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For Immediate Release
May 4, 2005
Media Advisory
Internet Caucus to Host Roundtable with Japanese Internet Leaders
Discussion to Focus on state of the Internet in Japan and Cybersecurity Issues
The Internet Caucus Advisory Committee will host an informal, roundtable discussion with two leaders of the Japanese Diet -- Councillors Yutaka Kobayashi and Hiroshige Seko. The Internet Caucus Advisory Committee (ICAC) will host this discussion at its offices on Wednesday, May 4 at 10:30 AM. Seko-san and Kobayashi-san will discuss the scope of Internet-related issues in Japan, including broadband and cyber security.
Last year, Japan saw an increase in the rate of nationwide broadband penetration, from 11.7% in 2003to 14.1% in 2004. Despite these advancements, Japan's rank in the ITU's Broadband Penetration listing fell five places to 13 overall -- ceding ground to Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, and Israel. The U.S. ranked 16 in that report -- dangerously close to falling off the report altogether.
WHAT: Roundtable Discussion with Councillors Yutaka Kobayashi and Hiroshige Seko, Japanese Diet, House of Councillors.
WHEN: Wednesday, May 4, 10:30 AM. Refreshments will be served.
WHERE: Internet Education Foundation, 1634 I Street, NW, 11th Floor Conference Room, Washington, DC
WHO: Councillor Yutaka Kobayashi, a first-term member of the House of Councillors, was elected in July 2001. He currently serves as the Deputy Secretary-General for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and is a member of three important committees within his chamber, including: Economy and Industry (Director), Special Committee on North Korean Abduction Issue and Related Matters (Director) and the Research Committee on International Affairs.
Personal Web site
Councillor Hiroshige Seko was first elected to the House of Councillors in 1998, and was re-elected to the governing body in 2001. Seko-san, a member of the Liberal Democratic Party, currently serves as Director of the Committee on General Affairs and the Investigation Committee. Additionally, Seko-san serves as a member of the Committee on Budget and the Committee on Establishment of Political Ethics and Election System.
Personal Web site
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Assuring Informed Decision-Making
The Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee is a diverse group of public interest, non-profit and industry groups working to educate Congress and the public about important Internet-related policy issues. This event is hosted in conjunction with the Internet Caucus and its co-chairs - Senators Conrad Burns (R-MT) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Congressmen Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and Rick Boucher (D-VA), and Wireless Task Force Chair, Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA).