Press Conference,
Masahiko Koumura,
Minister for Foreign Affairs

The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with simultaneous English interpretation.

"Japan's Role As Chair Of The G8"

With the need to hammer out a new plan to cap greenhouse gases, the global economy slowing and skyrocketing food and fuel prices, the Group of Eight economies attending the Toyako Summit next month will have their work cut out for them.

Shortly before the crucial G8 foreign ministers' meeting in Kyoto on June 26 & 27, Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura will give a briefing on Tokyo's agenda and prospects for the G8 nations to deal with these issues.

Komura graduated from Chuo University with a BA in law. A lawyer by training, he was first elected to the Lower House in 1980 and has served in the ministerial portfolios of justice, defense and foreign affairs.

Masahiko Koumura