Mansfield Foundation Podcast

Mansfield Foundation

Conversations with the scholars, policymakers, and practitioners shaping U.S.-Asia relations. The Mansfield Foundation Podcast goes beyond the headlines, exploring the issues, decisions, and relationships connecting the United States and Asia. Guests include academics, policy practitioners, and regional specialists sharing their research and experience. The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation promotes understanding and cooperation among the nations and peoples of Asia and the United States. Learn more at mansfieldfdn.org

  1. Oct 22

    Why Does Japan's LDP Keep Winning Elections? with Jordan Hamzawi

    Why does Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) keep winning elections, even when voters disagree with its policies? Political scientist Dr. Jordan Hamzawi joins Mansfield Foundation Associate Director of Programs Leah Klaas to explore the LDP's long-standing political dominance, Japan's electoral system, and the factors that influence how voters choose political parties. Hamzawi explains how party reputation, trust, and perceptions of competence can influence elections beyond policy positions. He also discusses the challenges facing Japan's opposition parties, the rise of populism, and what Japanese elections can teach us about political competition in other democracies. The conversation also explores his experience with the U.S.-Japan Network for the Future and the importance of strengthening understanding and cooperation between the United States and Japan. Mentioned in this episode Dominance Through Division: Group-Based Clientelism in Japan, by Amy Catalinac a book recommended by Dr. Hamzawi. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/dominance-through-division/0137AA666DFDE81E9B1A5188F7875C72  Dr. Hamzawi's 2025 research on policy preferences, political party branding, and voter perceptions: Hamzawi, J., Kato, G., & Endo, M. (First published online May 5, 2025). What brings you to the party? Voter preferences on parties through policy and valence dynamics. Party Politics, 32(4), 486-499. https://doi.org/10.1177/13540688251339631   Publications page featuring major works of Network scholars: https://mansfieldfdn.org/program/strengthening-government-and-expert-networks/u-s-japan-network-for-the-future/network-publications/  Watch this podcast on YouTube at https://youtu.be/oBSAxF-3_Ro Learn moreMansfield Foundation: ⁠https://mansfieldfdn.org/⁠U.S.-Japan Network for the Future: ⁠https://mansfieldfdn.org/program/strengthening-government-and-expert-networks/u-s-japan-network-for-the-future/⁠ Follow the Mansfield FoundationLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-maureen-and-mike-mansfield-foundation/⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldFoundation⁠ The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation promotes understanding and cooperation among the nations and peoples of Asia and the United States through exchanges, dialogues and publications that connect leaders, explore issues influencing public policy and increase awareness of Asia and U.S.-Asia relations.

  2. Oct 15

    Beyond Tokyo: Rural Japan, Trade, and Politics with Hirofumi Kawaguchi

    What can Japanese agriculture teach us about politics and the U.S.-Japan relationship? Professor Hirofumi Kawaguchi joins Mansfield Foundation Tokyo Office Director Sumiko Mori to discuss rural politics, agricultural protection, public opinion, and the regional differences that shape how people experience Japan. Kawaguchi explores the history and influence of Japan Agricultural Cooperatives, why rural and urban communities can view agricultural policy differently, and how those differences affect trade and policymaking between Japan and the United States. He also reflects on his experience with the U.S.-Japan Network for the Future, the importance of people-to-people relationships, and why understanding Japan sometimes requires looking beyond Tokyo. Learn moreMansfield Foundation: https://mansfieldfdn.org/U.S.-Japan Network for the Future: https://mansfieldfdn.org/program/strengthening-government-and-expert-networks/u-s-japan-network-for-the-future/ Follow the Mansfield FoundationLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-maureen-and-mike-mansfield-foundation/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldFoundation The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation promotesunderstanding and cooperation among the nations and peoples of Asia and the United States through exchanges, dialogues and publications that connect leaders, explore issues influencing public policy and increase awareness of Asia and U.S.-Asia relations.

  3. Oct 8

    Rethinking Science and Community in Japan and the U.S. with Yuko Kakazu

    What responsibilities do scientists have beyond scientific discovery? Dr. Yuko Kakazu joins Mansfield Foundation Vice President Sara Harriger to discuss her journey from Okinawa to astronomy and how her work expanded to encompass community engagement, Indigenous knowledge, and public policy. Kakazu reflects on how conversations surrounding astronomy on Mauna Kea changed her approach to science, why scientists should engage with communities and policymakers, and the opportunities for greater U.S.-Japan cooperation in fundamental research and scientific talent exchange. Learn more:Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation:https://mansfieldfdn.org/ U.S.-Japan Network for the Future:https://mansfieldfdn.org/program/strengthening-government-and-expert-networks/u-s-japan-network-for-the-future/ Mentioned in this episode:One Sky Project: https://www.oneskyproject.org/ Yuko’s op-ed “Scientists can’t stay in their ivory tower”: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2025/07/21/japan/japans-scientists-ivory-tower/  Learn more Mansfield Foundation: https://mansfieldfdn.org/U.S.-Japan Network for the Future: https://mansfieldfdn.org/program/strengthening-government-and-expert-networks/u-s-japan-network-for-the-future/ Follow the Mansfield FoundationLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-maureen-and-mike-mansfield-foundation/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldFoundation The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation promotes understanding and cooperation among the nations and peoples of Asia and the United States through exchanges, dialogues and publications that connect leaders, explore issues influencing public policy and increase awareness of Asia and U.S.-Asia relations.

About

Conversations with the scholars, policymakers, and practitioners shaping U.S.-Asia relations. The Mansfield Foundation Podcast goes beyond the headlines, exploring the issues, decisions, and relationships connecting the United States and Asia. Guests include academics, policy practitioners, and regional specialists sharing their research and experience. The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation promotes understanding and cooperation among the nations and peoples of Asia and the United States. Learn more at mansfieldfdn.org