Japan-U.S. Economic Relations Group Records, 1979-1981

On May 2, 1979, President Carter and Prime Minister Ohira met in Washington and agreed to establish the Japan-U.S. Economic Relations Group—informally known as the "Wise Men." This small group of distinguished persons would submit recommendations to Carter and Ohira for maintaining a healthy bilateral economic relationship. Among the issues considered were the role of economic issues in the overall "political-security-cultural relationship," especially Japan’s emerging position as a world power; Japan’s future comprehensive economic security needs; and its involvement in foreign assistance programs.