Japanese-German Forum
October 4–5, 2011
The 20th Japanese–German Forum was held on October 4–5, 2011, bringing 36 participants from both countries together in Tokyo. During the forum, the participants discussed key issues pertinent to the bilateral relationship, such as political and diplomatic challenges for both countries; the impact of the March 11, 2011, earthquake in Japan; economic prospects, including the response to new challenges such as meeting energy needs in the wake of the Japan disaster; and the the rise of China, India, and other emerging countries.
The forum opened with a keynote address on future energy policy by German Federal Minister of Education and Research Annette Schavan. Later that day, the German participants met with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and attended a reception hosted by Japanese Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Ryuji Yamane. Minister of Foreign Affairs Koichiro Gemba and Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura were also in attendance at the reception, a sign of their interest in the Japan-Germany relationship and appreciation of the importance of the Japanese-German Forum in strengthening bilateral relations.
At the end of the forum, the chairmen prepared a joint statement summarizing the discussions and findings of the meeting to be presented to Prime Minister Noda and Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Agenda
Tuesday, October 4 |
Keynote address on "Future Energy Policy" by Annette Schavan, Federal Minister of Education and Research |
Speech on "Foreign Policy of Japan and its Challenges in Domestic Politics" by Hitoshi Tanaka, Senior Fellow, Japan Center for International Exchange |
Session I: Impact of the Triple Catastrophe of March 11
•Kenji Kosaka, Secretary General for the LDP in the House of Councillors •Rolf Hempelmann, Member of Bundestags •Hans-Joachim Daerr, Former German Ambassador to Japan |
Session II: Future Prospects for Germany and Japan for Responding to New Economic Challenges (like Energy Requirements)
•Naoki Tanaka, President, Center for International Public Policy Studies •Rolf Hempelmann, Member of Bundestag |
Reception hosted by Ryuji Yamane, Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs |
Wednesday, October 5 |
Session III: Impact of the Rise of China and India and Influence of Other Major Actors like the US in Asia
•Shin’ichi Kitaoka, Professor, University of Tokyo •Hanns Maull, Professor, University of Trier |