Information and Culture Center, EMBASSY OF JAPAN PRIME MINISTER, PRESIDENT BUSH PLEDGE ENHANCED COOPERATION

In one of his first official calls overseas following his inauguration, President George W. Bush telephoned Prime Minister Mori Jan. 24 to praise the importance of U.S.-Japan ties. “You are one of the leaders I call first,” the President said. I “This is a symbol of the close relationship between the U.S. and Japan...I would like to further develop this close relationship.” In congratulating Bush on his inauguration, the Prime Minister said: “Japan is determined to cooperate with the United States through close dialogue, in order to ensure peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world, based upon our shared values such as freedom, democracy and market economy.” The two agreed to meet soon. Foreign Minister Yohei Kono visited Washington Jan. 25-28 for talks with Secretary of State Colin Powell, which covered joint efforts to tackle global issues. And in January, Mr. Mori became the first

FEB 2001 incumbent Japanese Prime Minister to attend the Davos World 2 Economic Forum summit in Switzerland of top world political, economic and academic leaders. He spoke on “Shaping Japan, Shaping CONTENTS a Global Future,” striking an optimistic note: “Japan will finish News Digest reinventing its economy within a few years, and will stand once again First Africa trip; Kono on Gulf cooperation; at the forefront of the global economy and contribute to it...a path has WTO chief in Tokyo; aid for India quake; “Human Security” commission. 2 already been solidly laid, and I am determined to implement the timely policy responses that will lead the economy to a full recovery,” he said. Condolences for sea tragedy 2 Also, the Prime Minister opened the 151st session of the Diet on Jan. 31, which will carry out administration reform and craft a budget for Reinventing government the fiscal year starting in April. On diplomatic matters, he told New structure to streamline the system. 3 legislators he will coordinate closely with key allies and, “strengthen the strategic dialogue to enhance the credibility of the Japan-U.S. Convening the new Security Arrangements.” “Diet of Reform” 3 (see page 2) High-Tech Watch New functions abound on cell phones; fixed- line Internet; GPS for wheelchairs. 4 . Viewpoint Japan’s influence on Frank Lloyd Wright. 5 Cultural Heritage adds Okinawa Honoring the castles, shrines and temples of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom. 6 “Coming-of-Age Day” 2001 6 Beyond Differences Flutist Yoko Owada’s unique sound. 7 Moving to the Majors stars move to majors. 8

Japan Now is online! Foreign Minister Yohei Kono meets with Secretary of State Colin Powell at the State Department in www.embjapan.org/jicc.html Washington Jan. 26. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan) CONDOLENCES FOR SEA TRAGEDY

President George W. Bush telephoned Prime NEWS DIGEST Minister Mori on Feb. 13, to “apologize on behalf of our nation” for the sinking Feb. 9 of the Japanese fisheries-training vessel Ehime Maru in a collision with a U.S. Navy submarine USS Greeneville off the coast of Hawaii. The • PRIME MINISTER IN AFRICA. incident left nine people missing, including four Prime Minister Mori, accompanied by former 17-year-old second-year fisheries students. U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Ms. Twenty six people were rescued from the Sadako Ogata, completed a successful visit training vessel which sank in minutes after P to Africa and Greece Jan. 7-15, holding being struck by the rapidly surfacing submarine. meetings with the leaders of South Africa, Kenya, “I would ask for your prayers for those still Nigeria and Greece. The first incumbent Prime missing,” the President told troops on a visit to Minister to visit Sub-Sahara Africa, Mori stressed Georgia. “Please join me in a moment of silence that “there will be no stability and prosperity in the for those missing, their families and our friends, world in the 21st century unless the problems of the people of Japan.” Defense Secretary Donald Africa are resolved.” The trip follows the Group of Rumsfeld apologized for the “terrible tragedy” Eight (G-8) and the U.N. Millennium Summits where and indicated the victim’s families would be Mori emphasized the need to include Africa in the compensated. Foreign Minister Kono and globalization wave, help it tackle poverty, refugee Secretary of State Powell have conferred and infectious disease threats, concentrate on regularly on the need to thoroughly investigate development and conflict prevention and protect its the cause of the accident. The Navy and Coast cultural heritage. Guard search