Proactive Agenda
The USJBC is focused on increasing opportunities for U.S. companies in Japan as Japan undertakes structural reform and further open its economy. There are significant changes taking place, and great potential for U.S. companies to work collaboratively with Japanese companies and both governments to support changes in the Japanese business environment in high-value areas such as health care, financial services, digital technology, and energy and infrastructure.
Diverse Membership
USJBC members range across agribusiness, consumer product, health care, manufacturing, transportation, technology, and financial industries. Accordingly, the USJBC addresses industry-specific concerns as well as broader trade, investment, tax, regulatory, and other issues affecting U.S. companies in Japan.
Unique Japan Connection
Globally competitive Japanese companies increasingly share U.S. views on reforms needed in Japan, and it is generally easier to get things done with Japanese partners. The USJBC is the only U.S.-Japan business organization with a strong institutional relationship with a Japanese counterpart group, the Japan-U.S. Business Council (JUBC), which is comprised of major Japanese companies.
Direct Access to Policy Formation
The USJBC is recognized by the U.S. and Japanese governments as a leader on bilateral economic issues and both actively seek USJBC input and engagement. Member companies get regular and early access to the government, as the governments use the USJBC as the first stop for business input.
Networking Opportunities
Relationships still matter in Japan. By engaging with a new generation of U.S. and Japanese executives and leaders, USJBC members can expand business networks while addressing issues facing their companies in Japan, the U.S. and Asia.
Japan – Asia
Japan is a key player in the Asia-Pacific through its trade, investment and Official Development Assistance (ODA) efforts. USJBC companies can connect with Japanese industry and government to help shape transparent trade rules, standards and regulations in this dynamic region.
USJBC Activities
Annual U.S. - Japan Business Conference: The annual conference convenes senior U.S. and Japanese executives to address priority trade and investment issues and engage with U.S. and Japanese government officials. This year’s conference will be held at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Washington, D.C. on October 12-13, 2022. The Joint Statement issued at the conference will provide detailed policy recommendations to both governments in priority areas. Last year, the Joint Statement was delivered directly to the Prime Minister of Japan.
Joint Staff Meetings: Working-level personnel from U.S. and Japanese companies work together on issues of common concern, providing opportunities for USJBC members to find areas of alignment with Japanese companies. Current Working Groups include Digital Economy; Energy & Infrastructure; Financial Services; Healthcare Innovation; and Travel, Tourism, & Transportation.
Targeted Advocacy and Outreach: Washington and Tokyo “door knocks” for USJBC members to convey USJBC priorities and concerns to senior government officials; principal and working-level meetings with U.S. and Japanese government officials; annual policy statement to communicate USJBC views to both governments; White Papers, targeted letters, and direct advocacy on specific concerns of member companies.