and in politics, not to mention the World EXPO. Now with autumn upon us, it feels only fitting for cooler weather to arrive alongside a new season of leadership. This transition sets the stage for a dramatic fall in U.S.–Japan relations, especially with President Trump expected in the region for ASEAN and APEC meetings. All eyes will be on the personal chemistry between the two leaders. I believe that, either way, the new Prime Minister will enjoy an initial honeymoon period, which can only be positive for the U.S.–Japan alliance as we head into this consequential season. I am pleased to share reflections from an extraordinary season at Japan Society where once again, we find ourselves at the very center of the action—from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that just ended to the leading candidate for the Literary Nobel Prize—underscoring our unique role as a global stage here in New York where the world comes together to connect through Japan.

Japan Society at the Center of UNGA This September, we had the distinct honor of hosting Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya for what became his most important foreign policy address of his tenure. That Japan’s top diplomat chose Japan Society as the venue for his message to the world speaks volumes about our standing as a trusted convener. His remarks reflected the gravity of the moment: Japan in transition, the international system under strain, and the urgent need for steady leadership rooted in values from the G7 to Global South.   This event was not just about one speech. It was a reminder of what Japan Society has become: a place where ideas are debated, policies are shaped, and friendships are forged. In recent years, we have leaned fully into this power as a convener. With our strategic partnership with the International House of Japan (IHJ), we have introduced new thought leadership, creativity, and energy into Japan’s presence in New York. The collaboration is proving transformative—allowing us to convene conversations of consequence and to bridge the Atlantic and Pacific in new ways.

A Track Record of Global Relevance What makes this evolution even more meaningful is the consistency with which Japan Society has been at the forefront of timely, global dialogue. Over the past three years, we have brought together world leaders, innovators, and thinkers at pivotal moments:

Future Summit with Sam Altman and OpenAI: Last year, in my office, we hosted Sam Altman shortly after OpenAI opened its first overseas office in Tokyo, as part of the UN’s Future Summit. It was a timely conversation about the promise and peril of AI, with Japan and the U.S. leading the way.

G7 Health Ministers: The year before, almost all the G7 Health Ministers gathered here on our stage New York with Prime Minister Kishida, Bill Gates and many more were also on our stage, highlighting how Japan Society continues to attract the most relevant voices at the right time. Fittingly just last month, the Cabinet Secretary returned to Japan Society to reflect on that experience, reinforcing our role as a trusted space for follow-through and impact.

These are not isolated moments—they are proof of Japan Society’s growing relevance at the intersection of public and private sector engagement that our former President John D Rockefeller the 3rd encouraged us as part of the “Third Sector” to be engaged in. We are not just hosting conversations, we are shaping them, offering continuity in a world where uncertainty often disrupts dialogue.

A New Chapter in Japan’s Leadership Of course, the global landscape continues to shift. With the decision of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Japan, the country now welcomes a new Prime Minister. This leadership transition is a chance for renewed unity within the LDP, as well as an opportunity to bring fresh energy to Japan’s engagement with the world.  The timing is especially important. President Trump is expected to make his first visit to Japan of his second term this fall, positioned between the ASEAN and APEC summits in the region. Personal diplomacy will once again be in the spotlight, and Japan’s new leader will be navigating a critical moment for the U.S.–Japan alliance. Japan Society will be there to help interpret, convene, and build understanding during this consequential period.

Japan Society’s Cultural Season While global politics often grab the headlines, our core mission of connecting the American and Japanese people through culture has never felt more vital. This fall, we are especially proud to host Haruki Murakami on his first visit to New York since the pandemic. The event sold out almost instantly, a testament to his extraordinary reach and the deep appetite in the U.S. for Japanese literature and creativity.  Meanwhile, our gallery and performing arts seasons are already off to a strong start. The current exhibition by Chiharu Shiota has been met with glowing reviews, enveloping audiences in her signature immersive installations that explore memory, identity, and interconnectedness. The exhibit has already become a must-see for art lovers across the city, further elevating Japan Society’s reputation as a destination for contemporary culture.  Our performing arts programs are similarly ambitious, continuing to showcase both traditional forms and boundary-pushing new work. Together, these programs embody what Japan Society does best: bringing Japan’s vibrant creativity to New York while providing a stage for cross-cultural dialogue.

Looking Ahead As I write this, I find myself both humbled and energized. Humbled, because the challenges we face—whether geopolitical fractures, technological disruption, or cultural divides—are daunting. But energized, because I see every day how Japan Society is uniquely positioned to make a difference.  In the weeks ahead, I will be back in Japan for key gatherings, including the GZero Summit and the Mt. Fuji Dialogue. These will be opportunities to reconnect with our partners, share Japan Society’s vision for the future, and ensure that our work in New York is tied closely to the conversations and priorities in Tokyo.  At the same time, we will continue to nurture our extraordinary network of members, supporters, and friends here in the United States. From our corporate partners who make our convenings possible, to the countless individuals who attend our cultural programs, it is your engagement that sustains our mission.  Looking ahead, we are also laying the groundwork for Mirai (未来)—our vision for the future that will guide Japan Society toward its 120th anniversary in 2027. Anchored in three pillars—Next Generation Japan, Itsudemo Japanese and Global Vision. Mirai provides us with a future-oriented framework to ensure that our work remains bold, relevant, and impactful. Next Generation Japan reflects our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and cultural ambassadors; Itsudemo Japanese underscores our commitment to being available anytime from virtual classrooms to C-suites to address shared global challenges like sustainability and resilience; and Global Vision highlights the bridges we continue to build between institutions, businesses, and communities across the Pacific. Together, these pillars will shape our 120th year campaign and ensure that Japan Society not only honors its past but also charts a dynamic course for the decades ahead.

Closing

This fall, Japan Society is busier and more relevant than ever. From the UNGA stage to the pages of Murakami, from high-level policy dialogue to immersive art, we are living our mission: to connect people, culture, and society across the Pacific.  As Japan welcomes its first female Prime Minister and the New York enters a new chapter under the new Mayor, our work as a bridge between nations and societies has never been more critical. We stand ready to support our political leaders anticipate the challenges and opportunities ahead, and ensure that New York remains a trusted crossroads for dialogue when Nagatacho and Washington march to different rhythms.  And of course, nothing captures the spirit of connection better than October baseball—with our New York Yankees (barely!) and Ohtani’s Dodgers still playing, my Hokkaido Fighters taking on Orix’s Buffaloes, along with the defending champions Yokohama Baystars, Hanshin Tigers and Yomiuri Giants still in the mix. Baseball, in so many ways, remains the true unifier of the U.S.–Japan story, reminding us that beyond politics, culture and community are what bind us together most deeply.  As always, I am grateful for your support, and I look forward to seeing many of you—whether at our events in New York, or during my upcoming visit to Japan. Together, let us keep the momentum going.