United States-Japan Joint Leaders’ Statement

The 2024 U.S.-Japan Joint Leaders’ Statement discusses the strengthened alliance between the United States and Japan, reaching new heights in strategic collaboration across defense, technology, and global diplomacy. This partnership, celebrated during Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to Washington, reflects both nations' dedication to maintaining security and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific and addressing global challenges.  Of note, President Biden acknowledged the country’s science-based approach to environmental safety by  applauding Japan’s responsible management of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi plant. In addition, to support ongoing cleanup and safety efforts, the United States and Japan have also established the Fukushima Daiichi Decommissioning Partnership, which will focus on collaborative research for the safe retrieval of fuel debris. 

The deepened alliance also reflects lessons from the 2011 Fukushima disaster, which underscored the critical need for joint crisis response and enhanced nuclear safety measures. This commitment to shared resilience and proactive risk management demonstrates how the Fukushima experience has solidified a lasting and cooperative relationship, allowing both nations to work toward regional and global stability.