PRESS CONFERENCE

Gaza crisis' implications for Japan and East Asia
Tetsuo Kotani, Professor, Meikai University and Senior Fellow, Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA)
Koichiro Tanaka, Professor, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University
Tom O'Sullivan, Director of Mathyos Global Advisory

11:00-12:00 Thursday, November 2, 2023
Language: The speech and Q & A will be in English.


Following the attacks in Southern Israel on October 7th, the Middle East is facing its worst crisis in decades as Japan enters its final months as chair of G7. Over 95% of Japan's oil comes from the Arab countries and 20% of its natural gas; consequently the stakes for the world's third largest economy are extremely high if the crisis worsens. So far Japan has not endorsed two of the three G7 statements on the crisis because of its complicated relationship with the region.

Israel has closed its only international gas pipeline and its offshore gas field. Iran has also called for an Arab boycott of oil exports to Israel. China is Israel's second largest trading partner after the US with $15 billion of two-way trade, and is also the main consumer of Iranian oil. Asian countries also suffered significant casualties in the attacks on October 7th, and many Asian nationals still remain in captivity in Gaza.

We invited 3 speakers to examine the diplomatic, military and energy implications of the crisis for Japan and the possible implications for the broader Asia Pacific region.

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/V6Gw7RjVTZwcPFFR9
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