"Track 2 / Track 1.5 Dialogues: Policy and Strategic Discussions"
Leveraging its position as a university-based think tank, ROLES takes the lead in proactively creating forums for the exchange of views between experts and government officials—often referred to as “Track 2” or “1.5”.
ROLES organizes international conferences, workshops, seminars, and lectures of various scales, bringing together participants and offering perspectives previously not shared widely in Japan. Through both open and closed discussions, ROLES accelorates exchanges of views and essencial information on international issues—information indispensable to policy-making in both the public and private sectors in Japan—while also opening channels to convey Japan’s position to the appropriate stakeholders in other countries. Our goal is to contribute to, underpin, and provide support for Japanese diplomacy from the university.
A distinctive feature of ROLES’ international conferences resides in its unique model: rather than merely inviting overseas experts to Tokyo or hosting their visits here, we actively organize delegations to travel to strategically important countries and regions overseas, where we host conferences by inviting high-level policy experts from the host country and surrounding regions.
Our particular strength lies in the Islamic world, which spans from Southeast Asia to Africa with the Middle East and West Asia at the core.
As the inaugural event in ROLES’ series of international conferences, a delegation was sent to Istanbul in September 2023. The delegation completed an intensive schedule that included two lectures in Istanbul, visits to numerous research institutions, companies, and foundations, a closed-door international conference with experts in Ankara, and visits to and exchanges of views with major government-affiliated think tanks.
From fiscal year 2024 to fiscal year 2025, in collaboration with the Center for Strategic Studies (CSS) at the University of Jordan and the Levant Strategic Studies Center (LSC), ROLES launched the “Japan-Middle East Strategic Dialogue” and “Aqaba Forum for Security and Strategy,” both tentatively set in location in Amman, Jordan.
ROLES established these as regular events, bringing together leading policy analysts from Middle Eastern countries, with Japanse government officials participating as observers. As informal channels for discussion between Japan and Middle Eastern countries, the “Japan-Middle East Strategic Dialogue” and the “Aqaba Forum for Security and Strategy” will continue to evolve.
ROLES established these as regular events, bringing together leading policy analysts from Middle Eastern countries, with Japanse government officials participating as observers. As informal channels for discussion between Japan and Middle Eastern countries, the “Japan-Middle East Strategic Dialogue” and the “Aqaba Forum for Security and Strategy” will continue to evolve.
In September 2026, ROLES plan to bring together the series of international conferences launched by ROLES and, in cooperation with universities, research institutions, foundations, and companies in Japan and Istanbul, host and co-host the “Istanbul Strategic Dialogue Series,” where researchers, senior government officials, and business leaders from various countries will gather in Istanbul to analyze the regional situation in the Middle East.
In the Gulf region—which holds pivotal strategic importance within the broader Indo-Pacific—we have established a relationship with TRENDS Research & Advisory, a leading think tank based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This partnership has enabled us to host the organization’s 2024 annual conference at the University of Tokyo’s Komaba Research Campus and to organize a meeting on cutting-edge scientific and technological cooperation in AI and space at TRENDS’ headquarters in Abu Dhabi in December 2025.
ROLES is becoming established as a venue for visits, meetings, and public lectures when dignitaries, researchers, and business leaders from various countries visit Japan, and is beginning to build a track record of providing a platform for agenda-setting from a Track 2 perspective.
On June 9, 2026, ROLES invited Malaysian Prime Minister H.E. Anwar Ibrahim to the University of Tokyo’s Hongo Campus, where he held a roundtable discussion with the University of Tokyo President and others, followed by a public lecture at the Ito Memorial Hall.
Prime Minister Anwar’s lecture at the University of Tokyo can be seen as a byproduct of the 1st and 2nd rounds of “Strategic Dialogue Retreat,” which worked as preparatory meetings for the Prime Minister's UTokyo Speech.
We have also advocated for international conferences that engage with the unique international political contexts within Japan, particularly in areas out of the Greater Tokyo area.
One such initiative is the “East China Sea Dialogue Forum,” which connects Japan, Okinawa, and Taiwan. Following the trilateral meeting between Japan, Okinawa, and Taiwan held in Tokyo in 2024, ROLES organized a meeting in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture in 2025 to facilitate dialogue among researchers and media representatives on historical perceptions. By inviting researchers, senior government officials, and business leaders from various countries to these international conferences, ROLES has establishing the “East China Sea Dialogue Forum” as a platform that provides the networks and shared understanding necessary for Japan to strategically engage in and help shape discussions on peace, stability, and the formation of regional order.
One such initiative is the “East China Sea Dialogue Forum,” which connects Japan, Okinawa, and Taiwan. Following the trilateral meeting between Japan, Okinawa, and Taiwan held in Tokyo in 2024, ROLES organized a meeting in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture in 2025 to facilitate dialogue among researchers and media representatives on historical perceptions. By inviting researchers, senior government officials, and business leaders from various countries to these international conferences, ROLES has establishing the “East China Sea Dialogue Forum” as a platform that provides the networks and shared understanding necessary for Japan to strategically engage in and help shape discussions on peace, stability, and the formation of regional order.
