Inside the 10th U.S.–Japan–Korea Trilateral Forum
Delegates at the Trilateral opening reception hosted by The Korea Foundation USA.
The 10th Annual U.S.–Japan–Korea Trilateral Forum brought together student leaders from universities across China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States for a week of deep dialogue, experiential learning, and cultural interchange. From January 4–11, 2026, these students engaged in conversations that will shape their 2026 conferences — and their own leadership journeys — as they reflect and build upon lasting connections made in Washington, D.C.
The week kicked off with a welcome reception at The Korea Foundation, where students, alumni, speakers, and partners celebrated the beginning of a productive program. Throughout the following days, each student examined the Forum’s theme, Creating an Inclusive Society, meeting with diplomats, scholars, journalists, and cultural leaders across the city.
Dr. Arrington & Dr. Nishida panel on accessibility.
They explored accessibility with Celeste Arrington (The George Washington University) and Reiko Nishida (Waseda University); examined media and public narrative with David Nakamura (The Washington Post); and discussed gender equity with Britt Robinson (National Association for Black Engagement with Asia), Kaede Ishidate (Sasakawa USA), and Hyunhee (Ari) Lee (The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation).
Each student leader had an opportunity to experience the role of an emerging diplomat. From an immigration lecture with Neil Ruiz (Pew Research Center) to a Six‑Party Talks simulation led by Ellen Kim (Korea Economic Institute of America), they navigated the complexities of their own identities alongside issues of diplomacy, policy, and cooperation.
Students participate in the Six-Party Talk Simulation at the Korea Economic Institute.
The students also ventured out and about in D.C. with a visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art for a tour of Korean Treasures: Collected, Cherished, Shared with curators Sunwoo Hwang and Carol Huh; learned about Korean culture and diplomacy at the Korean Cultural Center with Director Jongtaek Park and Adam Wojciechowicz; met with Mr. Hiroshi Ando, Mr. Karl Tan, and Mr. Takahito Fushiki at the Embassy of Japan; and spoke with Maxwell Harrington, Holly Zardus, and Alithea at the U.S. Department of State.
Guided tour of Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art Korea Exhibit.
Visit to the Embassy of Japan
Dressing in Hanbok at the Korea Cultural Center
On Friday, the students took the stage at the 10th U.S.–Japan–Korea Trilateral Symposium, moderating and participating in two public panels:
Democratic Participation & Civic Engagement
Kazuyo Kato, JCIE USA | Japan Center for International Exchange
Sayuri Romei, Ph.D., German Marshall Fund of the United States
Tami Overby, DGA Group
Aging Societies & Social Safety Nets
Kirsten Colello, Congressional Research Service
Reiko Nishida, Waseda University
Hoda Selim, International Monetary Fund
Kirsten Colello and Hoda Selim speaking at the 10th Trilateral Symposium.
The week concluded with a reception at The Asia Group, cohosted by the National Association of Japan America Societies (NAJAS), bringing together new friends and old— as well as marking the final time ISC’s 2025-2026 cohort will all be together in person before leading JASC, KASC, and ChASC this summer.
Want to hear more about the Trilateral Forum from a student perspective? Check out Hyein Kim’s (KASC 19) Substack article about the week.
Our sincerest thanks to The Korea Foundation and The Japan Foundation NY for making this year’s U.S.–Japan–Korea Trilateral Forum possible.