The United States and Japan have signed a new Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen collaboration in strategic science and technology fields, with a shared goal of accelerating innovation and securing long-term economic and national security interests. The agreement was concluded between the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and Japan’s Cabinet Office for Science and Technology Policy, signaling a renewed commitment to advancing joint research and development across emerging high-tech sectors.
Both governments acknowledged that breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, advanced communications, fusion energy, and space technology will play a decisive role in shaping the future global order. The memorandum aims to leverage the scientific strengths of both nations to build a robust and secure innovation ecosystem while preserving freedom, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Under the new partnership, the United States and Japan will work closely to accelerate AI research, promote responsible adoption, and support exports across the full AI infrastructure stack, including hardware, models, and software. The cooperation will extend into high-performance computing, semiconductor technologies, and the development of AI safety standards, along with safeguards to protect children’s digital well-being.
The agreement also includes joint efforts to secure research environments and prevent intellectual property theft, amid increasing concerns over global technology competition. Both sides will support universities, research organizations, and industries in building strong security practices to protect critical and emerging technologies.
The memorandum further expands cooperation on next-generation telecommunications, including Beyond 5G and 6G technologies, Open RAN infrastructure, AI-integrated network systems, and international submarine cable connectivity. The United States and Japan will jointly contribute to setting global telecom standards and enhancing supply chain resilience. In addition, the two countries will work together to secure pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chains, identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring stable production networks that support public health and economic security.
Quantum technology is another key area of collaboration under this memorandum, with the two governments committing to deepen research on quantum performance, algorithms, practical deployment, and workforce development. The agreement also emphasizes joint development in fusion energy technologies, including fuel cycle research, high-power components, modeling systems, and the JT-60SA test facility in Japan, in support of future commercial fusion deployment.
In space cooperation, the United States and Japan will continue their long-standing partnership through the International Space Station, the Artemis lunar exploration program, and future Mars missions, while expanding efforts to address orbital debris and support commercial space innovation.
The memorandum does not create any legally binding obligations and will operate within the existing legal frameworks of both countries. Either party may discontinue the agreement with written notice, effective after a mutually decided period or after 180 days. This new cooperation marks a significant step in deepening U.S.-Japan science and technology ties and is expected to shape future innovation and infrastructure planning across multiple strategic sectors.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on official government statements and publicly available information. It is intended for news reporting and informational purposes only. It does not represent any official political endorsement or policy position.
