Nara MIRAI Forum: Advancing the Evolution of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” 

We are pleased to host a public forum to discuss the future prospects of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and explore its evolution in response to a rapidly changing global environment.

The year 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Japan-Australia Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (the NARA Treaty). In Nara, a place closely associated with this historic milestone, program advisors, representatives and program officers of partner organizations, and program fellows will come together to discuss key issues facing the Indo-Pacific region. Building on the research achievements and professional networks cultivated through the Japan Foundation Indo-Pacific Partnership Program (JFIPP) since 2023, they will engage in wide-ranging dialogue on Japan’s role in addressing these challenges and the future of FOIP from diverse perspectives.

Note: This event is an officially recognized commemorative project marking the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.

The Japan Foundation - Japan Foundation Indo-Pacific Partnership Program

Event Overview

Nara MIRAI Forum: Advancing the Evolution of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” 

Date & Time	Friday, November 13, 2026, 12:30 p.m - 5:15 p.m. (Doors Open at 12:00 p.m.)
Venue	Tenpyo Hall, Nara Prefectural Convention Center
Format	In-person only
Language	Japanese and English (simultaneous interpretation provided)
Admission	Free (advanced registration required)
Registration	【Public Symposium】RSVP
Registration Deadline	12:00 p.m. (JST), November 12, 2026 Please note that registration may close before the deadline if venue capacity is reached.
Supported by	Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan; Embassy of Australia in Japan; Nara Prefecture; Nara City; The Mainichi Newspapers

Agenda

12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Opening Session

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Keynote Discussion: “Current Status and Challenges of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific” 
Moderator: DODEN Aiko (Executive Vice President, the Japan Foundation) 
Panelists: 
NAKANISHI Hiroshi (Professor, Graduate School of Law, Kyoto University) 
Mireya Solís (Director, Center for Asia Policy Studies, Brookings Institution) 
Happymon Jacob (Director, Council for Strategic and Defense Research, India) 

2:05 p.m. - 3:05 p.m.

Session 1: Japan’s Role in the Indo-Pacific: Diplomacy and Economic Security
Moderator: KATADA Saori (Professor, University of California, Santa Barbara) 
Panelists: 
IKEDA Eri (Assistant Professor, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi) 
Kathryn Ibata-Arens (Vincent de Paul Professor, DePaul University) 
Pratnashree Basu (Associate Fellow, Observer Research Foundation (ORF)) 
Sam Wendfeldt (First Secretary, Regional Affairs, Australian Embassy in the Philippines) 

3:05 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Break

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Session 2: Common Challenges in the Indo-Pacific: Resilience and Environmental Issues
Moderator: Gretchen Alther (Leadership Program Senior Manager, East-West Center)
Panelists: 
Robert Mizo (Assistant Professor, University of Delhi) 
Robin Takashi Lewis (Representative Director, Social Innovation Japan) 
Mere Bainimarama (Principal Environment Officer, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Fiji) 
Franzisca Doser (Regional Welfare Manager, Wellington Region Emergency Management Office) 

4:35 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Reflection Session 
“Free and Open Indo-Pacific” – Opportunities for the Future
Presenter: TSUTSUI Kiyoteru (Director, the Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (APARC), Stanford University)

Speaker