Activity records
2026.06.26 (Fri.)
News
Announcements
Lecture on former Prime Minister ASHIDA Hitoshi Featuring his Days in Istanbul in the Interwar Period
2026.06.18 (Thu.)
News
Publications and Reports
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Delivered a Special Lecture at UTokyo on June 9
2026.06.11 (Thu.)
News
Announcements
Visit by IIUM Delegation Led by Datuk Dr. Osman Bakar
2026.06.05 (Fri.)
News
Announcements
Participation and Consultation in the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue (UBD 2026)
2026.05.22 (Fri.)
News
Announcements
The 2nd Starategic Dialogue Retreat in Putrajaya
2026.05.18 (Mon.)
News
Announcements
Visit and Workshop by Abu Dhabi-Based IGSDA led by Dr. Sayed Ghoneim
2026.05.14 (Thu.)
News
Announcements
Visit by Qatari CIPR delegation and Discussion on the Gulf Emergency
2026.05.14 (Thu.)
News
Announcements
Visit and Book Launch by Mr. Mohammed Soliman, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute(MEI)
2026.04.22 (Wed.)
News
Announcements
Visit and talk by Dr. Seyed Ali Alavi, Co-Chair of the Centre for Iranian Studies of SOAS
2026.03.19 (Thu.)
News
Announcements
A Courtesy Call by Dr. Karim Haggag of SIPRI to ROLES
2026.02.24 (Tue.)
News
Announcements
The Cyberview Strategic Dialogue Retreat (SDR) launched
2026.02.04 (Wed.)
News
Announcements
Visit by Dr. Zaid Eyadat, President of the LSC (Levant Strategic Centre) and Professor of the University of Jordan
2026.01.27 (Tue.)
News
Announcements
Japan and the Middle East: a seminar at the Centre for Geopolitics of the University of Cambridge
2025.11.03 (Mon.)
News
Publications and Reports
Participation in the “Japan–Qatar Dialogue” Hosted by Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s Global Institute for Strategic Research (HBKU-GISR)
2025.10.30 (Thu.)
News
Announcements
Visit by Mr. Mohammed Baharoon, Director General of Dubai Public Policy Research Cenre (b'huth)
2025.07.30 (Wed.)
News
Announcements
The 1st Aqaba Forum for Security and Strategy
2024.05.13 (Mon.)
News
Announcements
The 1st Japan-Middle East Strategic Dialogue held in Amman, Jordan
2023.06.19 (Mon.)
News
Announcements
CEO of the TRENDS Research and Advisory (UAE) visited ROLES
Members
IKEUCHI, Satoshi
Founding Chair of ROLES and Professor of Religion and Global Security of RCAST of the University of Tokyo
Satoshi Ikeuchi is Professor of the Division of Religion and Global Security at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) of the University of Tokyo. He is the founding chairperson of the RCAST Open Laboratory for Emergence Strategies (ROLES).
He is a scholar on Islamic political thought and the Middle East politics. As a leading public intellectual in Japan, he has been vigorously publishing on the Middle East and Islamic affairs.
His first publication based on his doctoral studies, Gendai Arabu-no Shakai Shiso: Shumatsuron-to Isramu-shugi (Contemporary Arab Social Thought: Eschatology and Islamism), was published in 2002 and earned Osaragi Jiro Prize for Critical Works. He also earned Suntory Prize for Social Sciences and Humanities in 2009 for his book Islamu Sekai-no Ronjikata (Methods of Discussing Islam).
His book on the Islamic State Isulamu Koku no Shogeki (The Impact of the Islamic State) published in January 2015 was a nation-wide best seller in Japan and awarded Mainichi Publishing Cultural Prize. His recent publication includes Saikusu Piko Kyotei: Hyakunen no Jubaku (Sykes-Picot Agreement: One Hundred Years of Obsession) in 2016 and Shiiaha to Sunniha (Shite and Sunnite) in 2018 both published from Shinchosha. He is the recipient of the 12th Nakasone Yasuhiro Prize in 2016 for his academic works and social engagements.
His collection of literary essays and book reviews Shomotsu not Unmei (The Fate of Books) published in 2006 and earned Mainichi Book Review Award for the year.
He was a visiting professor at the Alexandria University 2007-2008, Japan Scholar chair visiting scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in 2009 and Visiting Fellow at the Clare Hall, University of Cambridge in 2010.
For the year 2022-2023, he was Senior Visiting Scholar in Residence at the Moshe Dayan Center (MDC) for Middle Eastern and African Studies of Tel Aviv University. He was also affiliated with the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) as a Senior Visiting Fellow on July 2023.
Satoshi Ikeuchi is Professor of the Division of Religion and Global Security at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) of the University of Tokyo. He is the founding chairperson of the RCAST Open Laboratory for Emergence Strategies (ROLES).
He is a scholar on Islamic political thought and the Middle East politics. As a leading public intellectual in Japan, he has been vigorously publishing on the Middle East and Islamic affairs.
