Professional Luncheon,
Shoichi Nakagawa,
Minister of Finance, Minister of State for Financial Services

The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with simultaneous English interpretation.

As the cabinet of new Prime Minister Taro Aso finds ways to bolster the country's economy, the powerful Ministry of Finance shoulders a heavy load. The new finance minister, Shoichi Nakagawa, is a veteran politician who is providing essential support to the Prime Minister as he tries to cushion Japan from the global economic crisis.

Shoichi Nakagawa is also a veteran speaker at FCCJ events, having appeared at the club on three occasions in the recent past. On November 21 as Japan's new Finance Minister and Minister of State for Financial Services, Nakagawa will explain his outlook on Japan's economy, and the broader political outlook for the Aso administration.

Nakagawa, a graduate of Tokyo University, joined the Industrial Bank of Japan in 1978. In 1983 he was elected for the first time to the House of Representatives. Since then he has retained his lower house seat for Hokkaido 11th constituency - winning eight consecutive times. Nakagawa is a key powerbroker within the ruling LDP, and has held various positions in the cabinet, lower house and in the party. He was appointed Minister of Finance when Taro Aso formed his cabinet in September. Prior to that, he served twice as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and was also Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry under Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

Sandwich plate: Pepper beef & lettuce on rye with tomato & pickles.
Hot plate: Fillet of sea bream with crab gratin, seasonal salad & bread.

Shoichi Nakagawa