PRESS CONFERENCE
Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Ambassador to Japan
10:00-11:00 Thursday, January 18, 2024
Language: The speech and Q & A will be in English.
Japan as a full spectrum power
Fresh from his latest visit to Washington, US Ambassador Rahm Emanuel wants to share his perspective on Japan's transformation into "a full-spectrum power in national security, the economy and cultural influence", the US Embassy says in a statement.
He will discuss Japan's achievements in terms of U.S.-Japan ties, Indo-Pacific leadership and global engagement, the Embassy says.
Emanuel arrived in Tokyo two years ago with a reputation as a combative politician. His popular nickname, "Rambo" alludes to his time as senior advisor to President Bill Clinton and Chief of Staff to President Barack Obama, and as Chicago's 55th mayor from 2011 – 2019.
He has won plaudits since for his smooth and open approach as ambassador and is known to leave the embassy compound in Akasaka to get a feel for life in his host city. But he also earned headlines for some decidedly undiplomatic language about Japan's powerful neighbor, China.
Last September, in a series of tweets, he speculated on the disappearances of several top Chinese officials: "First, Foreign Minister Qin Gang goes missing, then the Rocket Force commanders go missing, and now Defense Minister Li Shangfu hasn't been seen in public for two weeks. Who's going to win this unemployment race? China's youth or Xi's cabinet?," he wrote.
That has led to inevitable speculation about whether Emanuel represents the official view of the White House and President Joe Biden.
Be sure to register for this right away, so as not to miss out on the chance Emanuel will live up to his reputation for hot comments that make headlines.
How to attend:
Please register at front@fccj.or.jp with your name, the name of your media outlet, and FCCJ membership number. Due to space restrictions attendance will be limited. Doors open 15 minutes before the event. Please sign in and giving your name and contact details at the reception.
How to watch online: https://www.youtube.com/c/FCCJchannel/live
Livestreaming of the press events will be available and video of this event will be uploaded to our FCCJ YouTube channel.
How to ask questions: https://forms.gle/tt5NmbXaVUsooUsZ9
Members watching the event online can submit questions for the speakers in advance using this submission form.
TV crew: Please make a reservation at front@fccj.or.jp. Doors open for TV crews only at 30 minutes before the event.
Professional Activities Committee