Facets of the U.S.–Japan Relationship: People Exchange
U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Raymond Geoffroy. Source: U.S. Air Force
The relationship today appears to be more durable than it ever has in the past. But as history has demonstrated, there always remains the possibility that the pendulum might swing again.
–Peter Duus
Working in groups, your class will research and learn about six different facets of modern U.S.–Japan relations and assess how they affect the overall relationship between the two countries.
Your group’s topic is the exchange of people between the United States and Japan.
Conduct research into your topic, focusing on the research questions provided below. Then prepare and deliver a 5-minute presentation to the rest of the class.
Research Questions
Use the questions below to guide your research and structure your presentation.
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What is the history of people exchange between the United States and Japan?
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Who were the first Americans to visit or live in Japan, and for what purpose? Who were the first Japanese to visit or live in the United States, and for what purpose?
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What is the history of immigration between the two countries?
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What is the history of non-permanent travel between the two countries (e.g., tourist exchange, temporary resettlement for education or work, etc.)?
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What is the current status of people exchange between the two countries?
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What are current immigration trends between the two countries?
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What are current trends in tourism, educational exchange, and work-related travel?
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Has people exchange been increasing or decreasing recently? Why?
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Professor Duus lists the following as key themes in the U.S.–Japan relationship: friendship and hostility, conflict and cooperation, admiration and criticism, interdependence and rivalry, war and peace. What themes are most relevant to your topic, and why?
TOMODACHI U.S.–Japan Youth Exchange Program 2016.
Source: U.S.-Japan Council
Assessment
Your research and presentation will be graded using the following criteria:
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clarity of presentation;
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thoroughness and relevance of research to the research questions;
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thoughtful analysis of the role your “facet” plays in the overall U.S.–Japan relationship; and
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even distribution of researching and presenting responsibilities among group members.
