Prime Minister Shigeru Ishida (center) with members of the Congressional Study Group on Japan, including Sen. Mazie Hirono (fifth from left) and Rep. Jill Tokuda (second from right).

TOKYO —?On April 16, for approximately 30 minutes, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba received a courtesy call from a delegation of the U.S. Congressional Study Group on Japan.

Participating in the courtesy call were Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.), Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), Rep. Troy Balderson (R-Ohio), Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.), Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), and Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii).

Ishiba welcomed the delegation, expressed his gratitude for the cooperation of members of Congress in increasing the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance, and stated his intention to cooperate with them to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The two sides exchanged views on the importance of U.S.-Japan security as well as on regional issues including the situation in the Indo-Pacific.

Ishiba mentioned that Japanese companies significantly contribute to the U.S. economy through investment and job creation. Both sides exchanged views on the importance of further cooperation in U.S.-Japan economic relations.

Ishiba also asked for continued understanding and cooperation of the participating members regarding the immediate resolution of the abductions issue. Japan is seeking the return of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago.
Established in 1993, the bipartisan congressional group now consists of approximately 80 current members of the Senate and House. The group promotes understanding of Japan in Congress and builds personal connections between Congress and Japan by holding various lectures and study sessions.