Beyond the Genkan: Japan’s Strategic and Cultural Shift
In-person, Members-only
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM ET
The U.S.–Japan relationship, established eighty years ago in the aftermath of World War II, has reached a critical juncture where the foundations of the alliance no longer match the realities of the modern world. As America’s global role becomes increasingly transactional, Japan can no longer rely on the U.S. as its primary strategic partner. To navigate this shift, Japan is moving beyond the ‘Genkan’, stepping past the traditional entryway to define and act in its own national interest through a combination of soft power, cultural depth, and a long history of resilience. How should the U.S.–Japan partnership be repositioned to survive a global landscape that has changed since the alliance was born? In what ways will Japan leverage its growing global appeal and cultural influence to secure its national interests? As the relationship moves into its next chapter, how can these two old allies strengthen ties in the future?
Join us for an insightful discussion featuring Dr. Joshua Walker, President and CEO of the Japan Society on Wednesday, June 17 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM ET. Drawing on his unique perspective as a global citizen and a leader in the U.S.–Japan space, Dr. Walker will discuss his new book, Japan Beyond the Genkan, offering a path for the future of the U.S.–Japan relationship and a look at what is still to come for this essential alliance.
THIS SESSION IS FREE FOR NETWORK 20/20’s MEMBERS
NOT YET A NETWORK 20/20 MEMBER?
Apply today to enjoy all exclusive briefings with high-profile speakers
SPEAKER:
Dr. Joshua Walker
Joshua W. Walker, PhD became President & CEO of Japan Society in December 2019. Previously, he worked
at Eurasia Group, the world’s leading political risk analysis firm, where he served as global head of strategic
initiatives and Japan in the Office of the President. Prior to that, he was CEO and president of the USA
Pavilion of the 2017 World Expo in Astana, Kazakhstan; founding dean of the APCO Institute; and senior vice
president of global programs at APCO Worldwide, a leading global strategic communications firm based in
Washington, D.C. Before joining the private sector, he worked in numerous roles at various U.S. government
agencies, including the State Department and the Defense Department. He is Senior Fellow at the Center
for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, and professor of Leadership and the American presidency
at George Mason University and the Reagan Foundation. He was also Transatlantic Fellow at the German
Marshall Fund of the United States, and co-founded the Yale Journal of International Affairs. He earned a
bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond, a master’s degree from Yale University, and a doctorate
from Princeton University. Dr. Walker grew up in Japan where his parents still serve as missionaries, came to
the United States when he was 18, and is bicultural and bilingual
THIS SESSION IS FREE FOR NETWORK 20/20’s MEMBERS
NOT YET A NETWORK 20/20 MEMBER?
Apply today to enjoy all exclusive briefings with high-profile speakers
Image credit: Image by jorono from Pixabay
We are trying our best to keep our community informed about foreign affairs, and we would appreciate if you can support us to keep this virtual briefing series going. No amount is too small.
