From July 16-18, 2025, the Mansfield Foundation hosted a forum in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, on the theme of “Energy and Climate: Air Quality.” The forum invited 15 experts from the United States, Japan, and China, including Dr. Meihua Zhu, Head of the Planning and Training Department of the Asia-Pacific Air Pollution Center, and Dr. Akie Yuba, Senior Researcher of the Atmospheric Research Department. This forum served as a valuable platform for international collaboration, bringing together researchers and practitioners to develop policy recommendations on common challenges facing the three countries in the energy and environmental fields.
The Mito forum featured panel discussions and presentations on a wide range of topics, including improving energy efficiency, emerging air quality challenges, advances in electric vehicles and sustainable fuels, managing the impact of yellow sand, and the synergistic effects of climate change and air quality.
In addition, common challenges and areas for future cooperation were discussed, and experts from each country are currently working together to draft policy recommendations. The foundation plans to make these findings publicly available next year.
The forum concluded with a visit to the Satellite Observation Center (SOC) of the National Institute for Environmental Studies in Tsukuba City, where researchers explained the mission and participants toured laboratories specializing in data collection and remote sensing technology.
About the Mansfield Foundation
The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation is a U.S. nonprofit organization established in 1983. Carrying on the legacy of former U.S. Senate Majority Leader and U.S. Ambassador to Japan Mike Mansfield and his wife, the foundation’s mission is to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between the United States and Asian countries. With offices in Washington, D.C., Mizuura, Montana, and Tokyo, the foundation develops a variety of programs, including policy dialogues and personnel exchanges.