His first publication based on his doctoral studies, Gendai Arabu-no Shakai Shiso: Shumatsuron-to Isramu-shugi (Contemporary Arab Social Thought: Eschatology and Islamism), was published in 2002 and earned Osaragi Jiro Prize for Critical Works. He also earned Suntory Prize for Social Sciences and Humanities in 2009 for his book Islamu Sekai-no Ronjikata (Methods of Discussing Islam).
His book on the Islamic State Isulamu Koku no Shogeki (The Impact of the Islamic State) published in January 2015 was a nation-wide best seller in Japan and awarded Mainichi Publishing Cultural Prize. His recent publication includes Saikusu Piko Kyotei: Hyakunen no Jubaku (Sykes-Picot Agreement: One Hundred Years of Obsession) in 2016 and Shiiaha to Sunniha (Shite and Sunnite) in 2018 both published from Shinchosha. He is the recipient of the 12th Nakasone Yasuhiro Prize in 2016 for his academic works and social engagements.
His collection of literary essays and book reviews Shomotsu not Unmei (The Fate of Books) published in 2006 and earned Mainichi Book Review Award for the year.
He was a visiting professor at the Alexandria University 2007-2008, Japan Scholar chair visiting scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in 2009 and Visiting Fellow at the Clare Hall, University of Cambridge in 2010.
For the year 2022-2023, he was Senior Visiting Scholar in Residence at the Moshe Dayan Center (MDC) for Middle Eastern and African Studies of Tel Aviv University. He was also affiliated with the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) as a Senior Visiting Fellow on July 2023.
IWAMA, Yoko
Professor, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies GRIPS)
Senior Associte Member of ROLES
Yoko Iwama is Professor of National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS). She is also the director of Security and Strategy Program (SSP) at GRIPS.
Senior Associte Member of ROLES
Yoko Iwama is Professor of National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS). She is also the director of Security and Strategy Program (SSP) at GRIPS.
Born in Kobe in year 1964, she graduated from Kyoto University in 1986 and earned her PhD in Law at the University. She was a student at the Free University of Berlin between 1989-1991.
Having served as Special Assistant of the Japanese Embassy in Germany (1998–2000), she joined GRIPS in 2000 and was appointed Professor in 2009. She is single with two children. Her specialty is international security and European diplomatic history centering on NATO, Germany, and nuclear strategy including nuclear sharing. She has served on numerous government committees and is a regular contributor to major newspapers.
Her publications include John Baylis and Yoko Iwama (eds.) Joining the Non-Proliferation Treaty: Deterrence, Non-Proliferation and the American Alliance, (Routledge 2018); Pascal Lottaz and Yoko Iwama (eds.) Neutral Europe and the Creation of the Nonproliferation Regime:1958-1968 (Routledge, 2024); Yoko Iwama (ed.) The Realities of Nuclear Sharing: NATO’s Experience and Japan (Shinzansha, 2023 in Japanese). She received the 2022 Inoki
Masamichi Prize of Japan Society for Security Studies for her book, The 1968 Global Nuclear Order and West Germany (Yuhikaku, 2021 in Japanese).
KAWASHIMA, Shin
Professor, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo
Senior Associate Member of ROLES
Shin Kawashima is the professor of the Department of International Relations, the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, the University of Tokyo.
His research covers Chinese/Taiwanese diplomatic history and the contemporary international relations in East Asia. His first book, Formation of Chinese Modern Diplomacy (2004) was awarded the Suntory Academic Prize in 2004. He received Foreign Minister’s Award in 2023.
Aside from his academic positions, he is involved in policy think tanks, including Nakasone Peace Institute (NPI) as Executive Director of Research. and JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development as Visiting Fellow. He is Senior Associate Member of ROLES and has been committed to ROLES activities since its establishment in 2020 as a group leader of several research groups on China, Eurasia and the Indo-Pacific.
He earned his Ph.D. in Literature from Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, the University of Tokyo in 2000. He was an associate professor at Hokkaido University (1998-2006) and at the University of Tokyo (2006-2015), and then as professor in 2015.
Senior Associate Member of ROLES
Shin Kawashima is the professor of the Department of International Relations, the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, the University of Tokyo.
His research covers Chinese/Taiwanese diplomatic history and the contemporary international relations in East Asia. His first book, Formation of Chinese Modern Diplomacy (2004) was awarded the Suntory Academic Prize in 2004. He received Foreign Minister’s Award in 2023.
Aside from his academic positions, he is involved in policy think tanks, including Nakasone Peace Institute (NPI) as Executive Director of Research. and JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development as Visiting Fellow. He is Senior Associate Member of ROLES and has been committed to ROLES activities since its establishment in 2020 as a group leader of several research groups on China, Eurasia and the Indo-Pacific.
He earned his Ph.D. in Literature from Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, the University of Tokyo in 2000. He was an associate professor at Hokkaido University (1998-2006) and at the University of Tokyo (2006-2015), and then as professor in 2015.
He was engaged in education and research at Institute of Modern History, Academia Sinica (Taipei), Beijing Center for Japanese Studies, Peking University, National Chengchi University (Taipei), and Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.