has been the most extensive ever, • KONO AND GULF COOPERATION. covering an expanse larger than Maryland. The In the first visit by a Japanese foreign minister to the President said the U.S. would “do everything we can to find or recover bodies” should the search Gulf countries in 10 years, Mr. Kono visited Qatar, the fail to locate the missing. Japan has 47 public United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia Jan. and one private marine and fisheries high 8-14. He made courtesy calls on the Heads of State or schools with more than 12,000 students, which high-ranking dignitaries representing their leaders. routinely send training missions to the calm The Minister discussed the situation in Asia, the waters of the Hawaiian Islands. Middle East peace process, trends in the oil market and Japan-Gulf cooperation among other issues. He also announced the “Toward Multi-layered Relations with Gulf Countries (Kono Initiative)” promoting • AID FOR INDIA QUAKE. “dialogues among civilizations with the world of The Government of Japan on Feb. 5 to dispatched a Islam,” water-resources development and promotion of Disaster Relief Team (113 Self-Defense Forces wide-ranging policy dialogues. members) to India, which was Jan. 26 by a severe * WTO CHIEF IN TOKYO. earthquake causing unprecedented damage that left Mike Moore, Director General of the World Trade more than 16,000 people dead and more than 68,000 Organization (WTO) visited Japan Jan. 30-31 as a injured. The team transported emergency materials guest of the Foreign Ministry, holding talks with of tents and blankets to the devastated areas by SDF Foreign Minister Kono and other officials. Foreign planes and offered emergency help. And on Feb. 6., Minister Kono emphasized the need to launch a new it announced an additional emergency grant of $2.3 round of trade talks at the Fourth Ministerial million in humanitarian aid. Conference (this autumn) in Qatar, pointing out that • HUMAN SECURITY COMMISSION. the agenda for the negotiations of a new round must A U.N. “Commission on Human Security” was be broad-based and appealing to developing announced Jan. 24 in Tokyo by Secretary General countries. He said Japan would take a proactive role Kofi Annan and former UNHCR Ogata. To be toward the launching of a new round. Director launched this year, the Commission, strongly backed General Moore praised Japan’s efforts and its by Japan, will be designed to monitor crisis areas implementation of technical assistance and market and attempt to provide people with “freedom from JAPAN access improvements directed at the least developed want, and freedom from fear.” In Tokyo, Annan and NOW countries. Also, on Jan. 24, Deputy Minister of Prime Minister Mori also discussed the proposed Foreign Affairs Yoshiji Nogami chaired an informal expansion of the Security Council and the need to 2 meeting in Frankfurt to discuss the launching of the name more permanent members. Tokyo is the second next round of WTO talks. largest contributor to the world body after the U.S. REINVENTING MORI OPENS “DIET OF REFORM”

GOVERNMENT The Prime Minister convened the 151st Session of the Diet on Jan. 31, 2001, naming it the “Diet of Reform for the Rebirth of Japan.” He pledged the implementation of the third wave for radical Fresh from the first major reforms in 50 reforms following the Meiji Restoration and post- years, the newly restructured government of war reforms, in order to forge “a 21st century that Japan began work on Jan. 6. The centerpiece will shine brightly” for all people. of the reform effort is the creation of a Among the policy goals the Prime F Cabinet Office, which will enable quicker, Minister discussed were: placing the economy more effective responses to complicated policy issues. firmly back on a self-sustaining recovery path, The 22 former ministries and agencies and the Prime stabilizing the financial system, promoting Minister’s Office have been integrated into 12 structural reform in the industrial sector; ministries and the new Cabinet Office to attain adopting the “e-Japan strategy” to spur IT smoother administration (for the list, see Japan Now development; and encouraging further creativity Nov/Dec. issue). The Cabinet Office has a supra- in science and technology. The Prime Minister ministerial role, providing a framework through which also stated his vision to improve the education the ministries can work together in implementing system; to reform the social security system; to policies. With the revamped system, the government take measures to respond to the low birth rate; to hopes to better meet people’s needs and steer a new realize a gender-equal society; and to support course