March 11 will mark the third anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, killing thousands of people and causing extensive and severe structural damage.
The University of Missouri–St. Louis will host a seminar from 5 to 6:45 p.m. March 12 to examine the state of Japan’s economic recovery, both at the national level and the areas affected by the disaster. The Kizuna Economic Seminar will be held 202 J.C. Penney Building/Conference Center on UMSL’s North Campus.
Attendees will hear from a native of Fukushima, one of the hardest hit areas. However at the time of the disaster, Akiko Nakagawa, director-general of the Trade Fair Department at the Japan External Trade Organization Tokyo, was working 50 miles away in Sendai. She’ll share her personal account of the disaster and the effect it had on the region’s people and economy. She will also talk about the progress of the recovery and the challenges faced by local industries, especially the manufacturing, agriculture and fishing sectors.
Joel Glassman, director of International Studies and Programs and associate provost of academic affairs will emcee the event.
Speakers will include:
- James Alexander, vice president for global client solution at the St Louis Regional Chamber
- Masaharu Yoshida, consul general for Consulate General of Japan at Chicago
- Ichiro Soné, chief executive director for the Chicago office of the Japan External Trade Organization
- Akiko Nakagawa, director-general of the Trade Fair Department at Japan External Trade Organization Tokyo
- Chikako Usui, president of the Japan America Society of St. Louis and associate professor of sociology at UMSL
Additional co-hosts include, International Studies and Programs at UMSL, the Japan America Society of St. Louis, the Consulate General of Japan at Chicago, the Chicago office of the Japan External Trade Organization and the St. Louis Regional Chamber.
The seminar is free and open to the public, but advanced registration is requested. Click here to register or call 314-516-7299.
