This month, USSC hosted the latest cohort of Japan-Australia Dialogue and Exchange for the Next Generation (JADE) fellows in Australia from 18-22 August. USSC and the Japan Foundation have expanded the network ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation between Australia and Japan. The cohort travelled from Melbourne to Canberra and Sydney and held meetings with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Defence, the Embassy of Japan and multiple businesses and think tanks.

This year’s theme is Free and Open Indo Pacific, and the Japanese fellows’ interests include deterrence, trade, economic security and the Pacific islands.

Melbourne

The trip began from Melbourne. The delegation attended Nikkei Forum 2025 where USSC’s CEO Dr Michael Green delivered a keynote speech and joined a panel discussing how Japan and Australia can navigate geopolitical fragmentation and uncertainty. The fellows networked with senior executives from the governments and businesses at the event.

The JADE fellows also had a roundtable meeting with La Trobe Asia to discuss Australia-Japan strategic relations and each fellow’s research topics.

Canberra

The delegation then moved to Canberra and had meetings with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Defence, Minerals Council of Australia, Australian Strategic Policy Institute and the Embassy of Japan. The Japanese delegation also met the Canberra-based Australian JADE fellows.

Sydney

The delegation’s last stop was Sydney. USSC hosted a roundtable meeting and a networking reception. While Sydney experienced the wettest August in 27 years, the delegation still had a delightful time. To experience an Australian culture, they tried using a public barbecue at the University of Sydney.

The Australian fellows will go to Tokyo from 27 to 31 October 2025.