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Democracy Video Challenge

Jan. 22 - Last month I met Yujiro Taniyama, a 2009 Asia finalist in the State Department's Democracy Video Challenge. The Democracy Video Challenge is a YouTube hosted worldwide video contest aimed at enhancing dialogue on democracy. Contestants such as Mr. Taniyama create video shorts that complete the phrase, "Democracy is ..." Every year, one video is selected from each of six regions, and the filmmakers receive an all expenses paid trip to Washington, New York and Los Angeles for screenings and award ceremonies. Last year over 900 filmmakers from 95 countries submitted videos.

Mr. Taniyama produced a two minute video entitled "Democracy and Obama City". I really enjoyed viewing the video - it was a unique and engaging look at democracy. I was also really impressed by Mr. Taniyama's creativity and international background. Having grown up in Japan, Australia, Thailand and the United States, Mr. Taniyama offered us a multi-faceted perspective on democracy.

For those of us in the United States and Japan, it can sometimes be easy to take democracy for granted. The Democracy Video Challenge is a great way to celebrate our freedoms and express what democracy means to us. I hope you'll consider participating in this year's contest (entries can be submitted until Jan. 31, 2010). I'm looking forward to seeing many entries from Japan and hopefully honoring another winner in the coming year!

Until next time,

Jim

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