Press Releases
Courtesy Call on Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs ONISHI by Jewish-American Young Leaders (B’nai B’rith International)
On November 7, commencing at 2:00 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. ONISHI Yohei, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, received a courtesy call from a delegation of Jewish-American young leaders recommended by B’nai B’rith International, who were invited to Japan under the Kakehashi Project, one of the Japan’s Friendship Ties Programs. The overview of the courtesy call is as follows:
- At the outset, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI welcomed the delegation. He further referred to and welcomed the recent agreement that achieved a ceasefire and the release of all surviving hostages, more than two years after the terrorist attacks by Hamas and others.
- Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI emphasized the importance of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, noting that close exchanges between Japan and the American Jewish community is an important part of the bonds that underpin the Alliance. He expressed his hope that the delegation would contribute to the further development of Japan-U.S. relationship.
- The delegation expressed their gratitude for the invitation to Japan and shared their impressions and aspirations for the visit. The participants also asked questions concerning Japan-Israel relations and Japan’s security environment.
(Reference1) KAKEHASHI Project
The purpose of KAKEHASHI Project is to increase the interest in and understanding of Japan among outstanding young leaders in the North American region. By having them engage in activities that make the most of their visit experience, it aims to foster supporters and experts of Japan. The project promotes participants' understanding of Japan's politics, economy, society, culture, history, and foreign policy in accordance with their areas of expertise and interest and enhances their external communication about Japan.
(Reference2) B’nai B’rith International
Founded in New York in 1843, it is the largest Jewish mutual aid organization in the United States and the oldest in the world. It has more than 200,000 members in 50 countries.