Embassy of Japan in the United States of America
在米国日本国大使館

The Opening Ceremony of America-Japan 20th Grassroots Summit 2010
San Francisco Bay Area

August 25, 2010

Ambassador Armacost, Ambassador Watanabe, and distinguished guests,

As an ambassador, I am so used to giving speeches.
Sometimes I find it difficult to start eating without making some remarks.
However, today I am a little nervous.
You see, Mr. Watanabe is my ex-boss from 35 years ago.
He will be sizing me up to see if I have made any progress.

The John Manjiro story is well known in Japan, but the following points are not that known.

1. John volunteered to come to the United States after he was saved to learn about western civilization.
2. Captain Whitfield not only paid all the expenses for John, but he also left his church because it would not accept John.
3. John dared to go back to Japan to convey his knowledge about western civilization even though he knew he might be executed because leaving the country had been forbidden.
4. John was instrumental in persuading the Tokugawa shogunate to open up Japan.
5. Two families, the Nakahamas and the Whitfields, have continued their friendship for over 100 years.

I learned this from several books, including Ms. Nakahama’s.
John Manjiro’s story reminds us all of the three C’s that we should always remember.

1. Compassion for others.

   Captain Whitfield showed great compassion to the young boy.

2. Courage to do what we believe in.

   John Manjiro was so courageous to come to the United States by himself and then to go back to Japan.

3. Continuity in relationships

   The two families have maintained relations during the difficult years in our bilateral relations.

This is why the story of John Manjiro is still so important and valid.
I take it as my responsibility to make this incredible story more known in this country.
Now it is also one of the symbols of grassroots exchange between Japan and the US.

The Japan-US relationship has four features. To have all four of them is very unique.

1. Security partnership
2. Economic and global partnership
3. Belief in common values of democracy, freedom of speech and human rights
4. Most importantly, people like each other

80% of Japanese polled trust and like Americans.
80% of Americans say they like the Japanese.

This kind of affinity is developed only through cultural and personal exchanges.
This is why we so highly appreciate exchanges like this summit and the efforts of the John Manjiro Whitfield Commemorative Center for International Exchange and all the organizations and individuals.
All of them are working to promote grassroots exchange between Japan and the United States.
We hope you will continue the tradition of courage and compassion shown by John Manjiro and Captain Whitfield.
I wish every success for this summit and the continuation of these important exchanges.