PROFESSIONAL LUNCHEON
Kozo Watanabe
DPJ House of Representatives Member,
Former Lower House Vice Speaker

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

Kozo Watanabe
DPJ House of Representatives Member,
Former Lower House Vice Speaker

Kozo Watanabe is a veteran politician who stands out as a man who speaks his mind and is not happy about the way the government of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama is doing its job.

Watanabe has been critical - in his down-to-earth, Fukushima dialect - of Democratic Party of Japan Secretary General Ichiro Ozawa over his political funding scandal and his grip on power within the ruling party.

As one of seven original no-nonsense "magistrates," Watanabe has won praise from colleagues and adversaries alike for his frank remarks, which are in short supply in a party that lacks freedom of expression.

He recently denounced his own party for deciding to fire Yukio Ubukata as vice secretary general for criticizing the party's leadership.

Watanabe has served as health and welfare minister in charge of pensions, home affairs minister and international trade and industry minister. He is prepared to answer timely questions about the current state of the government from members of the club.

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Sandwich Plate: Smoked Salmon, Dill Cream Cheese, Red Onion, Capers, Cress on Bagel,Salad & Pickles
Hot Plate: Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken with Braised Shallots, Green Beans, Mashed Potato, Spinach & Parsley Butter, Seasonal Salad

Kozo Watanabe, DPJ House of Representatives Member