He is Visiting Professor at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies (Nichibunken) appointed in 2026.
Selected recent publications and commentaries in English
Yuka Tsuchiya Moriguchi, Shin Kawashima, Somei Kobayashi eds., Knowledge Production In Cold War Asia: US Hegemony and Local Agency, Indian University Press, 2025.
Ryosei Kokubun, Yoshihide Soeya, Akio Takahara, Shin Kawashima, Japan–China Relations. in the Modern Era, Routledge, 2017.
Shin Kawashima, “The Evolution of Japanese Perceptions of China since 1945”,
Asia Pacific Review, 2023, 30(2), pp. 148-166.
Shin Kawashima, “War in Ukraine from China’s Perspective: Limited Options for State that Cannot Reject Existing Policies”, Asia Pacific Review, 2022, 29(2), pp. 35–55
Shin Kawashima, “Taiwan and International Relations in the Western Pacific”, in Kitaoka. Shinichi, eds., A Western Pacific Union: Japan’s New Geopolitical Technology, Japan Publishing Industry Foundation for Culture, 2023, p. 372-405.
Shin Kawashima, “Historical Policy of the Xi Jinping Administration: Four Histories and “Ma Project”, Asia Pacific Review, vol.28-2, pp.57-76
Shin Kawashima, “Chinese New Terminology: “World Order” and “International Order”, in. Axel Berkofsky and Giulia Sciorati eds., Mapping China’s Global Future: Playing Ball or Rocking the Boat?, ISPI Report, p.37-49.
Shin Kawashima, “Xi Jinping’s Diplomatic Philosophy and Vision for International Order: Continuity and Change from the Hu Jintao Era”, Asia Pacific Review, Volume 26, 2019, pp. 121-145.
Shin Kawashima’s articles published at Think China (Singapore online media)
https://www.thinkchina.sg/shinkawashima (Shin Kawashima’s page)
Shin Kawashima’s articles published at The Diplomat (Australian online media)
https://thediplomat.com/search?gcse=shin+kawashima (Shin Kawashima’s articles)
Shin Kawashima’s articles published at Discuss Japan (Japanese online media)
https://www.japanpolicyforum.jp/?s=shin+kawashima&submit=Search
(Shin Kawashima’s articles)
Shin Kawashima’s articles published at nippon.com (Japanese online media)
https://www.nippon.com/en/search.html?s=shin%20kawashima
(Shin Kawashima’s articles)
Shin Kawashima’s articles published at East Asian Forum (online media)
https://www.eastasiaforum.org/index.php?s=shin+kawashima
(Shin Kawashima’s articles)
MURATA, Koji
Professor, Faculty of Law Department of Political Science, Doshisha University
Visiting Senior Fellow of RCAST of the University of Tokyo
ROLES Senior Associate Member
He was Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Law, Doshisha University (October 2000 – April 2005) and then Professor (April 2005 – present). He served as Dean of the Faculty of Law of Doshisha University (April 2011 – March 2013) and President of Doshisha University (April 2013 – March 2016).
[日本語 Japanese]
Visiting Senior Fellow of RCAST of the University of Tokyo
ROLES Senior Associate Member
He was Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Law, Doshisha University (October 2000 – April 2005) and then Professor (April 2005 – present). He served as Dean of the Faculty of Law of Doshisha University (April 2011 – March 2013) and President of Doshisha University (April 2013 – March 2016).
[日本語 Japanese]
SHINODA, Hideaki
Professor, Graduate School of Global Studies, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
Director, Hiroshima Peacebuilders Center (HPC)
Visiting Senior Research Fellow, RCAST of the University of Tokyo
ROLES Senior Associate Member
Education:
PhD in International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), University of London, UK (1998), MA in Political Science, Waseda University, Japan (1993), BA, Waseda University, Japan (1991).
Director, Hiroshima Peacebuilders Center (HPC)
Visiting Senior Research Fellow, RCAST of the University of Tokyo
ROLES Senior Associate Member
Education:
PhD in International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), University of London, UK (1998), MA in Political Science, Waseda University, Japan (1993), BA, Waseda University, Japan (1991).
Professional Positions:
After working as a part-time teacher at LSE and Keele University, he took a research fellow position at the Institute for Peace Science of Hiroshima University, where he became Associate Professor. Then, he took the current position at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies in 2013. He has been a visiting scholar at the Lauterpacht Research Centre for International Law, Cambridge University (2000) and at the Center for the Study of Human Rights, Columbia University (2002). He was Visiting Professional at the International Criminal Court (2017).
After working as a part-time teacher at LSE and Keele University, he took a research fellow position at the Institute for Peace Science of Hiroshima University, where he became Associate Professor. Then, he took the current position at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies in 2013. He has been a visiting scholar at the Lauterpacht Research Centre for International Law, Cambridge University (2000) and at the Center for the Study of Human Rights, Columbia University (2002). He was Visiting Professional at the International Criminal Court (2017).
Publications:
He is the author of many books and articles including Partnership Peace Operations: UN and Regional Organizations in Multiple Layers of International Security (Routledge, 2024). He has received academic awards including Osaragi Jiro Rondan Award of Asahi Newspaper (2003), Suntory Academic Award (2012), Yomiuri Yoshino Sakuzo Award of Yomiuri Newspaper (2017).
