Mr. Taichiro Nishikawa, Former Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (currently serving as the Mayor of Arakawa City), and Mr. Takaaki Yamazaki, Mayor of Koto City visited ERIA on December 18, 2014.

Mr. Nishikawa and Mr. Yamazaki were welcomed by Prof. Hidetoshi Nishimura, Executive Director of ERIA and all the ERIA staff.

Prof. Nishimura briefed the guests on the ERIA's activities and developments since its establishment, highlighting the flagship projects that ERIA has done so far and on-going works to formulate the ASEAN Community's Post-2015 Vision. He also discussed the outcomes of the 9th East Asia Summit and elaborated upon ERIA's role to provide support to the Chair of the ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit.

H.E. Mr. Nishikawa reaffirmed ERIA's commitment to actively participate in the ASEAN Community building process to address regional issues of common interest and concern and expressed appreciation to the Executive Director and the ERIA for their dedication and contributions to ASEAN and East Asia region.