Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi's Speech in Los Angeles

April 30, 1999

Ambassador Foley,

Thank you for your very kind introduction.

With the complements of a person of such high stature as Ambassador Foley, my popularity is bound to soar. I'll continue to count on you, Ambassador, back in Tokyo.

Ambassador Foley has been a great force in the Japan-US parliamentary exchange over the years. As Speaker of the House, he used to greet us warmly in his office whenever we visited Washington, DC.

I was Foreign Minister when Ambassador Foley, for whom I have the utmost respect, arrived in Japan to take up his position. When he presented his credentials to His Majesty the Emperor at the Imperial Palace, I had the singular honor of standing in waiting at the ceremony, which is quite unusual. So once again, I extend my deepest respect to you, Ambassador.

The Honorable Richard Daley, Mayor of the City of Chicago, I have actually just been talking to you and have found out that amazingly this is your fourth term. Thinking about your capabilities as Mayor and your contribution to the city of Chicago in so many areas, this is only natural, but still a fourth election victory is splendid. I would like to express my deep and heartfelt gratitude and would like to let you know that I am most envious, as I am yet to achieve my second victory. I would very much like to observe and learn from you.

I would also like to thank Mr. Adlai Stevenson, Chairman of the Japan America Society of Chicago, who is sitting next to me. It has come to my attention today that you raise cattle, which is why I happen to be wearing a tie with a cow design on it. You may have also heard that in Japan I have been called a slow bull, but from now on I would like to become a speedy, powerful bull. That is why I am asking you, Mr. Chairman, to raise me into becoming a better bull.

Mr. John Steed, Chairman of the National Association of Japan-America Societies, Mr. John Schornack, Chairman of the Midwest US-Japan Association, and Mr. Duane Burnham, Chairman of the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations, thank you all very much for providing me with the opportunity to attend this wonderful meeting here today.

Distinguished guests from the great city of Chicago, from the beautiful State of Illinois, from the neighboring wonderful Midwestern states, old and new friends of ours in the Japan-America Societies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. I am Keizo Obuchi.

I advanced my departure from Los Angeles by more than one hour and left there early this morning to come to Chicago. They say "Don't die without seeing Naples." I heard a new one: "You won't understand the developments in the world economy without seeing Chicago." So from O'Hare airport, I headed straight to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Seeing truly is believing! It was quite impressive to see for myself futures transactions of commodities galore, agricultural commodities, financial investments and what not--taking place on the noisy floor! As Japan is the world's largest agricultural importer, including grain import from the Midwest, a price shift of a single dollar in Chicago is a matter of great interest and concern for us. In Japan we say, "An early riser gains three pennies." I'm glad I flew over to Chicago without breakfast.

My visit marks the first time in 12 years that a Japanese Prime Minister has paid an official visit to the United States, and I am extremely grateful for the very warm welcome I have received since arriving here today. You know I can still hear ringing in my ears the voice of Frank Sinatra, that superstar America produced, as he sang during his last tour of Japan, so I was eager to visit Chicago to meet you, the people of and daughter, as well as the entire delegation, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude.

I understand that representatives of the Japan-America Societies from across the United States are gathered here for their Twentieth Annual Meeting. I feel deeply honored to be invited to speak on this auspicious occasion.

More than anything else, it has been the members of the Japan-America Societies who have made such outstanding contributions, particularly at the grassroots level, in promoting mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation between the peoples of Japan and the United States. On behalf of the Government of Japan, I would like to express most sincere appreciation and gratitude for your tireless effort and dedication.

I also understand that many Japanese people, active in many fields, are with us tonight. I would like to express my gratitude for their valuable contributions to the promotion of Japan-US friendship and cooperation as good citizens of the local American society.

I am very grateful for this opportunity to share with you my thoughts on a topic of our mutual interest, namely the future of Japan-US relations. I am all the more delighted to do so in a city like Chicago, the true heartland of the United States where unbridled activity in finance, manufacturing and agriculture is generating unprecedented prosperity for the United States.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Please permit me to first touch upon the relationship between Chicago and Japan.

Chicago and Japan have traditionally shared close relations. Japan's first mission to the United States, the Iwakura mission of the Meiji Government, visited Chicago in 1872, the year following the great fire. They were so impressed by the $5 million that had been donated from around the country and Europe for relief efforts, that they too contributed $5,000 in the name of their delegation. The first doctorate awarded by the University of Chicago was to a Japanese national, Eiji Asada, in 1893, and the Art Institute of Chicago is home to a superb collection of Japanese Ukiyo-ye prints.

Today in Japan, every Japanese child knows of Sammy Sosa. This is not only because Sosa and Mark McGwire engaged in that historic home run duel last year. Sammy Sosa visited Japan last November, and impressed the Japanese people when he announced that he will send temporary houses from Japan to his mother country, which unfortunately was ravaged by a hurricane. He is not only a first-class baseball player, but a first-class citizen who teaches our children how to behave as a good citizen. This is why Japanese people love Sammy Sosa. I am anxiously awaiting my chance to meet Mr. Sosa in person when I visit Wrigley Field tomorrow.

