Day 7:
Fri. Oct. 10, 2025
Tokyo
Location: United Nations University (UNU), Tokyo
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Presentations & panel discussions with distinguished leaders and innovators from the U.S. and Japan — spanning government, business, and design
- The Japan-United States Leadership Summit will take place at United Nations University (UNU) near Omotesando and Shibuya Stations in Tokyo. UNU is a global think tank and postgraduate research institution that focuses on critical global challenges such as sustainability, peace, and development. As the academic arm of the UN, UNU is headquartered in Tokyo and operates 13 institutes across 12 countries, fostering international collaboration and policy innovation.
- Minami Aoyama is a stylish and sophisticated district, known for its upscale boutiques, contemporary art galleries, and trendy cafes. Omotesando features iconic architecture, luxury shopping, and fine dining. This dynamic setting United Nations University provides an inspiring backdrop for the summit.
United Nations University
Day 7:
Fri. Oct. 10, 2025
Japan-United States Leadership Summit
Location: United Nations University (UNU), Tokyo
Host: UNU Rector Dr. Tshilidzi Marwala
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM:
- Opening Plenary: UNU RectorDr. Tshilidzi Marwala (Tentative Topic: The Role of AI in Sustainable Cities)
- Keynote Speakers: World-renowned architects Shigeru Ban and Paul Tange
- Tribute to Sustainable Architect: Kisho Kurokawa
- County & city Initiatives: Featuring presentations by county & city representatives from California & Japan.
- Sayonara reception at U.S. Ambassador’s residence or UNU (TBA)
Host: United Nations University Rector
Dr. Tshilidzi Marwala
Day 7:
Fri. Oct. 10, 2025
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike
- Tokyo's First Female Governor: Elected Governor in 2016 and re-elected in 2020 and 2024
- Former House of Representatives Committee on Budget Director
- Former Liberal Democratic Party General Council Chairperson
- Former Minister of Defense
- Former Special Advisor to the Prime Minister for National Security Affairs
- Former Minister of the Environment and Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs
- Former Minister of the Environment
- Cairo University BA in Sociology
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike
Day 7:
Fri. Oct. 10, 2025
Keynote Speaker: Award-winning architect Paul Tange
Award-winning architect Paul Noritaka Tange graduated from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design in 1985. As the son of Kenzo Tange—one of the most world-renowned architects of the 20th century—Paul was exposed to architecture and design from a very young age. He developed his father’s passion for architecture and joined Kenzo Tange Associates, his father’s firm, where he later became president in 1997.
He has since founded his own architectural firm, Tange Associates, and risen to international prominence, designing buildings across Asia and the United States, including the Tokyo Aquatics Center for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
His father, Kenzo Tange, designed many of Tokyo’s most iconic buildings, including Tocho (the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building) and the United Nations University building.
Day 7:
Fri. Oct. 10, 2025
Tribute
Award-Winning Architect Dr. Kisho Kurokawa (1934-2007)
Dr. Kisho Kurokawa (1934–2007) was a globally acclaimed architect, humanitarian, and environmentalist. The Japanese architect, who was a student of Kenzo Tange, led the “Metabolism Movement” and made his world debut in 1960. At age 26, he advocated a shift from the “machine principle” to the “life principle” in his literary work and architectural designs, focusing on themes such as ecology, recycling, and intermediate space. His theory of “Symbiosis” became globally renowned through his book, Each One A Hero: The Philosophy of Symbiosis.
He designed three pavilions at Osaka’s futuristic World Expo 1970: the Capsule House Theme Pavilion, the Takara Beautilion Pavilion, and the Toshiba-IHI Pavilion. His major works can be found throughout the world, including the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia, the National Art Center in Tokyo’s posh Roppongi district, the new wing of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Toyota Stadium built for the 2002 World Cup, the Astana Master Plan for the New Capital of Kazakhstan, and the Eco-Media City Project Plan for Zhengzhou City, China.
In addition to his work in architecture, Dr. Kurokawa sat on numerous governmental advisory boards in Japan, China, and Kazakhstan.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport Malaysia
The National Art Center, Tokyo, Japan
New Wing of the Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam, Netherlands
