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Prospects for the Future of the U.S.-Japan Science and Technology Relationship

Erik Jacobs

Hyogo, 2013-2016

This article demonstrates the significance of U.S.-Japan collaboration across the space, science, and technology sectors. It offers an overview of U.S.-Japan science and technology (S&T) relations over the years, showing how the relationship has grown from its formalization in 1988 to include policy coordination on issues like research and development (R&D) projects and space exploration as well as top-level cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and quantum information science. This article identifies opportunities to expand the U.S.-Japan S&T relationship to address strategic questions and regional issues such as China’s technological rise and shows how deep U.S.-Japan cooperation on S&T issues benefit society beyond the national security policy space, including expanded soft power and a larger innovation sector in both countries. The author draws on his experience in science and technology policymaking and his knowledge of the U.S.-Japan relationship to offer a unique perspective on this important track of the U.S.-Japan relationship.

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About the Author

Erik M. Jacobs taught English in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher on the Japan Exchange Teaching (JET) Program from 2013 to 2016 in the coastal city of Kobe-shi, Hyogo Prefecture. After returning from Japan, Erik received an MA in Asian Studies from Georgetown University and has been involved in the U.S.-Japan relationship in various government roles. He served as the project manager for the ministerial level 14th Joint High-Level Committee Meeting on Science and Technology Cooperation Between the U.S. and Japan at the White House and also worked on two Vice Presidential visits to Japan in 2018. Erik holds a BA in Political Science from Temple University with a concentration in Japanese and was a study abroad student at Temple University, Japan Campus in Tokyo during the March 11, 2011, Great Tohoku Earthquake.

About the JETs on Japan Forum

The JETs on Japan Forum is a partnership between USJETAA and Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA (Sasakawa USA) that features selected articles of JET alumni perspectives on U.S.-Japan relations. The series aims to elevate the awareness and visibility of JET alumni working across diverse sectors and provides a platform for JET alumni to contribute to deeper understanding of U.S.-Japan relations from their fields. The articles will be posted on USJETAA’s website to serve as resource to the wider JET alumni and U.S.-Japan communities on how alumni of this exchange program are continuing to serve as informal ambassadors in U.S.-Japan relations.

Submissions are encouraged from mid-to-senior level professionals who are established in the current fields OR current/recent graduate degree students in both masters and doctoral programs. Click here for more information on how to submit a proposal for consideration.