This month, the International Policy Forum welcomed Masahiko Shibayama, Chair of the House of Representatives Cabinet Affairs Committee, formerly Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, to discuss Japan’s foreign policy under Prime Minister Abe. 

As Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Shibayama’s responsibilities included North America and public diplomacy, and he is an acknowledged expert on national security, UN reform and judicial cooperation. He was Senior Vice-Minister for Internal Affairs & Communications in the 2nd Abe Cabinet, responsible for ICT and telecommunications.  An experienced lawyer, he also served as Shadow Minister of Justice. Mr. Shibayama was selected as an LDP candidate by winning an open competition. He is a very active legislator, and the most prolific user of private members’ bills in the LDP.