PRESS CONFERENCE
Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Ambassador to Japan
10:30-11:30 Friday, January 10, 2025
My Time in Tokyo
Ambassador Rahm Emanuel has been in Japan since January 2022, working to deepen ties between Washington and Tokyo. The post had been vacant since 2019, and some had suggested that the gap was a metaphor for a stagnant period for bilateral ties. On taking the post, Emanuel said the next three years would dictate the U.S.-Japan relationship for the next 30.
In his final visit to the Club in his current role, Ambassador Emanuel will assess what has been achieved in that time and the state of ties with the new Ishiba Cabinet ahead of a change in presidents.
Since the election in which former President Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris with both houses of Congress likely to be Republican, Democrats have eyed who can now lead the party. Speculation is growing that Ambassador Emanuel will be a candidate in the race to replace outgoing DNC Chair Jaime Harrison, looking to turn the fortunes of the party around before the next lower house election in 2026.
In addition to his time in Tokyo, Emanuel served in the Clinton administration, in Congress, and was President Obama's chief of staff before two terms as mayor of Chicago.
Please make your reservations early for a deep look at the U.S.-Japan relationship and political developments across the Pacific.
How to attend:
Please register at front@fccj.or.jp with your name, the name of your media outlet, and FCCJ membership number. 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
How to ask questions: https://forms.gle/YwTkcrKHGCMA4fNj6
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