The Japan-US Security Seminar has earned a reputation for playing an important role in promoting candid, off-the-record dialogue between the two nations, aimed at strengthening the alliance by anticipating and offering suggestions to address potential alliance problems. Traditionally, participants include current and former government officials, analysts, and scholars who are the most knowledgeable in the two countries on alliance management. This year’s seminar held on March 15-16, 2013 was the 19th annual meeting and jointly sponsored by The Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco, the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA), and the Pacific Forum.