U.S. CULCON and the U.S.-Japan Council convened a public policy meeting at the U.S. Capital yesterday afternoon. Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Representatives Tom Petri (R-WI) and Joaquin Castro (D-TX), congressional staff and organizing institutions spoke as to how legislative exchanges have enhanced their knowledge about Japan and their ability to make informed decisions. Frank Januzzi of the Mansfield Foundation, an organization that facilitates such exchanges, told a packed audience of efforts to offer policymakers first-hand knowledge about Japan and to broker strong professional relationships between members of congress and their Japanese counterparts. These relationships and deep understanding help address the many issues both countries face related to domestic, regional and global challenges. Jeff Lowenstein, Deputy Chief-of-Staff and Legislative Director of Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) also participated in the discussion moderated by Michael Schiffer of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.