Capitol Discourse

EventsAdvocacy

May 29

ACCJ leaders visit Washington to better understand the road ahead.

From left: ACCJ External Affairs Manager for US Government Affairs Joey Vetter, Executive Director Laura Younger, President Victor Osumi, Japanese Ambassador to the United States Shigeo Yamada, and ACCJ Chairman Christopher LaFleur

Dialogue is the cornerstone of effective advocacy, and staying in touch with what is happening in Washington is essential for the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) to effectively support its members and the wider business community.

On April 23 and 24, ACCJ President Victor Osumi, Chairman Christopher LaFleur, and Executive Director Laura Younger visited the US capital to meet with members of the administration.

The delegation also met with Japanese Ambassador to the United States Shigeo Yamada and officials from the Embassy of Japan and visited external organizations, including:

The Department of Commerce
The Office of the US Trade Representative
The Department of the Treasury
The National Security Council
The Heritage Foundation
The American Enterprise Institute
The America First Policy Institute
The US Chamber of Commerce
McLarty Associates

A range of issues were discussed, including the US administration’s core priorities in trade negotiations with Japan and the ACCJ’s recent feedback to the U.S. Trade Representative suggesting that a reduction of non-tariff trade barriers would be an effective way to promote sustainable growth.

“We met with several key stakeholders on the ground in Washington who are encouraged by the continued strong investment in both our nations, across numerous industries,” said Osumi. “Japan is a vital US partner in the Indo–Pacific region, offering significant opportunities for US businesses. This enduring alliance drives productive economic dialogue between our two countries. The ACCJ will continue to advocate for policies that advance the most important bilateral partnership in the world amid a period of rapid change.”