Consular Office of Japan in Anchorage Hosts 2026 Online Arctic Symposium
2026/1/29
Gov. Dunleavy
Representative Nick Begich
State Representative Robyn Frier
Ambassador Katsuhiko Takahashi
On January 14 and 15, 2026 the Consular Office of Japan in Anchorage hosted the Online Arctic Symposium: Current Status and Prospects of Japan-US cooperation in the Arctic.
The Symposium started with opening remarks from Head Consul Kiyohiko Hamada, focusing on the vital role Alaska plays in fostering collaborative research projects and trade with Japan. The Ambassador of Japan for International Economic and Arctic Affairs, Women, Peace, and Security Katsuhiko Takahashi, gave his opening remarks ensuring Japan’s continued commitment to the Arctic by means of scientific cooperation. US Representative for Alaska Nick Begich was kind enough to send opening remarks through pre-recorded videos, emphasizing the importance of the Alaska LNG project. Day One featured topics on Japan-US bilateral cooperation in the Arctic, the state of security in the region, and the latest in research efforts between Japan and the United States.
Commissioner Designee John Crowther with the Department of Natural Resources opened Day Two highlighting various mineral projects present throughout the state. Day Two featured exciting topics on the role of critical minerals and mining for Alaska’s export market to countries like Japan, and Alaska’s potential as a supplier of liquified natural gas to Japan. Each topic was followed by a question-and-answer session that allowed for intriguing discussions.
The Consular Office of Japan in Anchorage is hopeful the Online Arctic Symposium will continue to play a role in encouraging new joint research projects and business ventures between Japan and Alaska. Thank you to all the presenters and attendees for your kind contributions to making another successful Symposium!
In case you missed any of the days from our Online Arctic Symposium in January, we were fortunate to have some of our speakers share their presentations as below.
Opening Remarks from Ambassador Katsuhiko Takahashi
Ambassador Katsuhiko Takahashi, Ambassador Extraordinary, Plenipotentiary for Arctic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Japan)
Video Message from Alaska Rep. Nick Begich
Representative Begich
Emergin Factors in Allied Arctic Security and Defense
Randy “Church” Kee, Maj Gen, USAF (Ret), Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies
Mr. Craig L. Fleener, Deputy Director, Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies
Arctic Shipping & Qilak Update
Hon. Mead Treadwell, Former Lt. Governor
Security Considerations: Growing Capabilities, Growing Cooperation
Mr. Loren A. Johnson, Director’s Actiona Group, J2. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command
Shared Japan-U.S. Research
Dr. Hajo Eicken, Director, International Arctic Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Arctic Research Vessel (ARV) Mirai II
Takashi Kikuchi, JAMSTEC
Studying Changes in Coastal Environment in Greenland with Local Community
Professor Shin Sugiyama, Director, Arctic Research Center, Hokkaido University
Alaska’s Abundant Natural Resources
John Crowther, Commissioner Designee, State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources
Time, Distance, and Resources in the Arctic
Director Ruaro Ruaro, Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority
Alaska as the Arctic Hub of Critical Mineral Innovation
Dr. Lee Ann Munk, Director Alaska Critical Minerals Collaborative, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Geophysical Institute
Graphite One Project Update
Mike Schaffner, Sr. V.P. of Operations, Graphite One (Alaska) Inc.
Minerals, Critical Minerals, and Alaska’s Economy
Dr. Brett Watson, Associate Professor of Economics, UAA’s Institute of Social and Economic Research
Global Gas Market at Present
-Aspects of understanding Global Energy Landscape, Importance on Arctic and Preparing for Return of Russian Gas
Daisuke Harada, Director General, Energy Business Unit, JOGMEC
Remarks from State Representative Robyn Niayuq Frier
State Representative Robyn Niayuq Frier, Alaska State Legislature
Alaska LNG
Matt Kissinger, Commercial Director, Alaska Gasline Development Corporation
The Symposium started with opening remarks from Head Consul Kiyohiko Hamada, focusing on the vital role Alaska plays in fostering collaborative research projects and trade with Japan. The Ambassador of Japan for International Economic and Arctic Affairs, Women, Peace, and Security Katsuhiko Takahashi, gave his opening remarks ensuring Japan’s continued commitment to the Arctic by means of scientific cooperation. US Representative for Alaska Nick Begich was kind enough to send opening remarks through pre-recorded videos, emphasizing the importance of the Alaska LNG project. Day One featured topics on Japan-US bilateral cooperation in the Arctic, the state of security in the region, and the latest in research efforts between Japan and the United States.
Commissioner Designee John Crowther with the Department of Natural Resources opened Day Two highlighting various mineral projects present throughout the state. Day Two featured exciting topics on the role of critical minerals and mining for Alaska’s export market to countries like Japan, and Alaska’s potential as a supplier of liquified natural gas to Japan. Each topic was followed by a question-and-answer session that allowed for intriguing discussions.
The Consular Office of Japan in Anchorage is hopeful the Online Arctic Symposium will continue to play a role in encouraging new joint research projects and business ventures between Japan and Alaska. Thank you to all the presenters and attendees for your kind contributions to making another successful Symposium!
In case you missed any of the days from our Online Arctic Symposium in January, we were fortunate to have some of our speakers share their presentations as below.
Opening Remarks from Ambassador Katsuhiko Takahashi
Ambassador Katsuhiko Takahashi, Ambassador Extraordinary, Plenipotentiary for Arctic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Japan)
Video Message from Alaska Rep. Nick Begich
Representative Begich
Emergin Factors in Allied Arctic Security and Defense
Randy “Church” Kee, Maj Gen, USAF (Ret), Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies
Mr. Craig L. Fleener, Deputy Director, Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies
Arctic Shipping & Qilak Update
Hon. Mead Treadwell, Former Lt. Governor
Security Considerations: Growing Capabilities, Growing Cooperation
Mr. Loren A. Johnson, Director’s Actiona Group, J2. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command
Shared Japan-U.S. Research
Dr. Hajo Eicken, Director, International Arctic Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Arctic Research Vessel (ARV) Mirai II
Takashi Kikuchi, JAMSTEC
Studying Changes in Coastal Environment in Greenland with Local Community
Professor Shin Sugiyama, Director, Arctic Research Center, Hokkaido University
Alaska’s Abundant Natural Resources
John Crowther, Commissioner Designee, State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources
Time, Distance, and Resources in the Arctic
Director Ruaro Ruaro, Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority
Alaska as the Arctic Hub of Critical Mineral Innovation
Dr. Lee Ann Munk, Director Alaska Critical Minerals Collaborative, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Geophysical Institute
Graphite One Project Update
Mike Schaffner, Sr. V.P. of Operations, Graphite One (Alaska) Inc.
Minerals, Critical Minerals, and Alaska’s Economy
Dr. Brett Watson, Associate Professor of Economics, UAA’s Institute of Social and Economic Research
Global Gas Market at Present
-Aspects of understanding Global Energy Landscape, Importance on Arctic and Preparing for Return of Russian Gas
Daisuke Harada, Director General, Energy Business Unit, JOGMEC
Remarks from State Representative Robyn Niayuq Frier
State Representative Robyn Niayuq Frier, Alaska State Legislature
Alaska LNG
Matt Kissinger, Commercial Director, Alaska Gasline Development Corporation