Dynamic Times
From advocacy to events, Japan and the ACCJ see change and progress
From left: ACCJ Economic Security Task Force Vice-Chair Shuichi Izumo, then-Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi, ACCJ President Om Prakash, task force Chair Arthur Mitchell, and Vice-Chair Megumi Tsukamoto
The past few months have been an incredibly dynamic time for Japan and the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ). The chamber has continued to be very active in its engagement with the US and Japanese governments through meetings with congressional delegates.
I want to start with a moment to honor Shinzo Abe. As Japan lays the former prime minister to rest, I’d like to acknowledge his many accomplishments during a lifetime of contributing to the US–Japan relationship. As the longest-serving prime minister, he was a source of stability that allowed the alliance to grow in depth and strength.
Many of his structural reforms reinforced the ACCJ’s advocacy pillars. Abe was especially devoted to the advancement of women, and spoke at the 2015 ACCJ Women in Business Summit to reinforce his support for women’s empowerment.
He was a leader who stood out in a chaotic world. Here in Japan, he was a supporter of the chamber and the international business community, and a personal friend of many members. We honor him and extend our sincere condolences to his family, colleagues, and the people of Japan.
Easing Entry
We have all been heartened by the progress made on the easing of entry restrictions, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on September 22 that Japan will fully reopen on October 11.
Over the past two and a half years, our members have shared with us how the entry restrictions have impacted them, their companies, and their families. With the full reopening, Japan can kickstart the recovery of its economy and reestablish itself as a leading global financial center.
I’d like to express my gratitude to ACCJ Special Advisor Christopher LaFleur for leading the chamber’s advocacy efforts, and the many other members who have helped. Chris personally has regularly engaged the Japanese government and media, including earlier this year when he represented the ACCJ at a press conference hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan. His contributions have helped bring about the progress we’ve seen, and have directly benefited members who have been impacted by the restrictions.
Economic Security
Another key area in which the ACCJ has been active on the advocacy front is economic security. We’ve collaborated closely with the Japanese government and, in April, announced the ACCJ Principles for the Promotion of Economic Security. The ACCJ Task Force on Economic Security discussed these directly with then-Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi, since when it has issued a new viewpoint on ensuring a level playing field for cloud services. The task force also met with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to discuss the Economic Security Promotion Act, which was approved by the Diet on May 11.
These were productive meetings, with the ACCJ introducing our recommendations and the Japanese government expressing its appreciation for our support of the issue.
Economic security among like-minded nations is vital to sustainable economic growth, which in turn enhances economic security. Our engagement on the issue is just one of many examples of how the chamber plays a key part in helping to set a regional and global standard for protection of people, businesses, and governments.
Exciting Events
While the chamber is very much about advocacy, it’s also very much about networking. I’m happy to see that fall is full of exciting opportunities for our members to come together in person and online. I encourage all members to join us at the virtual Ordinary General Meeting on November 2 for an update on all that the chamber and our members have accomplished this year. We are also planning an in-person gathering right before so we can capture the best of both worlds.
On my last note, I just got a new tuxedo so that I’ll be ready for the return of the in-person Charity Ball! This is one of Tokyo’s most important community-oriented events, which we are planning for December 3. This year’s special theme is Chicago: An Evening in the Windy City.
I look forward both to seeing many of you at our upcoming events, and to your continued contributions and personal efforts on our ever-important advocacy.
