Yukio Noguchi, Professor, The Waseda Graduate School of Finance, Accounting and Law
Naohiro Yashiro, Professor, International Christian University
Yoichi Takahashi , Former Finance Ministry Bureaucrat & Professor, Kaetsu University
Mitsumaru Kumagai, Chief Economist, Daiwa Institute of Research

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

“Tax Panel Discussion”

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has staked his political career on fiscal reform and is planning to submit bills to Parliament this month which will double the nation's five percent sales tax in two stages over three years. But - surprise, surprise - his fractious comrades in the Democratic Party of Japan, including power broker Ichiro Ozawa, won't get behind him and the opposition can still block the legislation in the Upper House.

Is this sales tax hike the right call in the battle to fix Japan's symbolic finances? Does Noda have any alternatives? If he backs down on the bills, or submits them but is voted down, Japan's sixth prime minister in five years will be under pressure to join the ranks of the departed.

Noda says the plan is a crucial first step toward reining in Japan's snowballing public debt, already twice the size of its $5 trillion economy. Markets have already began to picture a scenario of further downgrades in Japan's sovereign bond and, eventually, a crash. Will they welcome a tax hike, or slam it as too little, too late?

Hear both sides of the tax hike debate from a panel of experts who are passionate on the subject:

Professor Naohiro Yashiro of International Christian University and Chief Economist Mitsumaru Kumagai of Daiwa Institute of Research will argue in favour. On the other side of the spectrum, arguing against the move, will be former Finance Ministry bureaucrat and Kaetsu University professor Yoichi Takahashi and Yukio Noguchi, professor at the Waseda Graduate School of Finance, Accounting and Law.

Menu:
Sauteed Black Loin of Pork with Robert Sauce, Lyonnaise Potato and Green Vegetables,Seasonal Salad

Naohiro Yashiro, Professor, International Christian University

Yukio Noguchi, The Waseda Graduate School of Finance, Accounting and Law & Mitsumaru Kumagai, Daiwa Institute of Research

Yoichi Takahashi , Former Finance Ministry Bureaucrat & Professor, Kaetsu University

PROFESSIONAL LUNCHEON
Cyndi Lauper
The World Famous Pop Star

The speech and Q & A will be in English

"Cyndi Lauper, the Pop Star Who Keeps Her Promise"

After one year, she's back, as promised.

When Cyndi Lauper landed at Narita airport for her 2011 Japan tour, it was the same day the devastating quake and tsunami hit the Tohoku area and rattled nerves throughout much of Japan. The pop star was herself stuck in traffic and couldn’t reach her Tokyo hotel until around 3 a.m. the next day. Then came the steadily worsening nuclear disaster. Ignoring advice from overseas to immediately return home like so many others, she stayed and went ahead with her tour as planned. And she promised to come back again...

Before her special one year anniversary performance on Sunday, Lauper has already visited the Tohoku area. She will come to the FCCJ and share with us her thoughts on Japan, the disasters and the future, on Monday, March 12.

* Initial reservations are limited to four tickets and may be subject to further change.

** Please note that photos could only be taken from the back of the room, and please refrain from doing so from your seats.

** Please do not take photos when Ms. Lauper comes in and leaves the room.

MENU;
Texas- style Baked Chicken, Red Bean Rice and Green Vegetables

**For meal service, please enter the room by 12:40.

Cyndi Lauper The World Famous Pop Star

Reiko Yukawa, Japanese Composer.

PROFESSIONAL LUNCHEON
Hiroki Haga, Leader of public relations at the Kirikiri evacuation center

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

"KIRIKIRI people, Local Community Taking the Self Initiative to Rebuild Their Lives"

The town of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture was one of the Pacific coastal areas devastated by the killer quake and tsunami on March 11, 2011.

But the town and its people are gradually recovering from the tragedy, assisted in part by the popularity of the town's Kirikiri district. This is thanks to Hisashi Inoue's novel "Kirikirijin" (The People of Kirikiri).

While the novel is set in a fictitious village in northeastern Japan, the theme advocates independence from an abusive central government that strongly resonates with the public today.

The club now has a great opportunity to welcome representatives of real-life Kirikirijin. Come to learn about their life after the catastrophe and why their centuries-old community values mean so much to them and are helping them stand on their own feet.

Menu:
Sauteed Swordfish (Kajikimaguro) With Tomato & Olive Sauce, Seasonal Salad

Hiroki Haga, Leader of public relations at the Kirikiri evacuation center