YCAPS

What YCAPS does

YCAPS (Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2015 and headquartered in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan. It exists to promote the study of strategic, diplomatic, and legal issues affecting the Asia-Pacific region, with a particular emphasis on building connections and developing people in and around Japan's U.S. military base-hosting communities. The organization operates under a dual legal structure comprising a U.S. 501(c)(3) entity and a Japanese Ippan Shadan Hojin (一般社团法人横須賀カウンシル・アジア太平洋研究所, Registration Number 0110-05-0008862), and conducts activities under the authority of Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka.

YCAPS delivers a portfolio of free, community-oriented professional development and educational programs rather than any technology product. Its core offerings include the ASPEN (Allied Security Practitioners' Exchange Network) program for Japanese and American security professionals, the Getting to Know Japan webinar series, in-person Community Conversations near U.S. bases, the Indo-Pacific Policy Dialogue (with JICUF), the Indo-Pacific Maritime Hour, Pacific Connect, Mongolia Connect, YCAPS Roundtables, YCAPS Afloat for deployed military personnel, and a Writers' Circle. The organization also publishes reference materials such as 'Underwriting the Alliance' and the Australia-Japan Special Strategic Partnership Handbook. All events are free, off-the-record, and non-attributable, and participation is cultivated through a multi-channel approach spanning Zoom webinars, in-person events at base locations, a Mailchimp newsletter, and active social media presence.

The organization is funded entirely through tax-deductible donations and in-kind contributions, with a team of approximately 44 unpaid volunteers and no paid staff. It maintains a broad co-sponsorship network with organizations including the US-Japan Foundation, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation, Pacific Forum, JUMP, CIMSEC, ICAS, JICA, NIICE, and the University of Tokyo's Research Center for Sustainable Peace. As an all-volunteer non-profit with no disclosed revenue, no equity, and no commercial product, YCAPS does not present a traditional investable equity thesis; its strategic significance lies in its role as a niche convening platform for U.S.-Japan alliance discourse rather than as a revenue-generating enterprise.

Name

YCAPS

Legal name

Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies

Website

https://ycaps.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

YCAPS (Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies) is a U.S.-Japan dual-registered 501(c)(3) non-profit that delivers free professional development and educational programming on Asia-Pacific strategic affairs, serving U.S. military personnel, Japanese and American security professionals, students, and community members across Japan's base-hosting communities and Washington D.C.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Development and Community Education (Asia-Pacific Strategic Affairs)

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), International Affairs (92812)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), International Affairs (9721)

akta.pro primary industry

Onboarding Program Design, Enablement & Train-the-Trainer (EDABAOAL)

Keywords

• Asia-Pacific strategic studies
• Security professional development
• Non-profit community education
• Indo-Pacific policy dialogue
• U.S.-Japan alliance programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Yokosuka

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: YCAPS operates as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and relies on donations from supporters. The organization states that internet services, advertising, consumables at receptions, and tokens of appreciation for speakers are among the largest costs. Donations are deductible from U.S. income taxes. The organization also accepts partnerships with like-minded organizations and in-kind donations from supporting businesses.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

YCAPS is a non-profit organization that promotes the study of strategic, diplomatic, and legal issues affecting the Asia-Pacific region through free educational programs, seminars, webinars, and professional development events. It runs a portfolio of programs including the ASPEN security practitioners program, Indo-Pacific Policy Dialogue, Indo-Pacific Maritime Hour, Community Conversations, Getting to Know Japan webinars, and publications such as 'Underwriting the Alliance,' serving U.S. military personnel, security professionals, students, and the broader public in Japan's base-hosting communities.

