I am most pleased to report that the even during the summer vacation season, the Japan-Midwest partnership remains as dynamic as ever.
Visit of Ambassador and Mrs. Shunji Yanai
On June 21, Mr. Shunji Yanai undertook his first visit to the Midwest since assuming his new post as the Ambassador of Japan to the United States. Upon his arrival in Indianapolis, he met with Indiana Governor Frank O'Bannon. Underscoring the close Japan-Indiana relationship, the Ambassador highlighted several key developments. In the last five years, Japanese direct investment in Indiana, which now totals 194 facilities, has increased by 28 percent while facility employment has jumped 37 percent to 38,000 Hoosiers. Further, Japan is Indiana's fourth largest export market. Governor O'Bannon welcomed these developments and looks forward to even closer Japan-Indiana cooperation.
In the evening, Ambassador and Mrs. Yanai attended a welcoming dinner that was held in their honor by the Japan-America Society of Indiana. Lieutenant Governor Joseph Kernan and Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson attended along with more than 300 guests. From beginning to end, the evening was splendid. Mr. Hidetaro Suzuki, Concert Master of the Indianapolis Symphony, and his wife, enthralled the guests with a special violin and piano performance.
As the keynote speaker, Ambassador Yanai presented his view on Japan's recent transformation and its foreign policy stance, particularly in East Asia. He even presented a Top Ten List modeled after one of Indiana's native sons, David Letterman.
The next day, during the drive from Indianapolis to Chicago, Mr. and Mrs. Yanai witnessed firsthand why the Midwest is the breadbasket of the world.
In Chicago, the first order of business was a leadership luncheon hosted by The Mid-America Committee. Before an audience comprised of more than 100 Chicago business leaders, the Ambassador presented an insightful perspective on Japan's economy and its far-reaching changes. Following the presentation, the audience posed numerous questions ranging from the Japanese economy to Japan's relationship with Korea and China.
In the evening, Ambassador and Mrs. Yanai attended a very special occasion, the 70th anniversary dinner of the Japan America Society of Chicago. The Ambassador spoke on the Japan-United States relationship based upon his long career with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, his experience as the former Consul General of Japan at San Francisco and most recently, his position as Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Mrs. Yanai truly enjoyed the visit to the Midwest where she toured two premier art museums. At the Indianapolis Museum of Art, she viewed an exceptional exhibition of the recently acquired Edo period paintings, which is one of the foremost collections of Edo period art anywhere. At The Art Institute of Chicago, she received a special tour of the Institute's renowned collection of ukiyoe woodblock prints. Mrs. Yanai was most impressed that two American museums in the Midwest have devoted themselves to the acquisition of such exquisite treasures by Japan's foremost masters.
The Comedy of Katsura Sanshi
Chicago also welcomed another visitor, Mr. Katsura Sanshi, who is one of Japan's most popular comedians, in June. Drawing upon his mastery of Rakugo, a 300- year-old comedic style of Japanese story telling, "Sanshi-san" delighted the audience with his depictions of contemporary life in Japan and in America.
The visit marked his fourth annual trip to Chicago, each of which has been eagerly anticipated by the Japanese community here. His three-hour performance was tremendous, greeted by uproarious laughter and enthusiastic applause. He also visited the Chicago Futabakai Japanese Day School, where the students delighted in his presentation.
"Shanshi-san" comes to Chicago for a special reason. He voluntarily donates the admission fee to a most worthy program sponsored by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago. Each year, the Chamber provides substantial financial support for various cultural programs, primarily in Chicago's public schools. "Sanshi-san" participation has done much to advance this all-important initiative.
Despite scheduling challenges due to his demanding schedule in Japan, "Sanshi-san" is eager to visit Chicago since it offers a unique opportunity for him. Here, he can feel America firsthand, thereby enabling him to gain new creative, insights for his performances.
John Manjiro Grassroots Summit ("Japan-America Grassroots Summit")
The 10th Annual John Manjiro Grassroots Summit, Manjiro 2000, will be held from July 25 to August 2, 2000. The summit, like so many important initiatives, originated from an unexpected event.
During a storm, a 14-year-old fisherman's son, John Manjiro, was tossed into the sea off the coast of Kochi Prefecture. Just by chance, he was rescued by William Henry Whitfield, captain of an American whaling ship, and was brought to America. Under Captain Whitfield's tutelage, John Manjiro became the first Japanese to speak, read and write English and he experienced America firsthand. Their close friendship served as the inspiration for the John Manjiro-Whitefield Commemorative Center for International Exchange.
Today, the Center's mission is to promote grassroots exchange between Japan and the United States. For this year's summit, which is held in Japan and the U.S. in alternate years, more than 300 Japanese will come to Chicago. Following their stay in Chicago, they will travel to smaller communities in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin for home visits and workshop programs. One of their destinations is Anderson Gardens, which I reported on last month. In my next letter, I will report on the summit.