On November 14, 2022, Konrad Adenauer Foundation Japan Office, Japan-Germany Center Berlin, the Japan Institute of International Affairs, the Foreign Office of Germany, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan jointly held the German-Japanese 1.5 Track Security Dialogue in light of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and its repercussions, in Tokyo as an in-person event for the first in three years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the open symposium, Dr. Claudia Major (German Institute for International Security Affairs – SWP), Dr. Alexandra Sakaki (SWP), Ambassador Kimitake Nakamura (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan) and Associate Professor Michito Tsuruoka (Keio University) held a panel discussion on the German-Japanese cooperation at Shufu-Kaikan in Tokyo. Prof. Ken Endo (University of Tokyo) moderated the symposium. Progress on strengthening German-Japanese cooperation in the security sector and the sense of crisis was shared by the speakers. The discussions also covered how sound democracy can be nurtured and made more resilient.

Prior to the public event, a closed workshop hosted by the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA) was held earlier the same day on Chatham House rules. Ms. Rabea Brauer, Country Representative of Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation Japan Office, moderated the first session on the Russian Aggression against Ukraine and its Impact on Security Circumstances in Europe.

Mr. Paul Measer, Senior Manager, Research, Industrial and Economic Policy, BDI – Federation of German Industries, on KAS’s invitation, participated in the session on cooperation between Japan and Germany on Economic Security.

The event alternates between Germany and Japan every year.