TOKYO (January 12, 2026) – The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) and the International House of Japan (I-House) today released the agenda and speaker lineup for the Sedona Forum – Tokyo taking place Thursday, January 15, 2026, in Tokyo.
The McCain Institute’s Sedona Forum, convened annually in Sedona, Arizona, is a premier policy forum that brings together leaders from the United States and around the world for candid and forward-looking discussions on global challenges. Sedona Forum – Tokyo marks the first time the forum will be held outside the United States.
“Bringing the Sedona Forum to Tokyo reflects my father’s long-held belief that Asia plays a vital role in shaping the future of security and democracy. I’m especially grateful to partner with I-House, whose shared commitment to international cooperation closely aligns with the values of the McCain Institute. The conversations at the Sedona Forum – Tokyo are meant to inspire action, forge new partnership, and strengthen our alliance,” said McCain Institute Board Member and McCain Advisory CEO Jack McCain.
The theme for the event is: “The U.S.-Japan Alliance – Advancing Freedom, Innovation and Security in Asia and Beyond.” Topics include China and Taiwan, global and economic security challenges, technology, energy, and the new frontlines of national security, sports and cultural diplomacy, and more. Participants from Japan, the United States, and across Asia will attend, including policymakers, security experts, and business leaders.
“Amid rapidly shifting global dynamics, Asia, and especially Japan, has never been more strategically important. It must remain a central focus for democratic allies as we work to strengthen security, resilience, and cooperation. We are proud to host the first global convening of the Sedona Forum in Tokyo and look forward to a day of action-oriented discussions on Japan’s vital role as a key partner in addressing shared global security challenges,” said McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas.
View the full agenda HERE.
View the full list of speakers HERE and below.
Akie Abe, Chairperson, Foundation for Encouragement of Social Contribution
Hiroyuki Akita, Commentator, Nikkei Inc.
Dr. Evelyn Farkas, Executive Director, McCain Institute
Ken Jimbo, International House of Japan Managing Director, President, Asia Pacific Initiative
Satsuki Katayama, Minister of Finance, Japan
Seiji Kihara, Member, House of Representatives, Japan
James Kondo, Chairman, International House of Japan
Taro Kono, Member, House of Representatives, Japan
Holmes Liao, Senior Advisor, Taiwan Space Agency
Ota Masakatsu, Senior and Editorial Writer at Kyodo News
Simer S. Mayo, Co-founder of Sunny Day Sports and former investor, Rajasthan Royals
Jack McCain, Founder and CEO, McCain Advisory KK, McCain Institute Board Member
Satoru Mori, Professor, Keio University
Sethuraman Panchanathan, University Professor of Technology and Innovation, Foundation Chair in Computing and Augmented Intelligence, Arizona State University; Former Director National Science Foundation
General David Petraeus, US Army (Ret.), former CIA Director, Partner, KKR, Chairman, KKR Global Institute, McCain Institute Board Member
Josh Rogin, Lead Global Security Analyst, Washington Post Intelligence
Akihisa Shiozaki, Member, House of Representatives, Japan
Randy Schriver, Board Chairman, Institute for Indo-Pacific Security
Keiji Suzuki, 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist
Gen. (Ret.) Yoshihide Yoshida, former Chief of Staff, Japan Joint Staff
Registration is required for local media to attend. To register for press coverage, email International House of Japan at [email protected] and provide your name, company name or media outlet, and coverage format. The event will not be livestreamed. A video recording will be released by the McCain Institute in the weeks following the event.