Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to speak at Stanford

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan will visit Stanford University this Thursday, April 30, to speak on the subject of innovation and promote expanded partnerships between Japan and Silicon Valley.

Abe is making a state visit to the United States this week that will include the first address by a Japanese leader to a joint session of Congress. Abe served as prime minister of Japan in 2006-07 and returned to the position in 2012.

At Stanford on Thursday, Abe will speak at an “Innovation, Japan & Silicon Valley Symposium” at 2:15 p.m. at Bing Concert Hall. The prime minister will deliver a speech and then answer submitted questions. He will be introduced by Stanford President John Hennessy.

Abe’s remarks will be delivered in Japanese with simultaneous translation; headsets will be provided.

The 30-minute program will be open to invited guests, as well as to other members of the Stanford community with a Stanford ID on a first-come, first-served basis.

Doors will open at 1 p.m. Those wishing to attend must bring a valid Stanford ID. No bags, backpacks or signs will be allowed in Bing Concert Hall, and no cameras or flash photography will be permitted. Food and drink also will be prohibited.

Members of the news media wishing to cover the symposium must register in advance with the Office of University Communications.