for the nation. urban development, agriculture, forestry and Administrative reform was one of the Liberal fisheries. He also addressed the importance of further regulatory reforms, as well as the need to Democratic Party’s (LDP) campaign pledges in the promote decentralization and judicial system 1996 House elections. Then Prime Minister Ryutaro reform. For a full text, see www.kantei.go.jp. Hashimoto outlined a goal of cutting the number of ministries in half — and this became the focus of his administration following the election. Four pillars were the number of public employees currently stands at decided on: Establishing a system with more effective about 550,000. The current staff will be reduced by political leadership; restructuring administrative 25 percent over 10 years through streamlining and organs; more transparent administration; and drastic the introduction of independent administrative streamlining of the central government. Based on these institutions, which will absorb public employees pillars, the Basic Law on the Administrative Reform of when they take over the management of museums, the Central Government was enacted in June 1998 research institutes, and other public institutions. and took effect January 2001. The third goal is achieving greater openness One goal of the new system is to establish a and transparency. In the past, once a project such as means of directly reflecting the public’s will in dam or harbor construction began, it was rarely government policy by bolstering the mechanisms to reevaluated or inspected for potential improvements, support the prime minister and reinforcing political and the system was not very responsive to the wishes leadership over the bureaucracy. With this in mind, the of citizens. Now, a two-layered system has been function of the Cabinet Secretariat, the organization established to objectively assess projects or policies that assists the prime minister, has been reinforced, that are already in place, and based on these and the Cabinet Office has been established to assessments projects or policies may be revised. coordinate the activities of the various ministries. Each ministry will set up a committee to Ministers of state for special missions have undertake internal evaluations. These activities will been newly appointed, moreover, and political then be reviewed by the Administrative Evaluation representation at each ministry has been shored up. Bureau in the Ministry of Public Management, Home Whereas only parliamentary vice-ministers had Affairs, Posts, and Telecommunications. The minister previously been politically appointed at each ministry of public management, home affairs, posts, and or agency, there are now two such posts — senior telecommunications has the authority, moreover, to vice-minister and parliamentary secretary — to help recommend improvements where they are deemed JAPAN cabinet ministers lead their respective ministries. necessary. And to ensure openness, the Freedom of NOW Another goal is streamlining. In addition to Information Law enacted in May 1999 will obligate simplifying the bureaucratic structure, a reduction in the government to explain policy to the public. The 3 staff is also a key target. Excluding postal workers, law goes into effect in April 2001. spring offering direct access to the Internet without a HIGH-TECH WATCH PC. The service, called L-mode, will follow on the heels of the highly successful i-mode, a mobile-phone Internet-access service inaugurated in February 1999. NTT is hoping that L-mode will MOBILE PHONE FUNCTIONS. spark a resurgence in sales of fixed-line phones. With the number of cell phone users in Japan The “L” in “L-mode” stands for “living, lady (the up to almost 60 million, more functions are system offers a wide range of services for women), being added beyond simple voice local,” and the phones’ “large” screen and buttons. M communication. Cell phones are quickly L-mode will operate on specially designed fixed-line becoming highly-technologically advanced phones equipped with liquid crystal screens. To instruments. Some have a built-in digital camera, connect to the Internet, users press the phone’s “L” which enables users to send and receive images by button. They will then be presented with a menu of e-mail; some can play music while displaying still options enabling them to do their banking, reserve images or text; and some can play moving images tickets, check the news, send and receive e-mail and and music simultaneously. Yet others under faxes, and print everything out without a PC screen. development will function as a train ticket or Among L-mode’s features is the fact that commuter pass through