Strategic Dialogue
ACCJ leaders visit Washington to discuss security, economic ties, and shared challenges.
The 2026 ACCJ DC Doorknock delegates gather in front of the US Capitol.
On June 23 and 24, a delegation of nine executives representing the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) visited Washington, DC, for the chamber’s annual DC Doorknock. The trip is an important part of the ACCJ’s advocacy efforts and strengthens US–Japan relations.
ACCJ President Eric John was joined by Chairman Christopher LaFleur, Executive Director Laura Younger, members of the Board of Governors, and Japan-based chief executives and country heads of US corporations.
As the voice of global business in Japan, the ACCJ provided strategic recommendations to address critical issues impacting US companies and outlined measures to expand the strong US–Japan economic alliance.
The delegation met with members of Congress and the administration for discussions on a range of topics, including the bilateral trade agreement, Japan’s $550 billion investment pledge, and ways to shape trade and economic policy outcomes in both the United States and Japan.
While welcoming progress under the 2025 US–Japan trade agreements to expand market access, the delegation emphasized that persistent nontariff barriers continue
to impede growth and innovation. The chamber reaffirmed its support for reducing these barriers, boosting investment, and enhancing regulatory transparency to strengthen bilateral trade and create shared economic benefits.
Over two days they met with Senators Bill Hagerty and Tammy Duckworth, Representative Joaquin Castro, and officials from key US government agencies, including the Department of Commerce, the Office of the US Trade Representative, the Department of State, and others.
The ACCJ’s recommendations target six critical sectors shaping the US–Japan economic alliance: healthcare, digital economy, aerospace and defense, financial services, energy, and automotive. The ACCJ urges both governments to address remaining trade barriers in these industries to strengthen a bilateral partnership that supported $324 billion in goods and services traded in 2025.
“This year’s DC Doorknock highlighted the continued strength and momentum of the US–Japan economic partnership and provided an important opportunity for the ACCJ to advance key priorities across our advocacy focus sectors,” said John. “We were encouraged by the strong recognition throughout the US government of the strategic importance of the US–Japan relationship and by the continued progress being made to deepen investment, strengthen economic ties, and address shared challenges.”
For more about the meetings, read the official press release in English or Japanese.
