“Challenges in Asia and the World: Democracy, Nationalism and Secularism” will be presented by the Japan America Society of Southern California and Los Angeles World Affairs Council on Friday, Nov. 30, at the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City, 2151 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles. Registration at 11:30 a.m., luncheon at 12 p.m.
Ambassador Kazuo Kodama, deputy permanent representative of Japan to the United Nations, will address world-changing events from the “Arab Spring” to the tragic deaths of Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans in Libya. He believes these events require us to reconcile the need to respect religious beliefs while at the same time upholding freedom of speech and expression.
Sharing his insights from the unique platform of the U.N., Kodama will also shed some light on Japan’s escalating territorial issues with China and the Republic of Korea from the perspective of both nationalism and democracy.
This luncheon also serves as a “welcome back” event as Kodama makes his first official visit to Los Angeles since his posting here as consul general from 2006 to 2008.
Admission: $56 for members, $66 for guests of members, $81 general, $560 for table of 10.
To RSVP, call (213) 627–6217, ext. 205 or visit www.jas-socal.org.
Cooperating organizations: Consulate General of Japan, Asian American Symphony Association, Asia Society of Southern California, Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Japanese American National Museum, Japan Society of San Diego and Tijuana, U.S.-Japan Council