Japan-U.S. relations are facing many challenges today. In order to cope with them, leadership from Congress continues to be indispensable. The Congressional Study Group on Japan has helped U.S. Congress Members to deepen their understanding of our bilateral relations as well as situations in Asia-Pacific. We regard its work very highly. We hope to enhance our cooperation even further in the coming years."
His Excellency Ichiro Fujisaki, Ambassador of Japan to the United States
Congressional Study Group on Japan
The U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress established the CSGJ in cooperation with the East-West Center to provide Members of Congress and Congressional staff an informal, and bipartisan forum for the analysis and study of policy options on major issues facing the U.S.-Japan alliance. The CSGJ also provides opportunities for Members of Congress to meet with their counterparts in the Japanese tradition of candid discussions on key issues facing both the United States and Japan.
The Congressional Study Group on Japan consists of periodic roundtable discussions on Capitol Hill for Members of Congress and features visiting dignitaries from Japan.
Current Members of Congress from both political ideologies chair the CSGJ in a bipartisan manner. The 2010 Chairmen of the Congressional Study Group on Japan in the House of Representatives are Rep. Shelley Capito (R-WV) and Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA). In the Senate, Senators Jim Webb (D-VA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) serve as Co-Chairmen.
CSGJ’s activities are made possible by a grant from the U.S.-Japan Friendship Commission, an independent federal agency.