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The Honorable Shintaro Ishihara Governor of Tokyo |
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The main message of Governor Ishihara's presentation was that Japan does not utilize its own potential and power, and its own inventions. Japan is like a sumo wrestler that has a strong physique but always use the same technique, and therefor looses.
Even though the fiscal situation of the government is very pour, we should remember that not a penny is borrowed from abroad. On the contarary, Japan buys US bonds for 300 trillion yen very year, which is same amount as the total Japanese consumption. Ishihara did not suggest that Japan should stop buying US bonds, but it should be better utilized, e.g. as collaterals for bringing fresh money to Japan. Regarding Haneda airport, Ishihara strongly advocated a second re-development phase to allow for international flights. Otherwise "in three years international aviation comes to a puncture in Japan". In the Q&A session, Mr. Ishihara was asked about his opinions on the Koizumi government. According to him, we should not expect too much in just one year, Japan should be more patient. Regarding his own plans for the top post, his reply was "Que sera, sera". Another question was regarding Japan's relations with China. Even though Ishihara said that he has no prejudices against China he was very critical about the attitude towards patents and intellectual property rights in China, as well as their cheap labor. "The Chinese are stealing in broad daylight", he claimed. He also predicted that in 15-16 years time, China would be divided into five or six separate countries. 
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Donald P. Kanak, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan welcomes the participants and introduces the speaker.
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Robert F. Grondice, Chairman of ACCJ and Mr. Ishihara enjoys a good laugh. Behind FCCJ members Isao Nishimura, Aplix Corporation and Kimio Hashida, Nokia Japan.
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) The luncheon was organized by ACCJ
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Would you believe that this man can say "no"....
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The Governor shows the certificate of appreciation presented by Mr. Grondine
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20 members from FCCJ participated in the luncheon, one table with FCCJ members...
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..another table with FCCJ members...
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..and one more table with FCCJ members...
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The Kiku Ballroom at Hilton Tokyo was at full capacity with 400 participants.
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