Motivated by a rapidly changing international system and the common challenges confronted by the United States, Europe, and Japan, GMF and the Tokyo Foundation partnered to establish Trilateral Forum Tokyo in 2012. The Forum was established with the explicit purpose of bringing together policymakers, intellectuals, journalists, and business leaders from Japan, Europe, and the United States for systematic dialogue on topics of mutual interest and concern. The Forum also builds networks, increases dialogue, and facilitates cooperation and communication among participants.

Topics discussed at past iterations of Trilateral Forum Tokyo

• Democracy and the international order
• Regional security challenges
• Global trade democracy
• Economic renewal and innovation
• Disaster relief and development cooperation
• New frontiers of security cooperation between Japan, the EU, and NATO
• Nuclear non-proliferation
• Maritime security in Asia
• Cyber security
• China: trilateral approaches, convergence, or divergence
• Trilateral cooperation in the Asia-Pacific
• Climate change and energy security
• Return of geopolitical competition
• Technology and the Race to Establish Global Norms
•  Migration and Aging Society
• Demystifying Japan’s security debates

In addition to the sessions in Tokyo, study tours have been organized to Tohoku to gain an understanding of post-disaster reconstruction efforts; to Kyoto to learn of new initiatives by traditional industries that are now winning over international consumers; and to Okinawa where participants had an opportunity to learn about the complex history, culture, and challenges associated with the tiny island that hosts multiple U.S. bases including Kadena Airbase, the largest U.S. military base in Asia.