In 1841 an American whaling boat rescued five shipwrecked Japanese fishermen who were marooned on a remote Pacific island. Among the five was a fourteen year old boy called Manjiro. Manjiro's intelligent good nature soon earned him great respect among the American crew. He was given the name John, and taken back to Fairhaven Massachusetts to receive an American education. Under the care of the ship's captain William H. Whitfield, Manjiro studied not only English, science and navigation, but also about American culture and values- about freedom, democracy and hospitality.
At that time Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa Shogunate, whose policy of isolationism meant that leaving the country was an offense punishable by death. After 10 years in America however Manjiro was determined to return home, to pass on the knowledge and goodwill he had received from Whitfield and the community of Fairhaven. Not long after Manjiro returned to Japan, Commodore Perry arrived calling for an end to isolationism, an event which lead to the birth of modern Japan. John Manjiro played a crucial role in these events, both interpreting and negotiating for the Shogunate, and introducing and explaining American culture and technology to the Japanese.
The friendship between John Manjiro and Captain Whitfield has resulted in more than 160 years of friendship between their descendents. Members of the Whitfield and Nakahama families play a pivotal role in CIE Summits, and serve as a reminder of the enormous potential of grassroots exchange. |
There is no doubt that today we live in a globalized world. Economically, culturally, politically- the mutual investments and ties between our countries have become ever more frequent and complex. At the bottom line, supporting these mutually beneficial relationships, is the good relationship between ordinary citizens. Therefore as international exchange and investment continue to grow, the importance of grassroots level understanding and friendship becomes greater and greater still. 
The Japan-U.S. Alliance serves not only as the fundamental basis of Japan's peace but also serves as stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region. Grassroots exchange between Japan and the U.S. is the backbone that supports the Alliance. For many years John Manjiro-Whitfield Commemorative Center for International Exchange has been contributing to the promotion of mutual understanding and friendship between our two countries and this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Grassroots Summit. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Center's great work and wish the Center continued success.
I commend the John Manjiro-Whitfield Commemorative Center for International Exchange (CIE) for its many years of activities that have helped to foster deeper friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. The annual Japan-America Grassroots Summit in particular serves as a bridge between our two countries. In our increasingly globalized world, people-to-people exchange programs like these are more important than ever. The mutual understanding, empathy, and amity they create form the foundation on which enduring global peace and prosperity is built. 
