On 23 June 2009, the Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, Ambassador Yukio Takasu, was the guest speaker at the Japan Society where he made a lecture on Japan’s role in the United Nations Security Council.

Ambassador Takasu, introduced by Dr. Michael Green, Senior Advisor & Japan Chair of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, spoke on Security Council Reform. The audience listened to Ambassador Takasu describe the current Security Council structure which member states agreed does not reflect the reality of the world today. Furthermore, he explained how the consequences of inaction to reform could hinder the legitimacy of Security Council resolutions and their implementation. Ambassador Takasu noted how Japan was in a unique position to be a contender for a permanent seat on a reformed Security Council and how such a position would not only benefit Japan and the United States, but all countries.

After his lecture, Ambassador Takasu held an interactive dialogue session led by Dr. Green, which was open to questions from the audience. Ambassador Takasu answered questions on topics ranging from the domestic political situation, comparisons of other international bodies and the Security Council, and the concept of the Responsibility to Protect.

A short reception was held afterwards where Ambassador Takasu spoke directly with the guests and media.