As his tenure as U.S. Secretary of State draws to a close, Antony J. Blinken paid a final visit to Japan on January 7, 2025, where he delivered a heartfelt reflection on the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance. Speaking at the Kantei in Tokyo, Blinken highlighted the significant strides both countries have made in strengthening their partnership over the past four years and reaffirmed the lasting importance of the bilateral relationship.
A Strong Partnership Built on Shared Values
In his remarks, Blinken opened by expressing deep gratitude for the unwavering cooperation he has received from his Japanese counterparts, including Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi. He credited Japan’s friendship and partnership as key drivers of progress in the alliance, emphasizing that President Biden’s directive to re-energize U.S. alliances has been clearly exemplified in the evolving relationship with Japan.
“When I took this job, the first instruction President Biden gave me was to do everything possible to rejuvenate our alliances,” Blinken remarked. “It’s no accident that my first trip as Secretary of State was to Japan, and now my last trip brings me back here. This speaks to the centrality of our relationship.”
The Secretary noted that the U.S.-Japan alliance has developed from a bilateral focus to a broader, global partnership. Initially centered on issues directly between the two nations, the relationship has grown to encompass regional and global cooperation, with Japan playing a pivotal role in promoting peace, security, and progress.
Achievements in Security, Economics, and Global Partnerships
Blinken pointed to the many areas where U.S. and Japan have made remarkable strides. The two countries have worked together to modernize security arrangements, including joint defense initiatives and defense industrial cooperation. These efforts are designed to strengthen the alliance’s deterrence capabilities and ensure both nations are better prepared for emerging security challenges.
Economically, Blinken highlighted the deep interconnectedness between the U.S. and Japanese economies. “We are the largest investors in each other’s economies,” he said, citing collaboration on building resilient supply chains, ensuring critical minerals security, and shaping global standards on issues such as artificial intelligence.
In the broader Indo-Pacific region and beyond, Blinken noted that the U.S. and Japan have led the way in building new networks of partners. Notable initiatives include the trilateral relationships between the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, as well as the Quad partnership, which includes India and Australia. These networks are designed to tackle shared global challenges and are integral to Japan and the United States’ vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Standing Together on Global Security Challenges
One of the most striking examples of the alliance’s growth came in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Blinken lauded Japan for being one of the first countries to voice strong support for Ukraine and to stand firm against Russia’s aggression. He commended Japan’s leadership, noting that the country recognized that the Russian invasion was not only an attack on Ukraine but also on the core principles of international law, such as sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Japan’s voice, Japan’s leadership in standing up for those principles has made a huge difference,” Blinken stated.
As both nations confront an increasingly complex global security environment, Blinken emphasized the indivisibility of global security and the necessity for like-minded democracies to stand together in defense of common values.
A Legacy of Friendship and Partnership
Reflecting on the last four years, Blinken emphasized that the strength of the U.S.-Japan relationship is rooted not only in shared interests and values but also in a deep friendship. “What we’ve built together is something exceptional,” Blinken remarked. “It transcends any one leader, any one government, any one administration.”
This sentiment was echoed by U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, who joined Blinken at the press conference. Emanuel spoke about the transformation of the alliance, noting that while the focus for the past three decades was primarily on alliance protection, today it has shifted to alliance projection. This means projecting shared values and interests globally, whether in security, diplomacy, or trade.
“The United States and Japan stand shoulder-to-shoulder, see eye-to-eye, and work hand-in-hand to solve problems,” Emanuel said. “This alliance is not just about treaty obligations; it’s about friendship, and when you have that, you can do invincible things.”
Confidence in the Future
Looking forward, Blinken expressed great confidence in the future of the U.S.-Japan alliance. “In a time of rising global challenges, the ability of like-minded countries to cooperate is more important than ever,” he said. “Japan and the United States are leading the way, and I am confident this partnership will continue to thrive for many years to come.”
The U.S.-Japan alliance, Blinken concluded, is stronger than it has ever been and is poised to remain a linchpin of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and across the globe.
As Blinken wrapped up his remarks, he reiterated his thanks to the people of Japan for their support and friendship, acknowledging the historically deep and dynamic relationship between the two nations.
“Together, we are not just allies. We are friends—and that is what makes us truly strong,” Blinken said.
With this final visit to Japan, Blinken’s tenure as Secretary of State has underscored the importance of long-term, people-to-people partnerships and the enduring value of global alliances that stand up for shared ideals.