Product overview

YCAPS (Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies) is a non-profit organization offering a portfolio of educational and professional development programs rather than a unified technology product. The core programs include: the ASPEN (Allied Security Practitioners' Exchange Network) program for security professionals; the Getting to Know Japan webinar series for introductory cultural education; Community Conversations for in-person seminars near U.S. military bases in Japan; Indo-Pacific Policy Dialogue for advanced policy discussions; Indo-Pacific Maritime Hour for maritime security topics; Pacific Connect linking Pacific Island experts with broader audiences; Mongolia Connect for trilateral cultural exchange; YCAPS Roundtables for small-group discussions; and YCAPS Afloat supporting deployed U.S. military personnel. Supporting resources include the YCAPS Reading List, Writers' Circle, reference publications like 'Underwriting the Alliance' and the Australia-Japan Handbook, plus the Guide to Fellowships, Scholarships and Conferences. The organization also hosts an internship program tailored to individual applicants.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ASPEN (Allied Security Practitioners' Exchange Network): A program designed to build a cohort of Alliance Security professionals who share trusted social bonds forged by common professional development experiences. The ASPEN initiative aims to provide the foundation and forum necessary to foster a culture of growth and collaboration through a series of workshops and social events in Japan.
• Getting to Know Japan
• Community Conversations
• Indo-Pacific Policy Dialogue
• Indo-Pacific Maritime Hour
• Pacific Connect
• Mongolia Connect

Products and services

• ASPEN (Allied Security Practitioners' Exchange Network) A professional development program designed to build a cohort of Alliance Security professionals who share trusted social bonds forged through common professional development experiences. Open to Japanese and American security professionals with at least three years of experience, including government officials, military/SDF officers, coast guard officers, police, defense industry employees, and security-focused academics.
• Getting to Know Japan Webinar Series Introductory-level webinars offering information about Japan's social and cultural landscape, open to the public in a community-oriented setting via Zoom.
• Community Conversations Series Seminars highlighting topics of immediate interest to base-hosting communities in Japan, designed to be applicable to all levels of expertise from curious students to professionals, typically held in-person near U.S. bases in Japan.
• Indo-Pacific Policy Dialogue Advanced-level policy-oriented interactive online sessions facilitating dialogue among security experts, policy analysts, and senior academics to examine issues affecting the Indo-Pacific region.
• Indo-Pacific Maritime Hour Technical interactive online discussions engaging regional practitioners directly involved in maritime security to shed light on maritime issues with significant implications for regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
• Pacific Connect Webinar Series Webinar series featuring experts from Pacific Island States, connecting their knowledge and experiences with YCAPS audiences in Japan, the U.S., and beyond to elevate Pacific voices into regional discussions.
• Mongolia Connect Program Program creating opportunities for Americans, Japanese, and Mongolians to establish international friendships, develop intercultural leadership skills, and learn about issues impacting the international community through social, educational, language lessons, and volunteer experiences.
• YCAPS Roundtables Small-group dinner discussions where YCAPS members gather to discuss current events in a casual atmosphere, facilitated by specialists who provide read-ahead materials.
• YCAPS Afloat Program directly supporting U.S. military personnel in expanding their regional knowledge and strategic thinking while deployed and during port visits throughout the Indo-Pacific region, working with commands' leadership and MWR programs.
• YCAPS Writers' Circle Peer-to-peer network supporting professional writing throughout the process from idea to publication.
• YCAPS Reading List Reading list built on suggestions of YCAPS members and participants for advancing knowledge of strategic affairs in the Asia-Pacific.
• Underwriting the Alliance Annotated collection of key bilateral treaties, agreements, and policy documents providing the structure of the U.S.-Japan Alliance, created by YCAPS volunteers.
• The Australia-Japan Special Strategic Partnership Handbook Sister handbook to Underwriting the Alliance, covering the Australia-Japan special strategic partnership.
• YCAPS Guide to Fellowships, Scholarships and Conferences Guide connecting people with opportunities including university scholarships, fellowships, internships, travel grants, and conferences through YCAPS's relationships with sponsoring organizations.
• YCAPS Internship Program Small internship program that tailors terms to the specific needs of each applicant, with individuals completing a statement of interest to apply.

