Japan's National Strategy for the 21st Century: Bridging Business in Asia and the West Through Structural Changes

Speaker: Kenichiro Otake, Commissioner, National Tax Agency, Japan

The tax system is a key infrastructure, which supports a nation's economy and society. To establish an optimal tax system, countries, including Japan, must accurately assess the true state of its economy and society. Currently in Japan, life expectancy is increas-ing while the birthrate is dropping. People are not following the conventional stages of life and are marrying later or not marrying at all. The rate of personal savings in declining precipitously and the government's debts are increasing.

To address these and other issues, the Japanese government is revising its tax system. It is promoting partnerships with other Asian countries, has radically revised the Japan-US Tax Treaty for the first time in 30 years, and is increasingly looking outward for foreign direct investment. Mr. Otake will discuss the changes that Japan must take to be successful in the next century.

Lunch will be served to those who RSVP. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided as Mr. Otake's talk will be in Japanese. Seating is limited therefore a reservation is required. Contact Neeley Main at nmain@stanford.edu or at 650-723-8387 by Monday, January 10, 2005 to reserve your seat. Please mention if you do not need to use the interpretation service.