Press Conference: Taro Kono, Minister of Defense
Thursday, June 25, 2020, 16:00 - 17:00
Language: The speech in English and Q & A will be in English & Japanese with English interpretation.
"Japan's National Security in the Post-Corona Era"
Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono's visit to the FCCJ comes at a momentous time. As Japan fights to stave off a second wave of coronavirus cases, the nation finds itself in tense arms talks with its strongest ally and dwindling public support for its top leadership.
Kono's surprise decision this month to halt deployment of the U.S.-made Aegis Ashore defense stations rattled diplomatic and military relations between the allies, as have revelations in former U.S. national security adviser John Bolton's new memoir that President Donald Trump has demanded that Japan pay $8 billion per year for costs associated with hosting American troops — or risk their withdrawal.
Meanwhile, recent polls have shown support for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Cabinet near record lows following a scandal involving a former justice minister. That's stoked speculation Abe will step down before the end of his term next year, with Kono seen as a candidate for the job.
Kono is an eight-term Member of the House of Representatives representing Kanagawa and has served as Minister of Defense since September 11, 2019. A graduate of Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, Kono has a reputation as a reformer with extensive Washington connections. His visit to the FCCJ will be the first by a member of Abe's cabinet since 2014.
How to attend:
Please register at front@fccj.or.jp with your name, name of media outlet, FCCJ membership number. Due to space restrictions, please note there will be a limited number of reservations to attend. Doors open at 15:30. Please sign in your name and contact details at the reception with your own pen and to have your temperature taken before proceeding.
How to watch online:
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/ff8RDytZE2a8TMXP8
Members watching the event online can submit questions for the speakers in advance using this submission form (English only).
TV crew: Please make a reservation at front@fccj.or.jp. Door open for TV crews only at 15:15. There will be five positions available for livestreaming.
Professional Activities Committee