insertion of an integrated commands and messages will be input using a circuit (IC) chip. standard push-button phone keypad, rather than the NTT DoCoMo has a phone, made by Sony, miniature keypad on mobile phones, so that people that can play music from a built-in Walkman of all ages will be able to use it with ease. The (personal stereo), downloaded music from a computer service will offer community-based content, such as or audio equipment and is scheduled to offer a PHS information on sales at local stores, events at local (Personal Handyphone System) data-communication schools and local government services. The basic function that receives music sent by a record usage fee for the L-mode service will be $4.35 per company for downloading. month, although separate connection charges will DDI Pocket Inc.’s model has an ultra-small also apply. digital camera the size of an inch that plugs into an earphone jack on the phone. The camera can be GPS ON WHEELCHAIRS. rotated 360 degrees and send and receive images Two Tokyo-based companies are spearheading an through the phone’s e-mail function. J-Phone Group effort to jointly develop a navigation system for offers a cell phone that has a built-in digital camera wheelchairs. Like car navigation systems, it will which can send and receive color images by e-mail display a route between the user’s present position and connect to a special printer. and destination on a screen. Unlike conventional In May 2001, NTT DoCoMo will become the systems, though, it will also provide information first company in the world to provide a important to wheelchair users, such as the presence next-generation cell phone service FOMA, or of slopes, steps, curbs and other potential obstacles. “Freedom of Mobile Multimedia Access” which will The collection of data regarding these obstacles will greatly accelerate communication speeds. It will be conducted in Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward over a period enable real-time, smooth transmission of moving of about two years, beginning in April. images and other data up to 200 times faster than the When the user states a destination into a present method. It is also already conducting microphone, a computer under the wheelchair’s seat research on fourth-generation wireless technology. pinpoints the user’s present location through the East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) envisions satellite-driven Global Positioning System and inserting IC chips into cell phones to give them displays a wheelchair-passable route to the ticket and train pass functions. A tie-up with a cell destination on a monitor. The transmission of phone firm will enable users to purchase train tickets information is not only one way; when one of the and reserve seats via Internet access; then, by wheelchairs on the system traverses a road, it passing the phone over an automatic ticket gate pass collects information regarding obstacles and slopes through and board the train. and relays the information back to a central JAPAN computer via a cellular phone network. The NOW FIXED-LINE INTERNET. computer aboard the wheelchair has a built-in NTT East and NTT West, the local communications camera that is capable of sending and receiving 4 operations of the NTT group, are concentrating on images of road width and obstacles, allowing the fixed-line phones, launching a new service this users to share this information with each other. BY DAVID D. MCKINNEY

For most Americans the work of Frank Lloyd Wright personifies the independence and originality of the American experience. Certainly, no one can deny Wright’s Woodblock print by Utagawa Fusatane depicts a nobleman’s house on the stage for the kabuki play, “The Treasury of the Loyal personal style of architecture and its tie to Retainers.” Built in shinden zukuri style, this type of house with its F linked pavilions, open plans, and even its tatami mats inspired the American culture. But, the inspiration of Wright’s work is not solely American. By the architect’s own work of Frank Lloyd Wright. Utagawa Fusatane: Act II: Treasury of the Loyal Retainers, 1852. The Japan-Virginia Society Collection of admission, he was profoundly influenced by the art Ukiyo-e Prints. (Photo: Katherine Wetzel). and culture of Japan. It may come as a surprise to many that Wright attributed his unique style of architecture to architecture. In his Prairie Style houses, Wright his study of Japanese ukiyo-e (woodblock) prints. abandoned arbitrary rules of traditional western He began collecting and studying these prints in architecture like symmetry in design and confining his late adolescence, and they remained a subject space within walls