KISHIDA Fumio, The 100th & The 101st Prime Minister of Japan

It has been 76 years since the end of World War II and 62 years since the signing of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty. The Japan-U.S. Alliance remains the cornerstone of Japan’s diplomacy and security, as well as the foundation of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the world.
Grassroots exchanges that have continued steadily between Japan and the U.S. are the bedrock of mutual trust and understanding between our citizens. They have played a significant role in building the robust bilateral ties enjoyed by both countries today. Even at the Japan-U.S. summit meeting with President Biden, held in May, we underscored the importance of mutual exchange and collaboration.
Even amidst this current pandemic, the John Manjiro-Whitfield Commemorative Center for International Exchange have continued various Japan-U.S. exchanges programs in online formats which is very encouraging. I would like to commend the Center for its contribution over the years, as well as to express my best wishes for the further success and growth of the center.

photo provided by Prime Minister's Office

Rahm Emanuel, The 31st United States Ambassador to Japan

May 2022

Congratulations to the John Manjiro-Whitfield Commemorative Center for International Exchange for your outstanding work to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the American and Japanese people.

The annual America-Japan Grassroots Summit serves as a valuable bridge between our two nations. While security and economic cooperation capture the media headlines, bringing our two people together underlies and makes possible every U.S.-Japan partnership. In these challenging times, when some nations seek to challenge the international system that protects our shared values and principles, programs like the Summit are more important than ever before.

As a former mayor I appreciate that the Grassroots Summit creates and strengthens connections between cities and regions in Japan and the United States. Such subnational diplomacy is essential if we are to solve the increasingly complex challenges of the 21st century.

The Center for International Exchange has my best wishes for many more years of continued success.