Dr. FUNABASHI Yoichi, Chairman of Asia Pacific Initiative (API), delivered his remarks at the 8th Nikkei FT Communicable Diseases Conference, an international conference that brings together experts and policymakers.

On October 28, Dr. Funabashi delivered his remarks during a discussion session on the nation’s decision making, based on the findings from API’s recent publication, “the Independent Investigation Commission on the Japanese Government’s Response to COVID-19.” He commented that the Covid-19 crisis revealed that the systems in place in Japan are extremely vulnerable in a time of national crisis, both on a national and societal level. He also noted that there is a lack of awareness and preparedness in taking account of crises as a national security issue. He pointed out that it is important to continue carrying out policy reviews on best practices and lessons learned from national crises to build a more crisis-resistant Japan.

Click here for the 8th Nikkei FT Communicable Diseases Conference

Click here for the Independent Investigation Commission on the Japanese Government’s Response to COVID-19 (API/ICJC)

Click here for the Independent Investigation Commission on the Japanese Government’s Response to COVID-19: Report on Best Practices and Lessons Learned on Amazon Kindle

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