Since March 2026, the International House of Japan has been sending Yuichi Yoshida to the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in South Korea as the inaugural LEAP Overseas Fellow. 

Research Activities, Symposium Participation, and External Outreach

July and August were two months dedicated to advancing our research and participating in and presenting at numerous symposia.

First, regarding our research activities, at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, we have been collaborating on the writing of an “Asan Commentary” addressing the debate over constitutional amendment in Japan and Japan-South Korea relations, which is scheduled to be published in Korean on the Asan Institute’s website at a later date.

In July, he attended Professor Carlo Massara’s public lecture, “If Russia Wins: Lessons from Europe,” as well as the international forum “Culture Future Report: Growth and Security in the Era of the Superintelligence Revolution,” hosted by the Munhwa Ilbo, , and the 34th “Northeast Asia Cooperation Dialogue (NEACD),” among other events. On August 11, he spoke at a symposium on North Korea co-hosted by Korea University’s Interdisciplinary Institute for Unification Studies (IIUS) and the U.S.-ROK-Japan Trilateral Next-Gen Study Group. He organized and presented his analysis of Japanese society’s perceptions of North Korea and unification along three temporal axes: the generation of his grandfather and father, the next generation, and the generation following that.

Expanding the Next-Generation and Expert Networks Among Japan, the U.S. and South Korea

The scope of fellows’ activities has expanded significantly from a framework focused on young talent to include mid-career professionals and experts. He was selected as a participant for this year’s “Young Trilateral Leaders (YTL) Summit,” held in Honolulu in August. The summit provided an opportunity to discuss trilateral cooperation centered on key technologies such as AI, semiconductors, and undersea cables, thereby deepening relations among the three countries. He is also preparing to participate in the “Trilateral Experts in Security Program (TES),” supported by the U.S. Department of State and others, as well as the NCAFP’s “Next-Generation Korean Peninsula Specialists Program.” Leveraging the professional network he built through YTL, he is expanding his activities to research specific policy issues—such as the protection of critical and emerging technologies and supply chain security—through frameworks like TES.

Participation in the Press Conference on the Japan-Korea Joint Opinion Poll

On August 24, a press conference on the Japan-Korea Joint Opinion Poll was held in Seoul, co-hosted by the Institute of East Asian Studies. He attended the event and supported Ken Jimbo (Executive Director), who made a presentation on behalf of the IHJ. Understanding the survey results – including mutual impressions between Japan and Korea, perceptions of security, and views on China and Taiwan – as well as contributing to the projects carried out by IHJ are important aspects of the fellows’ activities.

Life in South Korea and Understanding of Society and Culture

For fellows, in addition to research activities at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies and participation in external meetings, time spent deepening their understanding of South Korean society and culture is also essential. In addition to continuing to study the Korean language, they explore neighborhoods such as Itaewon and Sinchon and experience everyday culture while dining with friends. They also actively set aside time to gain a multidimensional understanding of Korean society that goes beyond work-related discussions, such as exchanging candid opinions on history and North Korean issues as individuals.

We will continue to bring you updates from our fellows.

What is a LEAP Overseas Fellow?

LEAP Program is a people-to-people exchange program of the International House of Japan. It aims to strengthen relations between neighbouring countries at the grassroots level and promote peace in East Asia, centred on the themes of ‘peace, reconciliation and mutual understanding’. LEAP Program consists of three fellowship programs, and as of September 2026, the LEAP Overseas Fellowship Program is being implemented in South Korea.

＜Reference＞

・About LEAP Overseas Fellow：https://program.ihj.global/programs/leap-fellowship/

International House of Japan Appoints Yuichi Yoshida as Inaugural LEAP Fellow; Activities Commence at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul