Torkel Patterson,
Senior Associate Pacific Forum CSIS and President,
Raytheon Japan,
Former Director of Asian Affairs at the National Security Council
"The Okazaki Intstitue is Japan's premier independent think tank. Though small, it is extremely prolific and influential for its size. Recognized not only in Tokyo, but also in political and security circles in Washington, DC and Seoul as making a unique and important contribution to policy formulation, the Okazaki Institute is led by one of Japan's leading strategists, Ambassador Okazaki. More institutions of the Okazaki Institute's reputation and caliber are needed as Japan tries to define its role at a pivotal time in Japan's post-war history."
(May 18, 1998)
James E. Auer
Professor at Vanderbilt University,
Former Special Assistant for Japan
in the Office of the Secretary of Defense
"In general Americans' knowledge of Asia is extremely limited. Prior to the Reagan Adminstration, the small amount of time Republican or Democratic Administrations gave to foreign policy was virtually always Euro-centered and the very limited time spent considering Asia was usually China-focused. President Reagan's Administration which featured a number of people from California increased the amount of focus given to Asia and correctly priotized U.S. Asian policy away from China and towards Japan. Still today, even famous American strategists often know little about Asia in general and Japan in particular. To say that Hisahiko Okazaki is "Japan's Henry Kissinger" is a very flattering statement to Mr. Kissinger. Hisahiko Okazaki is simply one of the leading strategic thinkers of the 20th century who knows few if any equals in Japan, in the U.S. or in the world. Unfortunately the current U.S. Administration is repeating the mistakes of its pre Reagan Administration predecessors concerning the importance of China to U.S. global and Asian gn policies; thus, the wise counsel of the Okazaki Institute is more important than ever. The overriding security concern of the 21st century for the U.S., Japan and the rest of Asia is the future of China. The Okazaki Institute's analyses are critical to understanding this fundamental reality."
(May 18, 1998)
Michael Green
The Council on Foreign Relations
There are few think tanks in Asia that offer the same strategic clarity as the Okazaki Institute.
The Institute integrates economic, political, and military analysis to offer a comprehensive and long-term perspective on Japan's future international role. In contrast to most think tanks in Japan, the Institute is able to make judgements and recommendations on policy that are "outside the box."
The most unique aspect of the Okazaki Institute is its ability to break the traditional mold in this way, while still maintaining influence on the policy making process and on Japan's relationship with the United States and other countries in Asia.
(May 19, 1998)