He is the author of many books and articles including Partnership Peace Operations: UN and Regional Organizations in Multiple Layers of International Security (Routledge, 2024). He has received academic awards including Osaragi Jiro Rondan Award of Asahi Newspaper (2003), Suntory Academic Award (2012), Yomiuri Yoshino Sakuzo Award of Yomiuri Newspaper (2017).
IMAI, Kohei
Research Fellow, Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization
KUNISUE, Norito
Project Professor
TSUJITA, Toshiya
Visiting Senior Research Fellow
Associate Professor, Center for the Study of Co* Design, Osaka University
Dr. Toshiya Tsujita is Associate Professor, Center for the Study of Co* Design, Osaka University, concurrently a Visiting Senior Fellow at RCAST.
He was a Project Research Associate/Adjunct Assistant Professor at the RCAST of the University of Tokyo from 2021-2022, working for ROLES, particularly on projects regarding Israel and the international security in the Middle East.
Associate Professor, Center for the Study of Co* Design, Osaka University
Dr. Toshiya Tsujita is Associate Professor, Center for the Study of Co* Design, Osaka University, concurrently a Visiting Senior Fellow at RCAST.
He was a Project Research Associate/Adjunct Assistant Professor at the RCAST of the University of Tokyo from 2021-2022, working for ROLES, particularly on projects regarding Israel and the international security in the Middle East.
KOBAYASHI, Hiroyuki
Project Researcher of RCAST, University of Tokyo
UCHIDA, Shu
Project Researcher of RCAST, University of Tokyo
Ph.D. in International Public Policy (Osaka University)
-Non-Resident Senior Research Fellow, Oxford Geopolitics Initiative, based in the University of Oxford
-Refugee Examination Counsellor, Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Ministry of Justice
Specialized in international relations, conflict studies, European & former Soviet studies.
Dr. Shu Uchida Joined the University of Tokyo RCAST as a project researcher after diverse professional experiences in diplomacy and academia, including service as an Attaché at the Embassy of Japan in Georgia; a Short-Term Observer for an OSCE/ODIHR mission; a Visiting Fellow at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, Harvard University; a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow of the European Union at the Centro de Estudos Sociais, Universidade de Coimbra; and an Assistant Professor at the Organization for Regional and Inter-regional Studies, Waseda University.
online CV is available here
Ph.D. in International Public Policy (Osaka University)
-Non-Resident Senior Research Fellow, Oxford Geopolitics Initiative, based in the University of Oxford
-Refugee Examination Counsellor, Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Ministry of Justice
Specialized in international relations, conflict studies, European & former Soviet studies.
Dr. Shu Uchida Joined the University of Tokyo RCAST as a project researcher after diverse professional experiences in diplomacy and academia, including service as an Attaché at the Embassy of Japan in Georgia; a Short-Term Observer for an OSCE/ODIHR mission; a Visiting Fellow at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, Harvard University; a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow of the European Union at the Centro de Estudos Sociais, Universidade de Coimbra; and an Assistant Professor at the Organization for Regional and Inter-regional Studies, Waseda University.
online CV is available here
MIYAJIMA, Akio
Senior Advisor of ROLES
Advisor of Division of Religion and Global Security, RCAST of the University of Tokyo
Akio Miyajima is a former diplomat who was Japanese Ambassador to Turkey and Ambassador to Poland.
Born in Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture, he graduated from Waseda University's Faculty of Political Science and Economics. He entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in 1981 and served there until October 2024. He holds a M.A. degree in International Relations from Yale University.
Advisor of Division of Religion and Global Security, RCAST of the University of Tokyo
Akio Miyajima is a former diplomat who was Japanese Ambassador to Turkey and Ambassador to Poland.
Born in Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture, he graduated from Waseda University's Faculty of Political Science and Economics. He entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in 1981 and served there until October 2024. He holds a M.A. degree in International Relations from Yale University.
He has held a series of posts addressing successive challenges and opportunities of Japan's foreign affairs, including Director of Oceania Division (July 1999 – November 2001), Director of First North America Division (November 2001 - August 2003), Counsellor (August 2003 – January 2005) and Minister of the Embassy of Japan at the Republic of Korea (January 2005 – January 2007), Minister of the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations (January 2007 - January 2011), Deputy Director-General of Foreign Policy Bureau and Ambassador in charge of UN Affairs (January 2011 - January 2013), Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of Japan in Great Britain (February 2013 - July 2014).
He was Special Advisor to the Governor on International Affairs at Tokyo Metropolitan Government (July 2014 – February 2016) while Tokyo was preparing to host the 2020 Olympic Games.
He was Special Advisor to the Governor on International Affairs at Tokyo Metropolitan Government (July 2014 – February 2016) while Tokyo was preparing to host the 2020 Olympic Games.
