Event Detail

Many Japanese and foreign observers have long argued that a crisis is

needed in order to catalyze true reform in Japan. No one expected the

events of 3/11 but Japan must set its course for the future in the next

few months. Will Japan merely rebuild itself in its old image or can it

be re-imagined in a new way? Is it possible to move beyond factionalism

or temporary and expedient coalitions toward new political alignments?

As the Tohoku region is rebuilt, will leaders seize the opportunity to

diversify risk away from over-concentration in Tokyo and Osaka and

create future cities that are eco-friendly and connected to the smart

grid? And what are the ramifications of the way in which the rebuilding

is financed? These are just a few of the questions that Professor

Gerald Curtis will cover when he addresses the ACCJ this year.



Professor Gerald Curtis is Burgess Professor of Political Science at

Columbia University. He served as Director of Columbia's Weatherhead

East Asian Institute for a total of twelve years between 1974 and 1990.

Professor Curtis is the author of The Logic of Japanese Politics, The

Japanese Way of Politics, Election Campaigning Japanese Style, and

numerous other books and articles written in both English and Japanese

and translated into Chinese, Korean, Thai and other languages.