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• JICUF (Japan International Christian University Foundation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYCAPS partners with JICUF on the Indo-Pacific Policy Dialogue program, co-hosting advanced-level policy-oriented sessions for academics, experts, and specialists examining Indo-Pacific issues.
• Kreab TokyominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYCAPS partnered with Kreab Tokyo for special lunch seminars, such as the event featuring Dr. TANIGUCHI Tomohiko.
• US-Japan FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerUS-Japan Foundation assisted with hosting ASPEN events in Washington D.C., helping facilitate professional development for security practitioners.
• Maureen and Mike Mansfield FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation hosts ASPEN Washington D.C. chapter events at their office, supporting U.S.-Japan security dialogue.
• JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJICA Washington D.C. office hosted an ASPEN workshop on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) operations.
• Transpacific Future CenterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Transpacific Future Center assisted with hosting ASPEN events in Washington D.C., providing venue and support.
• JUMP (Japan-U.S. Military Program)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJUMP co-sponsors multiple YCAPS events including Indo-Pacific Maritime Hours, Community Conversations, and other programs supporting U.S.-Japan understanding.
• Pacific ForumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPacific Forum co-sponsors Maritime Discussion Series and other Indo-Pacific security programs with YCAPS.
• CIMSECminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCIMSEC (Center for International Maritime Security) partners with YCAPS for Indo-Pacific Maritime Hours.
• NIICE (National Institute of Interior and Exterior)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNIICE co-sponsored a YCAPS Indo-Pacific Maritime Hour webinar on Eurasian Maritime Geopolitics.
• ICAS (Institute for Corean-American Studies)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerICAS co-sponsors YCAPS-ICAS webinars and Community Conversations on Indo-Pacific security and policy issues.
• US-Japan CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYCAPS partnered with US-Japan Council for special events such as the March 11, 2011 commemorative discussion on the Fukushima disaster.
• Research Center for Sustainable Peace (RCSP), University of TokyominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYCAPS co-sponsored an event on Myanmar with RCSP and the University of Tokyo examining regional perspectives on human security.
• Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYCAPS operates under the authority of Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, enabling its activities in the base-hosting community.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Japan Foundation: The Japan Foundation runs extensive cultural and educational exchange programs and supports US-Japan understanding globally. While its primary mission is cultural rather than security-focused, it overlaps with YCAPS's educational programming and Japan-focused audiences.
• Atlantic Council: The Atlantic Council runs Indo-Pacific security programs and policy dialogues engaging similar practitioner audiences. As a broad incumbent with global reach, it competes for attention and speakers in the same policy conversation.
• Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS): CSIS is a major US think tank with substantial Japan, Korea, and Indo-Pacific programs. It addresses overlapping policy audiences with significantly greater resources, staff, and convening power than YCAPS.
• East-West Center: The East-West Center is a US-established institution promoting Indo-Pacific understanding through research, education, and dialogue. It is a much larger incumbent serving overlapping audiences, including military communities, with broader programmatic depth.
• Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA): JIIA is Japan's leading foreign policy think tank conducting research and convening on Asia-Pacific security. It serves overlapping academic and policy audiences with deeper institutional resources than YCAPS.

Direct peers

• Pacific Forum: Pacific Forum is a Honolulu-based non-profit focused on Indo-Pacific security and US-Asia policy. It is a core partner of YCAPS (co-sponsors Maritime Discussion Series) and serves a very similar audience of security practitioners, academics, and policy professionals with comparable programming.
• US-Japan Foundation: The US-Japan Foundation funds programs that strengthen US-Japan ties across people-to-people and policy dimensions. It is a core YCAPS partner and operates in an overlapping programmatic space, including support for security practitioner exchanges and educational programming.
• Sasakawa Peace Foundation: Sasakawa Peace Foundation is a Japanese non-profit conducting independent research and dialogue on international issues with a strong Indo-Pacific focus. It engages similar security practitioner and academic audiences and convenes US-Japan policy exchanges.
• Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation: The Mansfield Foundation promotes US-Asia relations through exchange programs, dialogue, and policy research. It hosts YCAPS ASPEN Washington D.C. chapter events and runs a comparably structured program of professional exchanges and policy dialogues with Japanese counterparts.
• Sasakawa USA: Sasakawa USA is the US affiliate of Sasakawa Peace Foundation, focused on US-Japan policy engagement, maritime security, and emerging technology. It addresses similar security practitioner audiences with comparable mission focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ycapsjapan
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ycaps
• Facebookfacebook.com/YokosukaCouncilonAsiaPacificStudies
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/yokosuka-council-on-asia-pacific-studies-ycaps-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about YCAPS