CEPEX along with USJI (U.S.-Japan Research Institute) hosted a special event on February 10, 2015. Sojitz Research Institute’s Masayuki Kobayashi gave a presentation to undergraduate and graduate students in the Washington, DC area about Japan, World and ‘Sogo Sosha’.

Mr. Kobayashi discussed Japan’s history, the impact of Abenomics and the role of the sogo shosha (Japanese trade and investment companies).

The students enjoyed sushi and refreshments provided by CEPEX and USJI, as well as stimulating conversation with the visiting scholar from Tokyo. Mr. Kobayashi has a special interest in Japanese history, and was the key force behind the creating of the Suzuki Shoten Museum (http://www.suzukishoten-museum.com/).