Congrès Inc. operated "Air Force Forum in Japan"
From October 14 (Monday) to October 18 (Friday), 2024, the "Air Force Forum in Japan" was held in Tokyo as part of the celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). Congrès Inc. was responsible for the planning and management of this historic event.
The forum brought together approximately 300 participants, including air force chiefs, senior officials, and delegates from 20 countries and organizations in the Indo-Pacific region, Europe, and North America. Key activities included the multilateral conference InPACT (Indo-Pacific Air chiefs Conference in Tokyo), bilateral meetings, field studies, and a special spouse program.
On October 14 (Monday), a welcome reception was held to greet the attendees, including the Minister of Defense NAKATANI Gen and distinguished domestic and international guests. A highlight of the evening was a performance by renowned Gagaku artist TOGI Hideki (*) and his ensemble of four musicians, who played a mix of classical and modern compositions, providing a unique display of Japanese hospitality. The event also featured a dynamic performance by the JASDF Central Band, followed by a stunning collaboration between the band and TOGI's group, leaving the audience captivated.
* Blending tradition with innovation, TOGI has reimagined Gagaku - Japan's ancient court music, which dates back over 1,000 years - by incorporating piano and synthesizers alongside its traditional wind, string, and percussion instruments. Continuing a family legacy of Gagaku, he has introduced this rich cultural heritage to audiences both in Japan and abroad, earning widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including a Japan Record Award for his album TOGISM2.
On October 15 (Tuesday), the multilateral conference InPACT convened with keynote addresses by Professor Peter W. Singer (Managing Partner, Useful Fiction) and Professor JIMBO Ken (Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University; Executive Director, International House of Japan). Through three panel discussions, participants, including air chiefs and senior staff, engaged in lively debates on defense cooperation strategies vital to the current global landscape.
October 16 (Wednesday) and October 17 (Thursday) were dedicated to bilateral meetings, including those between JASDF Chief of Staff General UCHIKURA Hiroaki and leaders from invited nations. Numerous bilateral dialogues among participating countries were also held, fostering valuable exchanges of ideas, and strengthening collaborative ties.
We are deeply honored to have managed such a historic event for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in making this occasion a success.