Sedona Forum – Tokyo Agenda
January 15, 2026
The U.S.-Japan Alliance -
Advancing Freedom, Innovation and Security in Asia and Beyond
The 2026 Agenda will be announced soon.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
9:45 am – 10:00 am – Opening Remarks
- Jack McCain, Founder and CEO, McCain Advisory KK
McCain Institute Board Member - James Kondo, International House of Japan Chairman, Board of Directors
- Dr. Evelyn Farkas, Executive Director, McCain Institute
10:00 am – 11:00 am – Asian Perspectives on Global Security Challenges
Topic Description: As the Indo-Pacific becomes the epicenter of strategic competition and cooperation, understanding how Asian nations perceive and address global security challenges is more important than ever. This discussion will explore how shared democratic values and regional partnerships can support stability, deter aggression, and foster resilience in the face of growing geopolitical uncertainty. Panelists will highlight the importance of alliances in navigating today’s evolving security landscape.
- Taro Kono, Member, House of Representatives, Japan
- Holmes Liao, Senior Advisor, Taiwan Space Agency
- GEN (Ret.) Yoshihide Yoshida, former Chief of Staff, Japan Joint Staff
Moderator:
- Josh Rogin, Lead Global Security Analyst, Washington Post Intelligence
11:00 am – 12:00 pm – Technology, Energy, and the New Frontlines of National Security
Topic Description: As the global race for technological and energy dominance accelerates, national security is increasingly intertwined with advancements in AI, energy, and access to critical minerals. This panel will explore how emerging technologies—particularly artificial intelligence—are reshaping defense capabilities and energy resilience, as well as the impact of China’s growing influence in these sectors.
- Sethuraman Panchanathan, University Professor of Technology and Innovation, Foundation Chair in Computing and Augmented Intelligence, Arizona State University; Former Director National Science Foundation
- Akihisa Shiozaki, Member, House of Representatives, Japan
Moderator:
- Hiroyuki Akita, Commentator, Nikkei Inc.
12:20 pm – 1:50 pm – Lunch Discussion
- Dr. Evelyn Farkas, McCain Institute Executive Director
In Conversation with: - General David Petraeus, US Army (Ret.), former CIA Director, Partner, KKR, Chairman, KKR Global Institute, McCain Institute Board Member
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm – China, Taiwan, and the Future of Regional Stability
Topic Description: As China intensifies its pressure on Taiwan through military, economic, and political means, regional and global experts and policymakers have called for increased deterrence, diplomacy, and preparedness. The conversation will delve into the strategic analysis of Beijing and Taipei, the role of allies and partners, and how regional and global institutions might navigate an increasingly volatile security environment.
- Rui Matsukawa, Member, House of Councilors
- Satoru Mori, Professor, Keio University
- Randy Schriver, Board Chairman, Institute for Indo-Pacific Security
Moderator:
- Ota Masakatsu, Senior and Editorial Writer at Kyodo News
3:20 pm – 4:20 pm – Game Changers: How Sports and Culture Shape Diplomacy
Topic Description: As international relations grow increasingly complex, sports and culture continue to stand out as one of the world’s most powerful tools for connection. This panel explores how athletic competition, cultural exchange, and major sporting events can foster dialogue, strengthen bilateral ties, and promote mutual understanding across borders.
- Akie Abe, Chairperson, Foundation for Encouragement of Social Contribution
- Simer S. Mayo, former investor, Rajasthan Royals and co-founder of Sunny Day Sports
- Keiji Suzuki, 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist
Moderator:
- Jack McCain, Founder and CEO, McCain Advisory KK
McCain Institute Board Member
4:20 pm – 5:00 pm – A Conversation with Japan’s Finance Minister
Topic Description: This one-on-one conversation with Japan’s new Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama and McCain Institute Board Chairman Rick Davis will focus on the Finance Minister’s top priorities in the role as well as the biggest opportunities, threats, and challenges facing Japan and the region’s economic future.
- Satsuki Katayama, Minister of Finance, Japan
- Rick Davis, McCain Institute Board Chairman
5:00 pm – Closing Remarks
- Dr. Evelyn Farkas, Executive Director, McCain Institute
- Ken Jimbo, International House of Japan Managing Director, President, Asia Pacific Initiative
- Jack McCain, Founder and CEO, McCain Advisory KK
McCain Institute Board Member
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm – Dinner Reception