I've got to whisper this part: I was a baseball kid 50 years ago, and I'm going to toss the first pitch against Sammy Sosa tomorrow. I was coached by a lawmaker who is a former professional pitcher back in Tokyo, but I am still worried if the ball will reach as far as the home plate. So this is the biggest concern for me on this trip.

Chicago is also the birthplace of the McDonald's hamburger chain, which long ago integrated itself as a staple of Japan's landscape. I even heard that when a Japanese businessman first moved to Chicago, his son was startled and said, "Dad, I didn't know they have McDonald's in America, too!"

In Belgrade, I understand McDonald's changed the letter "M" of their logo only to see its sales increase. There are numerous other American companies that hail from Chicago: United Airlines, Motorola just to name a couple which have prosperous operations in Japan. It's too bad though that no Chicago pizza chain has made its way to Japan.

My popularity is rising fast because I deliver quickly. Would someone like to start up a Chicago pizza chain under the Obuchi brand to be known for hot and quick delivery? Well, I guess you'd have to wait until I've left my current post, so it might be yet some time.

Now, ladies and gentlemen, on a more serious note, let me discuss Japan-US relations. But I hope you'll understand that this being a dinner speech, I cannot elucidate the subject by referring to the theories of Professor Milton Friedman of the Chicago School, whom I respect.

I will just give you the gist of what I would like to convey to you this evening.

The first thing I want to stress is that the Japan-US relationship is in the best and most stable state ever. Therefore, I am not worried about our future; I am totally optimistic.

Only 146 years have passed since Japan and the United States began their association, when four US "black ships" appeared off the coast of Uraga in 1853. During this period, relations between our two countries have seen both sunny days and stormy days. Of course, as even the closest couple may quarrel from time to time, and I am in no way referring to my wife and I, our two countries have differences on issues like trade now and then. My belief, however, is that any difficulties between our two countries can be overcome.

I would also like to touch upon a US-Japan private sector initiative called A-50. Today, as we approach the 21st century, the objective of this grassroots initiative is to convey a message that even now, the Japanese people do not forget the assistance and support including GARIOR and EROA funds that were extended by America to rebuild Japan after the war. The "A" in A-50 is the first letter of the word "appreciation" and also the first letter of "America." The "50" stands for the 50th anniversary of the peace treaty, the 50 US states, and the next 50 years of US-Japan relations. I am delighted to cooperate with the Japan-America Societies in promoting this wonderful initiative.

Ladies and gentlemen,

According to a survey conducted by the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations, 90% of Americans identify Japan as an important country affecting American interests. Similarly, a survey by the Japanese Government reveals that nearly 80% of Japanese feel friendly toward the United States. Further, the number of American students studying the Japanese language has risen from 50,000 five years ago to 120,000 last year. This trend is particularly evident among junior high and high school students around the US. When I landed at O'Hare earlier today, I was greeted by a group of Chicago school children. I was really impressed by how well they can speak Japanese. Photographs of American elementary school pupils learning Japanese calligraphy have also appeared recently in Japanese newspapers. This trend of so many American youth studying the Japanese language is truly splendid, and it bodes well for further solidifying US-Japan relations in the future.

Our two countries are the world's number one and number two economies, as well as cultural powers. If we learn from each other what should be learned with due consideration to each other's situation, and if we join hands by bringing together our outstanding strengths, I believe that the partnership between Japan and the United States can be the best and strongest in history.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The second thing I wish to convey is the following: based on the shared values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights, and taking advantage of our number one and number two economic positions in the world, Japan and the United States can and should make various constructive contributions to the world, which is currently in transition and turmoil.

The lives of many people, especially children, are being threatened in Kosovo and in Africa, even at this very moment. We are not allowed, therefore, to sit on the sidelines and pursue only our own peace, prosperity and happiness. In the East, there is a saying, "To see what is right and to do nothing is a want of courage." Leading the free world, the United States has played a significant role in advancing the world's peace and prosperity, and Japan, for its part, has at all times given its utmost support to the role of world leader played by the United States. In response to the current situation in Kosovo, my cabinet decided on an aid package for refugees, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Albania as well as for other purposes, which brings the total of Japanese pledged contribution to $200 million.

I also believe that Japan and the US can properly address regional and global issues by combining their abilities as much as possible. These collaborative efforts include, for example, our joint efforts to secure peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, assistance to developing countries including the eradication of polio, and preservation of coral reefs.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The third message I want to offer is that in order for Japan and the US to cooperate in various fields, both countries must be sound and healthy. At present, the US is perfectly healthy and never catches cold, while Japan has been ailing and its performance has been lackluster for the last ten years.

