Oct. 23 - Many of you have asked me to describe a typical workday. This is very difficult as my schedule each day is very different, but I thought I would describe for you some of my work activities so that you can gain a better understanding as to what I do each day. One common activity is attending meetings outside the Embassy.

Our most important task as diplomats in Japan is to promote U.S. interests and convey information about the United States to the Japanese. One way we do this in Japan is by meeting Japanese leaders to discuss issues of mutual interest. The other day, I accompanied Ambassador Roos when he called on the Minister of Land, Infrastructure Transport and Tourism, Seiji Maehara. The United States is very interested in working with Minister Maehara and his staff to promote transportation safety, to facilitate the introduction of new energy-saving technologies in each other's economies, and to promote liberalization of trade in areas such as aviation services.

The Ambassador and Minister Maehara discussed prospects for Japanese high-speed rail technology to be used in the United States. The Obama Administration is very interested in developing a high-speed rail network in the United States to reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector. They also discussed civil aviation issues and the prospects for U.S. investments in Okinawa to promote its local economy. Ambassador Roos pointed out that Hawaii and Guam, as Pacific island communities, face similar challenges as Okinawa in developing their economies. I think this meeting will lead to increased opportunities for both American and Japanese firms to work together to our mutual benefit.

Until next time,

Jim