The 32nd Japan-America Grassroots Summit in the San Francisco Bay Area
2025/6/9
Opening remarks at opening ceremony by JSNC Board Chair GreenwoodPhoto by Mark Shigenaga
Toast by Consul General OsumiPhoto by Mark Shigenaga
From Tuesday, June 3 through Monday, June 9, the 32nd Japan-America Grassroots Summit was held in the San Francisco Bay Area, organized by the John Manjiro-Whitfield Commemorative Center for International Exchange (CIE). Japan Society of Northern California (JSNC) welcomed around 50 participants from Japan as the local host.
On Wednesday, June 4, Consul General Osumi gave a toast at the opening ceremony, sharing the story of friendship between John Manjiro and Captain William Whitfield and the bravery of early Japanese immigrants in the United States. Dignitaries in attendance included San Francisco Supervisor Myrna Melgar, San Mateo Mayor Rob Newsom, and Sebastopol Vice Mayor Jill McLewis.
The Grassroots Summit has been held in Japan and the U.S. alternately since 1991 by CIE, celebrating the historic friendship between the young Japanese fisherman and the captain of a whaling ship who rescued him in 1841. The next gathering will be held in Philadelphia, PA in October 2026, the 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence.
For more information about CIE and the Grassroots Summit, please see their website: http://www.manjiro.or.jp/e/
On Wednesday, June 4, Consul General Osumi gave a toast at the opening ceremony, sharing the story of friendship between John Manjiro and Captain William Whitfield and the bravery of early Japanese immigrants in the United States. Dignitaries in attendance included San Francisco Supervisor Myrna Melgar, San Mateo Mayor Rob Newsom, and Sebastopol Vice Mayor Jill McLewis.
The Grassroots Summit has been held in Japan and the U.S. alternately since 1991 by CIE, celebrating the historic friendship between the young Japanese fisherman and the captain of a whaling ship who rescued him in 1841. The next gathering will be held in Philadelphia, PA in October 2026, the 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence.
For more information about CIE and the Grassroots Summit, please see their website: http://www.manjiro.or.jp/e/
Remarks by SF Supervisor MelgarPhoto by Mark Shigenaga
Ceremonial exchange of globe by descendants of John Manjiro and Captain WhitfieldPhoto by Mark Shigenaga
