CDC Opens New East Asia and Pacific Regional Office in Japan

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Mandy Cohen celebrated the opening of the new CDC East Asia and Pacific (EAP) regional office in Tokyo, Japan, at a ceremony that included U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, Japan Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Keizo Takemi, diplomatic and health leaders from countries in the region, international organizations, and academic institutions.

On this momentous occasion, Director Cohen remarked:

“America’s safety and security is dependent on the strong linkages between countries around the world,” said Mandy Cohen, M.D., M.P.H, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “CDC’s East Asia and Pacific regional office will address health security – globally and in the region – by focusing on cooperation in advanced threat detection, laboratory networks, response capacities, and other platforms and systems for rapid response to ongoing and emerging public health threats.”

On a snowy day, the opening ceremony was held at the prominent U.S. Ambassador’s Residence located in the heart of Akasaka, which featured this time an authentic fireplace to warm its guests.

Initially, it was announced that due to prior work and traffic conditions Japan Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Keizo Takemi, would not be able to make it. However, the audience was delighted to see when Mr. Takemi made a late entry to congratulate Ms. Cohen and Ambassador Emanuel in person.

Although, the snow caused some traffic delays, guests and snowed-in journalists which looked like skier coming from the slopes of Nagano, it was the perfect atmosphere to start a new endeavor in a warm and hospitable atmosphere at the Ambassador’s residence. We welcome CDC to Tokyo and congratulate Director Cohen to a successful launch.

For more information on CDC and its mission in Japan, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/media/