After taking up the post of Director-General of International Peace Cooperation Headquarters at the Cabinet Office (February 2016 - August 2017), he became Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Turkey (August 2017 - October 2020) and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Poland (November 2020 - October 2024) where he was faced with the Russian aggression on Ukraine in February 2022 and met the surprise visit of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Ukraine in March 2023.
He is Advisor of Division of Religion and Global Security of the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) of the University of Tokyo. He is concurrently Senior Advisor to RCAST Open Laboratory for Emergence Strategies (ROLES) since July 2025.
[日本語 Japanese]
TOYODA, Kohei
Associate Member of ROLES
Associated Researcher of RCAST, University of Tokyo
Working Group 2 on Middle Eastern and Islamic Alternatives
Associated Researcher of RCAST, University of Tokyo
Working Group 2 on Middle Eastern and Islamic Alternatives
Working Group 5 on Indo-Pacific Transport Security (Assistant Coordinator)
Sub-Working Group 2 on Tabletop Exercises (Assistant Coordinator)
Twitter: @toyodadesuyo
Twitter: @toyodadesuyo
ABE, Toshiya
Visiting Research Fellow of RCAST
Senior Associate Member of ROLES
Senior Associate Member of ROLES
NAGAI, Yosuke
Associate Member of ROLES
Associated Researcher of RCAST, The University of Tokyo
Visiting Fellow, The Strategy, Statecraft, and Technology (Changing Character of War) Centre (SST-CCW), The University of Oxford
Areas of Expertise:
Associated Researcher of RCAST, The University of Tokyo
Visiting Fellow, The Strategy, Statecraft, and Technology (Changing Character of War) Centre (SST-CCW), The University of Oxford
Areas of Expertise:
Conflict Resolution, Countering Violent Extremism, Peacebuilding, Frontline Negotiations, Strategic Dialogue
Dr. Yosuke Nagai is the Executive Director of Accept International, and Founder of the Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants. Since 2011, he has dedicated himself to implementing deradicalization, reintegration, and rehabilitation programs for disengaged combatants of non-state armed groups worldwide, and also actively fostered dialogue and reconciliation in some countries. Dr. Nagai holds a PhD in Social Science from Waseda University and a Master’s degree in Conflict Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science, has served as a visiting fellow at the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, currently serves as a visiting fellow at the University of Oxford, and is a member of a Youth Advisory Board, an Expert Group Meeting, and a Technical Working Group within various UN agencies.
Publication
Nagai, Yosuke (2025) “Unique Potential of Youth Associated with Non-State Armed Groups (YANSAG): Case in Indonesia and the Philippines”, Peacebuilding in Southeast Asia, Springer, Forthcoming
Harper, Erica & Nagai, Yosuke (2024) “Unpacking the Climate Migration Extremism Nexus Mapping the Coping Strategies of Kenyan Pastoralists,” Research Brief, 4, pp.1-16.
Nagai, Yosuke & Harper, Erica (2023) “Youths Associated with Non-State Armed Groups: A New Perspective to Youths in Armed conflicts with Non-State Armed Groups,” Academy Briefing, Vol 23, pp.1-25.
Nagai, Yosuke (2023) My life towards armed conflicts and terrorism: the ambitious challenge from Japan to overcoming the chain of hatred in the world, Shogakan, Tokyo, Japan.
Nagai, Yosuke & Maeda, Kanu (2021) “PRACTICE-BASED EVIDENCE AND BEYOND: A CASE OF VIOLENT EXTREMIST OFFENDER CORRECTION IN A CONFLICT ZONE,” Advancing Corrections Journal, #11, pp.170-180.
Nagai, Yosuke (2021) “Reintegration of Al-Shabaab’s Defectors in Somalia: An Examination of Conditions for Successful Reintegration,” Peace and Conflict Studies, Volume 27, Number 3, pp.1-34.
Nagai, Yosuke (2021) “Re-Thinking the Role of Civil Society in the Problematic Ongoing Process of Post-Conflict Reconstruction,” Peace Studies Journal, Volume 14, Issue 1, pp.65-77.
Nagai, Yosuke (2020) “A Critical Analysis of ‘Security-Development’ Nexus: United Nations, Peacekeeping Operations, and Peacebuilding Framework,” NUST Journal of International Peace & Stability, 3 (1), pp.1-12.
Nagai, Yosuke (2017) I’m 13 years old and my mission is suicide bombing, Godo Press, Tokyo, Japan
Nagai, Yosuke (2016) We are talking with Somalia gangs about dream, Eiji Press, Tokyo, Japan.
SHIGENOI, Koki
Associate Member of ROLES
Associated Researcher of RCAST, The University of Tokyo
Visiting Researcher, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Information Studies, The University of Tokyo
Visiting Research Fellow, Institute of Geoeconomics (IOG)
Areas of Expertise:
Associated Researcher of RCAST, The University of Tokyo
Visiting Researcher, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Information Studies, The University of Tokyo
Visiting Research Fellow, Institute of Geoeconomics (IOG)
Areas of Expertise:
International Politics
Islamic Political Thought
Economic Security
Prior to join UTokyo III-GSII, Koki Shigenoi held several research position include Al Jazeera Centre for Studies (2018-19), College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (2018-19), Intelligence and Analysis Services at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (2019-20), Asia-Pacific Department at Konrad Adenauer Foundation (2020-21), National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) (2022-23), Graduate School of Public Policy at The University of Tokyo (UTokyo GraSPP) (2023-24).