Since assuming the office of Prime Minister, I have boldly implemented every kind of measure aimed at achieving Japan's economic recovery. Supported by the effect of these measures, our economy is showing emerging signs of change for the better. At the same time, the nation's businesses and industries, which until last year were mired in a stagnant mood, have begun to demonstrate a forward-looking and positive outlook and attitude. I am determined to ensure a successful revitalization of the Japanese economy through overcoming, with unwavering resolve, any obstacle we may encounter in the process.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Ever since assuming office, I have been inquiring how Japan and its people should be like in the twenty-first century. Human beings have limited life spans, while nations do not. Therefore, a nation can both prosper and decline, depending upon the torch we pass on to the next generation.

I see the present period as Japan's third reform, with the Meiji Restoration as our first and the reconstruction following World War II as our second. Under severe economic conditions, the socio-economic structure in Japan is now undergoing dramatic change. Tremendous pain often accompanies building a new system to replace a system that had been effective in the past. For example, our country, which once prided itself on the lifetime employment practice and a low unemployment rate of around 2%, today has an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is higher than that of the US. This is the figure we ourselves as Japanese have to face squarely, as a result of the strenuous effort at structural reform including deregulation, which must be achieved to restore vigor and competitiveness to the Japanese economy. I have faith in the ability of the Japanese people. And I am appealing for a reform of consciousness and efforts on the part of the entire nation, calling on the Japanese people to embrace constructive optimism with firm determination and to restore their confidence. To wit, "It is important to see a glass as half filled with wine instead of lamenting that it is half empty." Because my name, Obuchi, sounds somewhat like "optimism," people sometimes call me Mr. Optimism. As a matter of fact, the other day I was conversing with Nigeria's president-elect Olusegun Obasanjo, and he told me that "Obuchi" in a Nigerian language means "It is God." Was I surprised! But I need not tell you I’m no God, not to worry. I haven't turned into God, though to be frank, I pray in my heart I could be at least a saviour of the Japanese economy.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Japan is capable of change and in fact it is changing.

Indeed, Japan is moving toward a more free and open social system. For example, Japan has been considered a male-dominated society, but in fact, women make up 40% of the labor force today. Thirty percent of those who passed the national medical examination this year were women. By the way, my home prefecture of Gunma, which it was called in the feudal days, has been known for the wife calling the shots, so by tradition we hold especially deep respect for women. My wife hails from the same prefecture, so day in day out, I treat her with deep respect.

It is extremely important that from this podium I am relating this to the distinguished people of both Chicago and the Mid-West region.

Against this background, both Americans and Japanese share common interests and concerns. Both of us seek an environment where children can be positively raised, the cultivation of children's aesthetic abilities, preservation of beautiful national lands, rewarding work and stable employment, and comfort and security in old age.

We are considering dispatching Japanese experts familiar with these matters of mutual concern. We will send those groups in the near future to various regions of the United States, with the aim of deepening mutual understanding and promoting dialogue between our peoples. To ensure fruitful discussions between those experts and the local people, I would like to take this opportunity to ask for the cooperation of the Japan-America Societies.

We also fully understand that the Japanese Government can no longer properly address issues in an increasing number of areas, as democracy matures in Japan. Based on this understanding, the government is currently strengthening its collaboration with public services carried out by civil society, including corporations and NGOs. Knowing that Japan has a lot to learn from the developed civil society in the United States, I hope that the cooperation between Japanese and US NGOs will be promoted and I would like to encourage that initiative.

Ladies and gentlemen,

At a time when many Japanese have lost confidence because of economic difficulties, I have called on the Japanese people to build bridges toward the twenty-first century based on the spirit of constructive optimism. These five bridges are: 1) a bridge to the world, 2) a bridge to prosperity, 3) a bridge to a sense of reassurance, 4) a bridge to security, and 5) a bridge to the future.

Beyond these bridges lies the Japan of the twenty-first century. I hope that the future Japan is a country with bright aspirations, which is considerate of others, high-minded, and dignified-a Japan which contributes to the world. My job is to devote myself to building those bridges with the help of the brightest minds.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Now that I am visiting Chicago, where spring has arrived and you have extended me such a warm welcome, may I quote a traditional Japanese poem, to express my feelings.

I was very impressed to hear that there are a great number of people in the United States who are able to relate the feeling of this famous Japanese poem into English, although the translation itself is very difficult.

This is a poem read by Prince Shikino-miko, and is collected in Manyoshu, or Anthology of Ten Thousand Leaves, which was composed in the 8th century. Like this poem, after a long winter, Japan is also strongly burgeoning toward the twenty-first century.

Before closing I've brought a small memento for each of you tonight. It's a pair of Dharma tumbling dolls for which my home prefecture of Gunma is renowned. The Dharma is a symbol of perseverance and good luck. This has been proven by the fact that one small district in Gunma has produced within a short span of 25 years as many as three prime ministers: Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda, Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone and now myself--something unheard of in the history of Japanese politics. So, ladies and gentlemen, I pray they will also bring good luck to you.

If I may return to the subject of the Mercantile Exchange, when I was given the honor of ringing the bell at the close of trade, I was also presented with this jacket as a memento. It says "Keizo Futures" on the back. Chicago has taken a stake in Japanese equity and Obuchi stock. Thank you very much.

It is truly hard to leave here, but the time to say goodbye has come.

Thank you very much.

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