for a ‘natural’ progression that of study throughout his lifetime. linked the inside of a house with its garden and These prints were particularly important to allowed for rooms to blend one into another. the development of his Prairie style houses, and In tracing Wright’s study of Japanese prints Wright even served as a dealer in Japanese prints and its influence on his own work, we may have the — purchasing prints for his architectural clients key to the importance of art as a means to see and dictating where these prints should be hung in across culture. Wright appreciated ukiyo-e prints their houses. for their artistry and for their expression of Late in his life Wright told his students Japanese culture. By understanding how a work is during their weekly study of Japanese prints that unique to an artist and expressive of the artist’s “If Japanese prints were to be deducted from my world, he began to create his individual expression education, I don’t know what direction the whole that critics consider as uniquely American. might have taken.” The question for architectural Perhaps this is the first lesson of art — by historians remains what it is about these prints that understanding others, we learn to develop our own inspired the unique genius of Frank Lloyd Wright? individual expression. In looking at Wright’s writings, it is clear that Wright saw the prints as a key to understanding the basic structure of Japanese NOTE: An exhibition of ukiyo-e prints, titled “The culture. Through the prints, he saw a culture that Actor’s Image” is being circulated across Virginia was extremely innovative, maintained its by the Office of Statewide Partnerships, Virginia individuality, and tied the design of its houses to Museum of Fine Arts. For locations, please consult the way people lived. the Museum’s website at www.vmfa.state.va.us. The Wright was particularly interested in the website also features an online exhibition of the Japanese house built in the shinden zukuri style, prints titled, “Two Views of Kabuki.” which is characterized by a series of linked pavilions surrounding a water garden. He noted * David D. McKinney is manager of the how the space in this type of house could be Office of Statewide Partnerships at the separated by a screen or blended together Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. An depending on the needs of the residents. architectural historian, he received his Ph.D. JAPAN He also took note of the fact that the from the University of Virginia. Dr. NOW decorative program was meant to support the daily McKinney’s remarks are adapted from a routines and rituals of the family. These are lecture presented at the Ellipse Arts Center 5 elements that Wright assimilated into his domestic in Arlington, VA. CULTURAL HERITAGE LIST ADDS OKINAWA

Okinawa Prefecture, located at the southern tip of Japan, is comprised of 170 islands large and small, scattered over a wide area of ocean. In July 2000, the Group of Eight The beautiful Shuri Castle in Naha, Okinawa. (Japan National Tourist O (G-8) summit of world leaders was held in Organization) Okinawa, which is about two-and-a-half hours from stone gate of Shuri Castle; Tama Uden, the kings’ Tokyo by air. Though it is now part of Japan, several family tomb; Shikina-en, the imperial villa garden hundred years ago Okinawa was a separate country (all in the city of Naha); and Seifa Utaki (in the known as the Ryukyu Kingdom, and many gusuku village of Chinen). (castles) and other ruins remain on the islands as All of these structures were created between legacies of this era. the latter half of the 14th century, when the On Nov. 30, 2000, the World Heritage Ryukyus established a unified kingdom, and the Committee of the United Nations Educational, end of the 18th century. Shuri Castle, where a Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) formal dinner party for the G-8 summit leaders was added Shuri Castle and other Okinawan ruins to its held last July, once functioned as the official World Heritage List of cultural treasures. The residence of the Ryukyu kings. Okinawan ruins are the 11th cultural treasure in Gusuku served as a defensive stronghold Japan to make the list. The previous Japanese and a base for powerful families, or aji, during the additions were several shrines and a temple in process of the kingdom’s political unification, and Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, which were listed in as a spiritual bedrock where the community December 1999. established solidarity through such practices as From 1429 to 1879, Okinawa was under the ancestor worship. The castle gate, where state direct control of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which