The Research Institute for Advanced Innovation and GeoStrategy (RAIS)
Event Reports
Discussion with U.S. Congressional Staff
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On October 23, 2026, the Research Institute for Advanced Innovation and GeoStrategy (RAIS) hosted a discussion table at the International House of Japan, with staff members from U.S. congressional offices and committees, visiting Japan through the Congressional Staff Program of the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE USA).
Prof. Tomoyuki Furutani, Co-Director of RAIS, opened the session with welcome remarks, noting that RAIS hoped to discuss Japan’s challenges in technology and security from an independent perspective, distinct from both government and industry. Kyle McLain, Program Officer at RAIS, moderated the discussion.
RAIS introduced the background leading to the founding of RAIS, the work of its three research groups (AI and Security; Technology, Resources and Human Capital; and Information Warfare), and its recent symposiums and roundtables. In the Q&A session that followed, participants discussed the analysis of disinformation on social media, the importance of AI, quantum and biotechnology, defense supply chains, financing for defense startups, and AI-supported decision-making.
In the second half, the congressional staff shared recent AI-related developments on Capitol Hill, including trust in AI and third-party evaluation, technical standards, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), quantum technology and biosecurity. Participants also discussed a wide range of areas for closer U.S.–Japan cooperation, such as interoperability between the two countries’ AI safety institutes and systems for evaluation and verification.
RAIS will continue to deepen U.S.–Japan dialogue and cooperation on AI, alongside other advanced technologies and security initiatives.
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