Join AKWorld Affairs for a conversation with Yoko Kamikawa—a distinguished Japanese political leader and respected think tank researcher whose career has helped shape Japan’s global outlook. With decades of experience at the highest levels of government, including her tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kamikawa is widely recognized for her pragmatic leadership and ability to navigate complex international challenges with clarity and purpose.
A forward-looking voice on Arctic policy, Kamikawa was an early advocate for Japan’s successful bid to join the Arctic Council as an Observer in 2013—highlighting her long-standing interest in the region’s strategic and environmental significance.
In this program, she will draw on her deep experience in diplomacy and governance to offer unique insights into Japan’s evolving engagement in the Arctic, and what that means for international cooperation, security, and the future of this rapidly changing region.
About the Speaker
Yoko Kamikawa is a Japanese politician known for her long-standing role in national government. She is the first woman to have served Japan both as Minister of Justice and Minister for Foreign Affairs. Kamikawa was first elected to the House of Representatives of Japan in 2000. Her first cabinet position was in 2007 as Minister of State for Gender Equality and Social Affairs.
She graduated from the University of Tokyo and in 1988 she received a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University. During her time in the United States, she worked as a Fulbright fellow under Senator Max Baucus.
During her time as Foreign Minister, she took an active role in promoting Japan’s position as a proactive contributor to peace, including trips to the Middle East, Ukraine, and a tour of Europe and North America. In January 2024, Kamikawa also oversaw the launch of a new “Women, Peace and Security (WPS)” task force to address gender-inclusive security issues.
Event Details
- Check-in will begin at 2:30 PM with seating available on a first-come first-serve basis. The program will begin at 3:00 PM.
- Those with online reservations do not need to present ticket confirmation at the door, we will have all confirmed attendees on a list at check-in.
- Online registration closes at 6:00 PM on April 29 or when event sells out.