Advancing Dialogue

ACCJ leaders make their most extensive post-pandemic Washington visit.

A delegation of seven leaders from the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) traveled to Washington, DC in December for the 2025 DC Doorknock. The visit carried forward momentum from April’s DC recon trip and reinforced the chamber’s sustained engagement with US policymakers. Representing the digital, aerospace and defense, energy, and finance, sectors, the group carried a unified message that reflected both recent progress and the work that still lies ahead in the bilateral economic relationship.

Over two days, the delegation completed one of the most comprehensive DC schedules the ACCJ has executed in recent years. Meetings included four US senators and senior officials at the Departments of Commerce, Treasury, and State, as well as the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and other key agencies. These conversations allowed the ACCJ to reaffirm support for the administration’s recent achievements, including the US–Japan trade agreement and the successful Japan summit, while underscoring persistent nontariff barriers detailed in the ACCJ’s recent submissions to the USTR.

ACCJ President Victor Osumi noted the significance of this year’s program. “The Doorknock is one of our most important advocacy tools because it gives us direct insight into US priorities while allowing us to elevate the voice of American business in Japan,” he said. “This year’s meetings showed real momentum, and I left Washington encouraged by how open officials were to our ideas and how eager they were for continued dialogue.”

A central theme throughout the visit was the shift in Washington from dealmaking to execution. Officials emphasized that implementation is still in its early stages and encouraged the ACCJ and its member companies to play a role in proactively identifying opportunities for investment in the two nations. They also highlighted ongoing efforts to build secure supply chains for critical minerals and emerging technologies, and expressed interest in supporting member companies in advancing these goals.

There was additionally broad interest in Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and how her premiership may shape the next stage of US–Japan relations. The delegation returned to Tokyo with a clear mandate to continue driving member priorities during this important period of transition.