PRESS CONFERENCE
Tasso Takuya, Governor of Iwate Prefecture

July 19, Wednesday, 13:00-14:00 (Press Conference)
The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation.

There is a common perception that capital cities are what define a country's character - Paris in the case of France. London in the UK, or Tokyo in Japan's case. But some in Japan believe that regional cities should take a bigger role in shaping a nation's destiny and image.

One such is Morioka City, the capital of Iwate Prefecture which, having staged a remarkable recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011, has gone on to give the lie to the image of Japan as a nation of demographic decay and rural decline.

As observed in a recent New York Times article, Iwate and Morioka are made up of a creative community overflowing with energy and life, with young people looking towards the future. Tasso believes that Japan should take a "path of decentralization and implement policies where the rural regions take a lead role."

Four-term governor of Iwate Tasso Takuya symbolises this challenging spirit of rural renewal and recreation in Japan, and indeed is one of its principal architects. He will explain to the FCC his vision for the future of Japan and why there is abundant life and energy beyond Tokyo. It is an inspiring vision. Do not miss the chance to hear about it.

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, giving your name and contact details at the reception, and have your temperature taken before proceeding. 

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/sK6Rvc5Ktbjv5qTg9
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