Reflections on Washington, D.C.

International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

Today, we would like to begin sharing reflections from what has been a truly life-changing three-week journey.

First and foremost, we extend our deepest gratitude to the U.S. Consulate in Sapporo, the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, the U.S. Department of State, and all of our incredible host organizations. Our heartfelt thanks also go to each and every member of our cohort, whose openness, insight, and generosity made this experience profoundly meaningful.

Our delegation consisted of 11 participants from Australia, India, and Japan, each nominated and selected by our respective embassies and consulates to take part in the IVLP under the theme:

“Workforce Development for Critical and Emerging Technologies in the Quad.”

Washington, D.C. — Our First Stop 📍

Our journey began in Washington, D.C., where we explored how governance, security, and innovation intersect at a national and global level.

The U.S. federal system, which allocates constitutional and legislative authority between the federal government and the 50 states, requires continuous coordination and negotiation—particularly in areas such as immigration, healthcare, and education policy. This structural complexity was a recurring theme throughout our discussions.

Through panel sessions at the U.S. Department of State and in-depth conversations with the Economic Development Administration (EDA), we examined how Critical and Emerging Technologies (CET)—including AI and quantum technologies—represent both shared opportunities and shared risks across borders. These discussions deepened our appreciation for the Quad as a trust-based alliance, working collectively to address economic security and technological resilience.

At The Pentagon, we learned how the U.S. Department of Defense is actively strengthening the talent pipeline from academia into government service. The early-stage programs focused on cybersecurity and AI were particularly impressive. Their “Academic-to-Government Career Pipeline” model reinforced a powerful insight: securing and nurturing talent is foundational to national resilience.

At George Mason University, we were especially interested in the university’s collaboration with industry around Quantum Sensing, a field closely connected to a project we currently support. Yet what left the strongest impression was the emphasis on embedding quantum education into early academic pathways—engaging students with next-generation technologies from a formative age and fostering long-term curiosity and capability.

Beyond policy and technology, Washington, D.C. was also deeply moving on a cultural level. From Capitol Hill and the Library of Congress, to the powerful architecture and storytelling of the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, we were reminded of the value of peace, democracy, and historical memory. As a delegate from Japan, we felt a renewed sense of responsibility and reflection.

It was only five days, yet they were filled with profound learning, emotional moments, and remarkable people.

We will continue sharing reflections from our next cities soon—but for now, we wanted to pause and honor what Washington, D.C. taught us at the very beginning of this journey.