religious rituals were held, expresses the unique, maintained diplomatic and trade contacts with nature-based religious faith of the Ryukyu culture. China, Korea, and Southeast Asia and paid tribute to Chinese emperors on a regular basis. Some scholars therefore assert that Okinawa belonged to “COMING-OF-AGE DAY” 2001 both Japan and China. Thanks to cultural influences not only from On Jan. 8, some 1.6 million 20-year-olds were China but also from the Korean Peninsula and welcomed into adulthood in traditional Southeast Asia, Okinawa has a culture all its own, Coming-of-Age Day ceremonies. The genpuku distinct from that of other parts of Japan. And ceremony began in the 8th century when boys Okinawan hospitality is also in a class by itself; assumed adult clothing, hairstyle, and kanmuri, a ceremonial headdress. Young girls were it warmed the hearts of journalists and the leaders included and it became a national holiday in of the participating nations at the G-8 summit 1948, as a symbol of Japan’s post-war rebirth. meeting. Coming-of-Age Day was especially cold UNESCO added the Okinawan castle ruins this year and the year 2000 had been marked by to its World Heritage list because they constitute natural disasters from volcanic eruptions to the heritage of an independent country that flooding, but the smiles of young people at these developed its own unique culture while also ceremonies lifted everyone’s spirits. The maintaining contact with Japan, China, and ceremonies are organized by local governments, Southeast Asia. schools, companies and public organizations. A total of nine Okinawan ruin sites have Young people hear congratulatory speeches, been added to the list, including five castles: JAPAN make a pledge to be respectable members of NOW Nakijin Castle (in the village of Nakijin); Zakimi society and receive a commemorative gift. After Castle (in the village of Yomitan); Katsuren Castle the ceremony they visit temples and shrines or (in the town of Katsuren); Nakagusuku castle (in the go out on the town with their friends. Because 6 village of Kitanakagusuku); and Shuri Castle. The they meet many of their hometown four other sites are: Sonohyan Utaki Ishi-mon, the acquaintances, it is like a class reunion. A FLUTIST’S UNIQUE SOUND national boundaries. All she ever cared about was good music, Eastern or Western. But she soon understood that the business of the conservatory was to “conserve” Western European traditions. She Remember the first time you heard the bided her time, concentrating on learning about the shakuhachi? Like me, you were probably techniques, sonorities, lives and cultures of great watching a Japanese movie — in black and Western European composers of the 15th to the white, of course. Bleak, fog-encrusted moors 20th centuries. After graduation, however, she was R were the background for the shakuhachi’s free to perform works by contemporary Japanese otherworldliness. It shrieked, it gurgled, and it sang composers, surprising her former classmates in mournful poetry that spoke to the brevity of life. Paris who thought of her primarily as a master And from then on, your ears always recognized the Mozart interpreter. shakuhachi’s bamboo-throated sound. Because no But she knew contemporary Japanese music other flute is quite like it. That’s why I was amazed was exciting and fresh, and she was eager to share recently to hear a Japanese woman tear shakuhachi it at home and abroad. In time, Japanese composers sounds from her very Western flute. learned of her desire to create a global approach to Like many fine musicians, Yoko Owada grew classical music and began writing pieces for her, up surrounded by music. Her father was an knowing that no one else could play them like Yoko. otolaryngologist whose patients were often Recently, at a Japan Information and Culture musicians. “So,” Yoko says, “they would come to Center event, Yoko Owada thrilled her audience our home and give us tickets to their concerts.” with her fluid, powerful command of Western and Famed flutist, Aurele Nicolet was a frequent visitor. Eastern musical expressions. Her Mozart was so Although she had started out playing the piano at lively and joyous that she made it seem that Mozart, three, Yoko was nine when she picked up the flute, too, had written his “Concerto for Flute & Harp in partly for a very practical reason: “You cannot C Major” on the spot, and with only her in mind. carry a piano with you,” she laughs. Eventually, she The centerpiece of the Japanese portion of was playing duets with Nicolet. Her parents, her program was Kiyotaka Sakata’s “Yukimai”, or however, did not want her to become a