Adam P. Liff

On November 3, I had the pleasure of having dinner at The Uptown Café in Bloomington, Indiana, with Dean John D. Ciorciari of the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies and Professor Adam P. Liff, founding Director of the 21st Century Japan Politics & Society Initiative at Indiana University Bloomington. During our dinner, we discussed trends in U.S. political science and area studies. I learned that the field increasingly emphasizes rigorous methodological training—including quantitative and analytical approaches alongside theoretical contributions—and the importance of cultivating specialists in Japanese studies, particularly in the Midwest. Looking ahead, I look forward to continuing these conversations to build bridges between U.S. and Japan studies while fostering interdisciplinary learning, hands-on research, and global engagement.

On November 3, I had the privilege of returning to Indiana University Bloomington, 34 years after studying at IU Law School. It was a special homecoming to engage with students, faculty, and the community. I am deeply grateful to Professor Adam Liff for the invitation and for organizing the 21st Century Japan Politics & Society Initiative Special VIP Speaker Event on “U.S.–Japan Relations & Japan’s Midwest Connections.” During my presentation, I discussed the recent Japan–U.S. Summit in Tokyo and President Trump’s visit, highlighting key discussions on the alliance, security, economic cooperation, a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, and the broader international situation. The two leaders agreed to strengthen the Japan–U.S. alliance by enhancing the alliance’s deterrence and response capabilities. They also signed documents reaffirming efforts to advance the Japan–U.S. tariff agreement, promote economic growth, and deepen collaboration on critical minerals, rare earths, AI, shipbuilding, and resource supply chains. Japan remains America’s No. 1 foreign investor for six consecutive years, with $800 billion invested and nearly 1 million jobs created nationwide — including $55 billion in the Midwest. Indiana stands out with 320 Japanese companies employing 71,000 Hoosiers, including Honda, Subaru, and Toyota. Building trust through economic ties must be a two-way process. Indiana’s exports to Japan highlight this reciprocal relationship: Japan supplies $6.2 billion in imports and receives $3.3 billion in exports. Pharmaceutical exports have more than doubled in five years to $1.7 billion, and car exports surged over 1,600% to $76 million last year. Japan is also Indiana’s third-largest agricultural market, purchasing over $125 million in 2024 — including $9 million each in soybeans and corn (second-largest market for both), $100,000 in beef, and more than $77 million in pork, making Japan the top destination for Hoosier pork. Beyond economics, I reflected on the rich historical and cultural ties between Japan and Indiana — from John Ing bringing Indiana apples to Hirosaki, Aomori in 1874, to early student exchanges, and today’s vibrant educational programs. Sister City partnerships, Japanese language programs in schools and universities, and organizations like JASI continue to build lasting connections and foster collaboration at the grassroots level. It was inspiring to meet students and faculty dedicated to the next generation of leaders in Japan–U.S. relations. Programs like 21JPSI are vital for nurturing future scholars, strengthening cultural, educational, and economic bonds, and ensuring the continued growth of the enduring partnership between Japan, the Midwest, and Indiana.

On Nov. 3, I had the privilege of meeting with the outstanding faculty of IU Bloomington’s EALC Dept., including Adam P. Liff, Professor of East Asian Int’l Relations and Founding Director of the 21st Century Japan Politics & Society Initiative; Prof. Chien‑Jer Charles Lin, James & Noriko Gines Dept. Chair; Morten Oxenboell, Assoc. Prof. in Japanese Studies and Director of the East Asian Studies Center; Assoc. Prof. Jae DiBello Takeuchi, Japanese Language Program Coordinator; Asst. Prof. Hilary Holbrow; Senior Lecturer Yasuko Akiyama; and Assoc. Prof. Fumi Arakawa of the Dept. of Anthropology. I was inspired by their passion, interdisciplinary expertise, and commitment to fostering a nuanced understanding of Japan and East Asia. Learning about current trends among international students and Japanese course enrollment highlighted the growing global interest in the field. I look forward to future collaborations that advance cross‑cultural understanding, support innovative scholarship, and empower the next generation of leaders in East Asian studies.

On Nov. 3, I had the great privilege of visiting Indiana University Bloomington and meeting Chancellor David A. Reingold, with Professor Adam Liff, Director of the 21st Century Japan Politics & Society Initiative (21JPSI) at the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, in attendance. Chancellor Reingold’s visionary leadership—demonstrated through his career advancing programs that connect liberal arts and technology, promote civic literacy, and foster global engagement—is truly inspiring. His guidance is already helping shape IU Bloomington’s future in scholarship, student success, and global collaboration. IU’s long-standing ties with Japan—dating back to Takekuma Okada, the first international student to graduate from a graduate program in IU history (M.A., 1891)—reflect a rich history of academic exchange and collaboration. Over the years, IU has welcomed thousands of alumni from Japan, and today Japanese language and Japan-related studies remain among the most active programs on campus. I look forward to IU Bloomington thriving under Chancellor Reingold’s leadership, expanding student and faculty exchange programs with Japan, and deepening international research, education, and cultural partnerships. #IndianaUniversity #Leadership #IU #Japan #GlobalPartnership