Kyoto/Osaka 2011

The 21st Annual Meeting and Conference was a resounding success, with over 800 delegates and accompanying persons in attendance.

Welcome Receptions

Receptions for IPBA New Members, Scholars, and Women Business Lawyers were held the night before the conference started.	Membership Committee Chair Suresh Divyanathan addresses the delegates.

A traditional "Kagami Wari" ceremony, whereby casks of sake are hit open with mallets. Everyone then enjoyed the rich flavor of sake.	The Welcome Reception was very well attended.

Japan is not just about sushi! A wide variety of food was available all evening.	Delegates had the rare opportunity to interact with Geiko, professional entertainers.

Geiko performing a dance with fans.	So many Geiko, so little time!

Shuji Yamaguchi, Chair of the Maritime Law Committee, and Midori Hirano of the IPBA Secretariat.

Opening Ceremony and Plenary Session

The Opening Ceremony and Plenary Session were held in the main hall at the Kyoto International Conference Center.	A special performance by young Taiko drummers invigorated the delegates and ushered in the Plenary Session.

Mrs. Suet Fern Lee addresses the audience.	Mr. Shiro Kuniya addresses the audience.

Mr. Kunio Hamada, first IPBA President, addresses the audience.	The Plenary Session Panel discusses Innovation in the legal and business realms.

Scholars 

Eight Scholars from different countries were selected to participate in the Kyoto/Osaka Conference. They are pictured here with members of the IPBA Scholarship Committee, IPBA Officers, and members of the  Conference Host Committee who helped with the Scholars.

IPBA Scholars from and Mr. Shin Tada between sessions.	IPBA Scholar George Radics enjoys the joint IPBA/APEC session.

Silent Auction

Mark Shklov (left) and Richard Goldstein spearheaded the IPBA's first Silent Auction. Here they are in "Kan Mode", a salute to Japan Prime Minister Naoto Kan for his handling of the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.	The Silent Auction had many supporters, and raised over US$40,000 for the Japanese Red Cross.

The Silent Auction drew many great items from around the world.	Bidding was a bit slow at first, until delegates got the hang of it.

Several items solicited bidding wars. Did you get what you wanted?

Committee Sessions

Social Time

Delegates enjoy some refreshments during break time.	Delegates gather in the Exhibition Hall to enjoy refreshments and networking opportunities between sessions.

Pondering the exciting sessions yet to be presented.	Delegates learned to appreciate green tea.

The ladies who performed the tea ceremony take a break from the action.

Kyoto Night

Ninna-ji and Kodaiji

The walk up to Ninna-ji Shrine was lined with cherry blossoms, which were in full bloom just for the IPBA delegates.	No one can resists a photo opportunity around cherry blossoms.

The tranquil gardens at Ninna-ji.	Ninna-ji was closed to all but IPBA delegates, and an incredible spread of food was brought in.

Past Presidents Gerold Libby and James FitzSimons engaging in a lively discussion.	Mrs. and Mr. Shiro Kuniya, with Jean-Claude Beaujour.

The other half of the delegates went to Kodaiji and enjoyed a meal at a nearby Italian restaurant.

Gala Dinner  

Suet-Fern Lee addresses the delegates in the ballroom at the Miyako Hotel, Kyoto.	Delegates enjoyed a delicious meal and fabulous entertainment.

A special Noh performance entranced the delegates.

Also at theGala Dinner, Best Paper Prize recipient Doug Jones (left) receives his award from Past President Jim FitzSimons.

Annual General Meeting

The IPBA Officers speak about the past year's activities and the financial health of the IPBA.	AIJA President Alessandra Tarissi de Jacobis addresses the AGM attendees.