Economic Forum Series:
Osamu Fujimura, DPJ Next(Shadow) Minister of Health, Labor & Welfare;
Jin Igarashi, Director, Ohara Institute for Social Research, Hosei University;
Tusyoshi Takagi, President, Japanese Trade Union Confederation

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

"Jobs And Wages"

The economic crisis has led to a spike in unemployment worldwide, but the problems in Japan are unique. A society that has typically had little joblessness is seeing rates creep up. Moreover, the country's lifetime employment system is under threat, while its vast army of "non-regular" workers account for one-third of all employment and are especially vulnerable.

Even in the best of times, Japan's workers suffered. They toiled longer hours than most of their peers in OECD countries. Wages in recent years stagnated even as corporate profits soared. And people in their late 50s and early 60s are pushed aside at many firms to make way for younger staff.

Is Japan's labor market a holdover from the postwar era that today strangles the economy? How can it be reformed to alleviate the problems while also grant companies the flexibility they need? Please join us as three experts address these and other issues.

Osamu Fujimura is a member of the House of Representatives with the Democratic Party of Japan. He also serves as DPJ Shadow Minister for Health, Labor & Welfare. Earlier, he worked at non-profit groups, including as executive director of the Japan Brazil Exchange Association. Jin Igarashi is director of the Ohara Institute for Social Research at Hosei University. He has published numerous books, including "The Re-regulation of Labor Policy" (2008). Tsuyoshi Takagi is president of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation. He worked at Asahi Kasei Corp. before becoming chief secretary of the company's union. After a brief stint in the foreign ministry, he returned to labor activities. He was named RENGO president in 2005

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Sandwich Plate: Fried prawns, avocado & tomato on ciabatta with tartar sauce, tomato & pickles.
Hot Plate: Hamburger steak with cheese & mushroom sauce, snow potatoes, string beans & green salad.

Osamu Fujimura, DPJ Next(Shadow) Minister of Health, Labor & Welfare.

Tusyoshi Takagi, President, Japanese Trade Union Confederation.

Jin Igarashi, Director, Ohara Institute for Social Research, Hosei University;