
November 14, 2009, Tokyo - On the second day of his visit to Japan, President Barack Obama gave a speech at Suntory Hall on the future of U.S. leadership in the Asia Pacific region. The President began his remarks by praising the famous hospitality of Japan and speaking of his childhood memories of visiting the country. He made clear that for all of the diverse countries and cultures in the region, "our efforts in the Asia Pacific will be rooted, in no small measure, through an enduring and revitalized alliance between the United States and Japan."
Transcript and video of the President's speech at Suntory Hall
Video of Jon Favreau, President Obama's lead speechwriter, giving a trip update after the speech
If you would like to comment on the President's speech, please e-mail us at facrs@state.gov
November 8, 2009, Kitakyushu – As part of the 50th anniversary celebration of sister city ties between Norfolk, Virginia, and Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, “The Voices of Virginia” musical performance by students of the Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk rocked a full house of 1,200 people. Highlights from the Kitakyushu city sponsored event included music of the Jackson Five, Elvis Presley, and Stevie Wonder. As a finale, students from the Governor’s School for the Arts joined students from Kitakyushu City High School to sing an inspiring version of “We are the World.”[More]
November 6, 2009, Fukuoka – Consul for Management & Consular Affairs Juan “Jay” Avecilla gave a lecture to 30 Okawa High School students, faculty, and members of the local Rotary Club in Okawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture.[More]
October 15, 2009, Fukuoka - Mr. George Scholz, Regional English Language Officer based at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, spoke on “Shaping the Way We Teach English” to an audience of about 60 at a program held at Fukuoka American Center. Participants included English teachers from both public and private elementary, middle and high schools as well as university students aspiring to be teachers. [More]
- President Obama's Address to School Children
- English Education - Jane Blyth Warren
- Careers in Japanese-English Interpreting