Edited Volume
· Japan's Role for Southeast Asia Amidst the Great Power Competition: and its Implication to the EU-Japan Partnership. Hanoi: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, 2022.
Publication
· “Evaluating the effect of military intervention on rebel governance in terms of disaggregated human security.” (with Wakako Maekawa) Small Wars & Insurgencies 33/6 (2022): 1059-1084.
· “Strangeness and Strangers: An Annotated Translation and Introduction to Shāṭibī’s Iʿtiṣām.” [in Japanese] (with Nozomi Tajima) Journal of Global Studies 11 (2020): 339-372.
· “Strangeness and Strangers: A Translation and Introduction of a Hadīth Commentary on ‘Blessed Are the Strangers’ from Ibn Qayyim's Madārij al-Sālikīn.” [in Japanese] Journal of Global Studies 10 (2019): 191-225.
· “Strangeness and Strangers: Translation and Bibliographical Introduction on the Hadith Commentary Essay from “Majmūʿah al-Fatāwā” on “Blessed Are the Strangers” by Ibn Taymīyah.” [in Japanese] Journal of Global Studies 8 (2017): 177-204.
MISC.
· “The New Geopolitics of the Middle East (Part 3 & 4) : Shifts in Regional Dynamics 2001-2023.” [in Japanese] Foresight. February 16, 2025.
· “The New Geopolitics of the Middle East (Part 1 & 2) : Syrian Revolution and Geopolitical Setback for Russia and Iran.” [in Japanese] Foresight. December 28, 2024.
· “Small Yard, High Fence.” The Berlin Pulse 2023/2024. pp. 16-17.
· “Economic Zeitenwende? Lessons from Japan’s Economic Security Policy.” 49 security. December 2022.
· “Japan’s Chinese lesson: diversifying only production is not enough.” (with Aya Adachi) Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS). November 2022.
· “Beyond Indo-Pacific, Toward Great Power Competition: German Indo-Pacific Engagement Under the New Government.” (with Kikyo Taguchi) Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. March 2022.
· “The Geo-economics of US-China Relations: What Does it Mean for ASEAN?” (with David Merkle) Diplomatic Briefing 4. February 2022. pp. 24-28.
Seyed Ali Alavi
Assistant Professor of SOAS, University of London
Co-Chair of the Centre for Iranian Studies of SOAS
Senior Associate Member of ROLES
Dr Seyed Ali Alavi is currently Assistant Professor of the College of Humanities of the SOAS, University of London and Co-Chair of the Centre for Iranian Studies of SOAS. He has devoted himsdelf to the rigorous exploration of Middle East Studies and Global Foreign Policy Analysis.
Dr Seyed Ali leads the MA Iranian Studies programme, a distinguished course of study uniquely available through the School of Languages, Cultures, and Linguistics at SOAS.
He is also teaching modules of a wide variety of topics at SOAS, such as Remapping Area Studies in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, alongside other courses on Iran: History, Culture, and Politics, Palestine Studies, and Decolonising Otherness.
For details, please see his biography, profile and published works on the SOAS website.
[日本語 Japanese]
Co-Chair of the Centre for Iranian Studies of SOAS
Senior Associate Member of ROLES
Dr Seyed Ali Alavi is currently Assistant Professor of the College of Humanities of the SOAS, University of London and Co-Chair of the Centre for Iranian Studies of SOAS. He has devoted himsdelf to the rigorous exploration of Middle East Studies and Global Foreign Policy Analysis.
Dr Seyed Ali leads the MA Iranian Studies programme, a distinguished course of study uniquely available through the School of Languages, Cultures, and Linguistics at SOAS.
He is also teaching modules of a wide variety of topics at SOAS, such as Remapping Area Studies in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, alongside other courses on Iran: History, Culture, and Politics, Palestine Studies, and Decolonising Otherness.
For details, please see his biography, profile and published works on the SOAS website.
[日本語 Japanese]
Mohammed Soliman
Director at McLarty Associates
Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute
Senior Associate Member of ROLES
Mohammed Soliman is a director at McLarty Associates and a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. A trained engineer, Mr. Soliman works on strategic and policy issues at the intersection of technology, artificial intelligence, finance, and energy in emerging markets. He is the author of West Asia: A New American Grand Strategy in the Middle East (Polity Press, 2026). Soliman also serves as a non-resident senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and a visiting fellow with the National Security Program at Third Way. On X: @thisissoliman
[日本語 Japanese]
Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute
Senior Associate Member of ROLES
Mohammed Soliman is a director at McLarty Associates and a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. A trained engineer, Mr. Soliman works on strategic and policy issues at the intersection of technology, artificial intelligence, finance, and energy in emerging markets. He is the author of West Asia: A New American Grand Strategy in the Middle East (Polity Press, 2026). Soliman also serves as a non-resident senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and a visiting fellow with the National Security Program at Third Way. On X: @thisissoliman
[日本語 Japanese]
Umid MAHMUDOV, Ph.D.
