PROFESSIONAL LUNCHEON
Hideo Higashikokubaru,
Governor of Miyazaki Prefecture

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

*Please note that due to a change in the Governor's schedule the speech will now begin at approximately 11:30. Doors open at 11:20 and lunch will be served from 12:45.

Popular Miyazaki Governor Hideo Higashikokubaru is a man with ambition. After becoming governor of Miyazaki prefecture in 2007 he has pushed for decentralization of power from the central to local governments and was recently courted by the LDP as a potential candidate for the upcoming election.

The governor, faithful to his prefecture, said he was willing to enter national politics for Miyazaki but only on condition the LDP list him as a candidate for party president. The party balked and so ended discussions between the two but that doesn't mean he won't play a part in national politics.

As a feisty prefectural governor and ex-TV star Higashikokubaru has engaged the electorate and sparked an interest in his prefecture that few governors have managed to do recently. After the upcoming elections he is sure to be a vocal proponent for decentralization but how far does he think he can get and what does the future hold for rural Japan under a new DPJ government or further LDP rule?

Never at a loss for something to say, come to the FCCJ on August 14 to hear Higashikokubaru speak about the upcoming election, what it means for Japan and the policies he would like the new government to follow. He'll also take your questions.

MENU
Sandwich Plate: Chicken with pesto mayonnaise, grilled vegetables and rocket on campagne with salad & pickles.
Hot Plate: Baked sea bream with greek salsa, basil oil & balsamic and potato salad.

Hideo Higashikokubaru