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A DPJ delegation led by President Banri Kaieda visited Washington D.C., staying in the United States from April 7 to 9. On April 8, President Kaieda gave a speech entitled ‘Perspectives on Japanese Politics and the Future of the U.S.-Japan Alliance’ at the Brookings Institution.
On April 7, the delegation met with Scot Marciel, Acting Assistant Secretary of State, Senator Mazie Hirono, Co-Chair of the Congressional Study Group on Japan, and on April 8, with Christine Fox, Acting Deputy Secretary of Defense, Congressman Steve Chabot, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, Senator Benjamin Cardin, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Co-Chair of the Congressional Study Group on Japan.
At the start of the various meetings, Kaieda explained his purpose in visiting the United States on this occasion, saying, “As a result of the general election held two years ago, the DPJ has been consigned to opposition, but we are determined to regain the reins of power in the near future. Our relationship with the United States is the most important one for the national security of Japan, and so we, as senior members of the DPJ leadership, have paid a visit to the United States.” He went on, “In particular, the peace and stability of East Asia are extremely important and from that perspective also our alliance with the United States is a vital one. We have some differences of opinion regarding territorial matters with the Republic of Korea and China, but we have no intention of just keeping on inflaming the confrontations between us on historical issues, and we would like to work to improve our relations.” He continued, “We believe that there is a role for the DPJ to play within Japan’s mature democracy.”
During the meetings, the delegation engaged in a frank and meaningful exchange of opinions regarding a whole variety of issues, including the U.S.’s rebalancing policy, the TPP, the situation in East Asia, economic policy, and the political participation of women.
The DPJ delegation, in addition to Kaieda, consisted of Standing Officers Council Chair Masayuki Naoshima, Executive Office Director-General Satoshi Arai, Vice Secretary General Shuhei Kishimoto and International Department Vice Director-General Motohiro Oono.
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