PROFESSIONAL LUNCHEON
Sadakazu Tanigaki,
President of the Liberal Democratic Party

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

After a humiliating setback in the Aug. 30 general election, which drove the long-dominant Liberal Democratic Party out of power for only the second time in its 54-year history, the LDP picked Sadakazu Tanigaki as its president on Sept. 28.

Tanigaki, 64, now faces the formidable task of turning his party's fortunes around in a bid to return to power and become Japan's prime minister in the near future. He held several key posts such as finance minister and transport minister before winning the party presidency.

But his election as LDP chief has drawn fire from some of the party's younger members who say he is the son of another lawmaker (his father Senichi was an LDP executive and education minister) and a favorite of party elders such as former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori.

Tanigaki says his immediate job as LDP president is to talk with people around the country while carrying out party reform.

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Sandwich Plate: Smoked Salmon, Avocado & Mizuna Tortilla Wrap with Sundried Tomato Cream Cheese
Hot Plate: Grilled Sirloin Steak with Mashed Potato, Spinach, Onion & Sauce, Seasonal Salad

Sadakazu Tanigaki, President of the Liberal Democratic Party