The United States and Japan signed a protocol in Tokyo on October 2, 2026 that extends and amends the U.S.-Japan Agreement on Cooperation in Research and Development in Science and Technology, the US State Department said. The protocol extends the agreement indefinitely.
What was signed
According to a media note from the State Department's Office of the Spokesman, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Michael Kratsios signed for the United States, and Minister for Foreign Affairs Motegi Toshimitsu signed for Japan.
The accord is also known as the U.S.-Japan Science and Technology Agreement. The State Department said it was first signed in 1988 and provides a legally binding framework for scientific cooperation between the two governments.
What changes
The protocol both extends and amends the agreement, and removes any fixed end date, the State Department said.
The department described the indefinite extension as "a sign of the deep trust and respect between the U.S. and Japanese governments," and said the extended and amended agreement positions both countries to sustain and strengthen cooperation "with a focus on critical and emerging technologies that improve the lives of both peoples."
How Washington frames it
The State Department said the two governments have built "countless links between their scientific communities" under the existing framework.
It added that the indefinite extension reaffirms a long-term commitment to close partnership on science and technology "while advancing a secure, trusted innovation ecosystem that benefits both nations." The announcement did not list specific research programs, funding or technology areas covered by the amendments.
Key facts and where they come from
- The protocol was signed in Tokyo on October 2, 2026.
Today in Tokyo, the United States and Japan signed a protocol that extends and amends the U.S.-Japan Agreement on Cooperation in Research and Development in Science and Technology
- Michael Kratsios signed for the United States and Motegi Toshimitsu for Japan.
Michael Kratsios signed for the United States and Minister for Foreign Affairs Motegi Toshimitsu signed for Japan.
- The agreement was first signed in 1988 and is legally binding.
First signed in 1988, the Science and Technology Agreement provides a legally binding framework for scientific cooperation between the U.S. and Japanese governments.
- The extension has no fixed end date and emphasizes critical and emerging technologies.
The protocol extends the Agreement indefinitely, a sign of the deep trust and respect between the U.S. and Japanese governments.
- The State Department ties the extension to a secure innovation ecosystem.
while advancing a secure, trusted innovation ecosystem that benefits both nations