Rector of Diplomat University,
Doctor of Political Science
Fields of expertise: International Relations, International Politics, Central Asian Studies, Japan–Central Asia Relations, and Uzbekistan’s Foreign Policy
[Short Bio]
Umid Mahmudov is a prominent Uzbek political scientist specializing in international relations, international politics, and Central Asian studies. After graduating from the Tashkent State Institute of Oriental Studies, he completed his master’s and doctoral studies at Hosei University in Japan, where he earned a doctorate in political science.
His research focuses on Japan’s post-Cold War policy toward Central Asia, the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue, the role of Russia and China in Japan’s Central Asia diplomacy, the conceptual transformation of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy, and the evolving structure of the Eurasian international order. He has held teaching and research positions at Hosei University, Tama University, the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, and the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan.
He currently serves as Rector of Diplomat University, where he contributes to the training of highly qualified specialists in diplomacy and international relations, the advancement of international academic cooperation, and the strengthening of intellectual ties between Japan and Central Asia.
[日本語 Japanese]
Doctor of Political Science
Fields of expertise: International Relations, International Politics, Central Asian Studies, Japan–Central Asia Relations, and Uzbekistan’s Foreign Policy
[Short Bio]
Umid Mahmudov is a prominent Uzbek political scientist specializing in international relations, international politics, and Central Asian studies. After graduating from the Tashkent State Institute of Oriental Studies, he completed his master’s and doctoral studies at Hosei University in Japan, where he earned a doctorate in political science.
His research focuses on Japan’s post-Cold War policy toward Central Asia, the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue, the role of Russia and China in Japan’s Central Asia diplomacy, the conceptual transformation of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy, and the evolving structure of the Eurasian international order. He has held teaching and research positions at Hosei University, Tama University, the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, and the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan.
He currently serves as Rector of Diplomat University, where he contributes to the training of highly qualified specialists in diplomacy and international relations, the advancement of international academic cooperation, and the strengthening of intellectual ties between Japan and Central Asia.
[日本語 Japanese]
DELAMOTTE, Guibourg
Professor of Political Science at the French Institute of Oriental Studies (Inalco)
Visiting Senior Research Fellow, RCAST of the University of Tokyo
ROLES Senior Associate Member
Areas of Expertise:
Security and International Relations in Asia
Japanese Foreign and Defense Policies
Japanese Internal Politics and Political System
Guibourg was a Visiting Associate Professor at the Tokyo College of the University of Tokyo, from October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. Her in-person stay in Tokyo was from July to August 2022 and she gave an intensive lecture course at the Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP) of the University of Tokyo in early August.
Guibourg was Visiting Fellow of the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) of the University of Tokyo during her visit to Tokyo and participated in research activities and education at the Division of Religion and Global Security of RCAST and in particular ROLES (RCAST Open Laboratory for Emergence Strategies).
Since 2023, as a Full Professor at Inalco, she is concurrently Visiting Senior Research Fellow of RCAST and Associate Research Fellow of Tokyo College.
Her latest books are:
Le Japon, un leader discret - Eyrolles, 2023.
La Democratie au Japon, singuliere et universelle - ENS Ed. 2022.
The Abe Legacy. How Japan has been shaped by Abe Shinzo (coed. J. Brown, R. Dujarric) - Lexington, 2021.
Geopolitique et geoeconomie du monde contemporain. Puissance et conflits (coed. C. Tellenne) - La Decouverte, 2021.
Visiting Senior Research Fellow, RCAST of the University of Tokyo
ROLES Senior Associate Member
Areas of Expertise:
Security and International Relations in Asia
Japanese Foreign and Defense Policies
Japanese Internal Politics and Political System
Guibourg was a Visiting Associate Professor at the Tokyo College of the University of Tokyo, from October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. Her in-person stay in Tokyo was from July to August 2022 and she gave an intensive lecture course at the Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP) of the University of Tokyo in early August.
Guibourg was Visiting Fellow of the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) of the University of Tokyo during her visit to Tokyo and participated in research activities and education at the Division of Religion and Global Security of RCAST and in particular ROLES (RCAST Open Laboratory for Emergence Strategies).
Since 2023, as a Full Professor at Inalco, she is concurrently Visiting Senior Research Fellow of RCAST and Associate Research Fellow of Tokyo College.
Her latest books are:
Le Japon, un leader discret - Eyrolles, 2023.
La Democratie au Japon, singuliere et universelle - ENS Ed. 2022.
The Abe Legacy. How Japan has been shaped by Abe Shinzo (coed. J. Brown, R. Dujarric) - Lexington, 2021.
Geopolitique et geoeconomie du monde contemporain. Puissance et conflits (coed. C. Tellenne) - La Decouverte, 2021.
NAKAMURA, Masaki
Professor, Nagoya University of Economics
Areas of specialization: Mongolian constitutional history, comparative law, and legal history
Areas of specialization: Mongolian constitutional history, comparative law, and legal history
Publications
