PREVIEW

Can Japan, which is slowly recovering from the economic upheaval that beset much of Asia, regain its economic footing this year? And if so, will it follow the technology-oriented “New Economy” model that has fueled much of the record growth seen in the United States? Osamu Watanabe, a former top-ranking official in Japan’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry, will examine these and other issues in a Los Angeles address Wednesday sponsored by the Japan America Society. Watanabe, who last year retired from the foreign trade ministry after 30 years of service, is also expected to discuss how Japanese corporate restructuring, political realignment and regulatory policy is working to shape the country’s rebounding economy. For more information, call (213) 627-6217, ext. 202.