Jan. 16 - January 19 is the U.S. federal holiday honoring civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., and the Embassy will be closed. President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden will participate in a day of community service in honor of Dr. King, and encourage all Americans to join them in doing so.

• Dr. King's 1963 "I Have A Dream" Speech
• Obama Transition Plan to Strengthen Civil Rights
• Obama-Biden Plan for National and Community Service

Jan. 15 - President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden plan to take a train to Washington for the 2009 inauguration along the route from Philadelphia taken by President Lincoln when he arrived in Washington for his inauguration. The inauguration theme, "A New Birth of Freedom," commemorates the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. On January 18, the President-elect plans to welcome Americans to the inaugural festivities from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

Jan. 15 - Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee January 13 that the United States must "renew America's leadership through diplomacy that enhances our security, advances our interests and reflects our values." If confirmed by the Senate, she will serve as Secretary of State in the incoming Obama administration. [Text of prepared testimony] (PDF)

Jan. 14 - Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer addressed the Japan National Press Club for his fourth and final time as U.S. Ambassador to Japan today in Tokyo. Speaking of a new order emerging in the world, he said, "Japan needs to be a country that is shaping that new order, not just reacting to it." He also emphasized, "I hope the Japanese people understand how deeply Americans treasure our alliance and our friendship with Japan."

• Transcript of speech
• Transcript of Qs and As

Jan. 13 - U.S. Embassy officials and staff assisted travelers at both international terminals of Narita Airport on January 12, as the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) system smoothly went into effect for Visa Waiver Program travelers to the United States. Almost all travelers had already registered prior to arriving at the airport, and many commented that the system was quick and easy to use. The Embassy recommends that travelers register 72 hours in advance prior to departure. The Embassy officers plan to remain at Narita through January 14.

Jan. 8 - At a press conference at the Embassy today, Azumazeki Stable Master and former sumo wrestler Jesse Takamiyama quickly and successfully completed an online registration for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which goes into effect next Monday (January 12) for Visa Waiver Program travelers to the United States. Ambassador Schieffer, Consul General Baca, and other Embassy officers and staff participated in the event, which is part of a long series of activities over the last five months to publicize ESTA. Outreach has included numerous television and radio interviews, several prior press conferences, multiple website stories, distribution of posters, and briefings for airline and travel agency representatives.

Jan. 7 - Japanese Government Internet TV Channel 22 posted a 9-minute video (Japanese language only) on December 25 explaining the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which goes into effect next Monday (January 12) for Visa Waiver Program travelers to the United States.

Jan. 5 - In an op-ed published in the Asahi Shimbun in Japanese on December 31 and in the International Herald Tribune/Asahi Shimbun in English on January 1, Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer asked readers to urge their government to join the fight against child pornography. Relating the story of two children who were sexually abused to make child pornography, he wrote, "This year, when you see children enjoying the season, rejoice in their happiness. And make a New Year's resolution that you will do everything possible to make sure that no child ever has to suffer again the way Mari and Jun have suffered."

Dec. 22 - Consul General Raymond R. Baca explained the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) in interviews at the Embassy studio last week with major Japanese television networks. Beginning January 12, 2009, all nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries such as Japan must obtain a travel authorization through ESTA prior to travel to the United States under the VWP. ESTA is a free Internet application administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through a U.S. government Web site. A Japanese-language version of the ESTA website is available.

• Jan. 2, 2009 press release on ESTA
• More on ESTA

Dec. 18 - "During this hopeful holiday season, my wife Susanne and I are reminded of the blessings we enjoy, and we renew our sense of what is important in our lives," Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer noted in his 2008 Holiday Message. Mrs. Schieffer discussed cultural aspects of the U.S. holiday season, the decorations at the Ambassador's residence, and a traditional Christmas dinner menu earlier this month with Junko Katano and Tokai University student Seira Nakayama for the "Salon Talk" part of TV Kanagawa's "1230@Hamarancho" program, to be aired on December 24.