Japan-U.S. relations are understood to be the most important factor in Japan's foreign policy.
Interdependence in political, economic and security fields inevitably makes the two countries important to each other.
On the other hand, because of the closeness of the relationship, disputes that occur from time to time are serious, and the management of these frictions becomes crucial.
Although it is often taken for granted that each country knows the other well, often marked differences in perception and understanding between the two underscore the actual lack of understanding.
Therefore, it is important that Japan closely observe opinions and developments in the United States.
JIIA established the Center for American Studies in April 1989 in order to serve such a purpose.
The Center has been pursuing policy-oriented research on the role of the U.S. in the world and the impact of U.S. domestic politics on international affairs.
Further, the Center stresses the importance of research which is sometimes a neglected element in the effort to deepen understanding of the U.S.
In recent years, the Center has been conducting research on the following topics:
- Research on global standards and economic disparities;
- Research meeting on US foreign policy issues;
- Domestic politics in the US; and
- East Asian security symposium (SEAS)
The results of these research projects have been published (in Japanese) as the "JIIA Contemporary America Series" and titles include Human Rights and U.S.
Foreign Policy, American Society and Community, U.S. Foreign and Defense Policies after the Cold War, and America's Ethnic Groups Today.
 Reseachers |
| Research Fellow | Toshihiro NAKAYAMA |
| Adjunct Research Fellow | Toshiya HOSHINO |
| Takashi KAWAKAMI |
| Fumiaki KUBO |
| Toru NAKAKITA |
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