U.S.-Japan Parliamentary Exchange Program

The six members of the 25th U.S. Congressional Delegation visited Japan from March 24 to March 30, 2002, and exchanged views with over 30 Diet members, including the top leaders of the three largest political parties—Taku Yamasaki (secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party), Naoto Kan (secretary-general of the Democratic Party of Japan), and Tetsuzo Fuyushiba (secretary-general of the New Komeito)—as well as former Prime Minister Tsutomu Hata. U.S. Ambassador Howard Baker, Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi, and high-ranking Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials spoke with the delegation about Japan's foreign policy, U.S.-Japan relations, and regional security issues. In addition, Economy Minister Heizo Takenaka, senior Ministry of Economy and Trade (METI) officials, and several Japanese corporate leaders and entrepreneurs met with the delegates to discuss Japan's economic outlook and IT-related issues. One of the high points of the program was a public symposium, co-sponsored by the Keizai Koho Center, where the delegates shared their views with an audience of almost 200 opinion leaders in a lively panel discussion on "Political and Economic Developments in the United States after September 11."

Program Report

Participants List