professional, “Snow Dance.” With the first notes, I was transfixed and her father still says, “You’re much too serious at the beauty, the depth, and the range of the piece about your flute.” and at her interpretation of it. As she played, Yoko But talent and passion prevailed. Yoko was even looked like a totally different person. Her eyes only 13 when she became a professional musician. went to a deep, solid black and a tall, strong, almost Her teacher, Liliko Hayashi, was Japan’s premier masculine spirit seemed to inhabit her body. She flute soloist at the time. But the girl was only 15 was absolutely heedless of the fact that the room when her beloved teacher suddenly died. Yoko was she played in was so frigid that the audience was devastated, traveling abroad several times—without bundled in wool—while she performed in a pale her flute—to escape. Having lost all sense of blue float of a dress. purpose, she even considered giving up music to I learned later that e-mails arrived from study medicine. Fortunately, she was convinced to many people after that event, thanking the Embassy hold fast to her first love and continue studying at for bringing Yoko Owada’s artistry to the D.C. area. Japan’s top music school, Toho Gakuen. If there is any way you can manage it, go to Langley At the age of 18, Yoko visited Paris. She was High School Auditorium in McLean, Virginia for to take three flute master classes—one with the her concert on Saturday, March 24. She will be highly respected Jean-Pierre Rampal. Then, she playing Snow Dance and another Mozart flute would return to Japan. Rampal quickly recognized concerto. Tickets are available at 703/893-8646 or her singular ability and encouraged her to try for visit www.tmo.org. Yoko Owada is not a permanent one of the few spots at the famed National resident. Her husband is posted here, but their Conservatory of Music in Paris. home is in Japan. Don’t miss your chance. Although the conservatory had extremely JAPAN high standards, she not only got in, but she also * Carol Marleigh Kline, is a freelance writer in NOW won First Prize at graduation—putting everyone on Washington, D.C. who lived in Japan for 11 notice that Yoko Owada was a world-class talent. years. Next month she will write more about 7 Her musical background in Japan had known no Yoko Owada’s “Magic Flute.” MORE STARS MOVING TO THE MAJORS

Two of Japan’s biggest baseball stars decided at the end of 2000 to test their skills in the U.S. major leagues next season. Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) They are Ichiro Suzuki, who has been top T batter in the Pacific League for seven consecutive seasons, and Tsuyoshi Shinjo, who was five-year contract worth $10.9 million. On Dec. 11, the No.4 batter for the , the popular however, Shinjo suddenly surprised everyone. Kansai-based team. He announced that he had signed a contract Several Japanese pitchers have successfully with the . Shinjo explained that it made the move to the major leagues in recent years, had always been his dream to play in the major led by Hideo Nomo, but this is the first time leagues. Since there had been no offers from U.S. position players have crossed the Pacific. Both teams, he said, he had kept his wishes to himself. Suzuki — or Ichiro, as he is known — and Shinjo But then the Mets heard of his ambition and came are outfielders. Ichiro has joined the Seattle up with an offer, which he quickly accepted. His Mariners, and Shinjo has signed for the New York contract will give him the minimum salary for a Mets. This season, which begins in April, Japanese major league player of $200,000 a year. fans will have one eye on the major leagues to see In essence, Shinjo turned down the prospect how these players perform. of a lucrative domestic contract to follow his Ichiro’s transfer to the Seattle Mariners was dreams. Some Japanese observers think that Shinjo decided with much fanfare through the use, for the is even better than Ichiro when it comes to first time ever in Japan, of the posting system, defensive ability and strong throwing. The Mets which was created by Japanese and U.S. coach, Bobby Valentine, who once coached Chiba professional baseball circles to assist Japanese Lotte Marines in Japan, has great hopes for him. players who show a desire to move to the majors Fans were thrilled to see Valentine make a before they acquire free agent rights. Orix return to Japan last year, when the Mets opened the BlueWave, for whom Ichiro played, accepted his season with a three game series against the Chicago wish and requested bids for him. Cubs in Tokyo. Valentine was accompanied by Mets’ Several U.S. teams made offers, and finally catcher Mike Piazza who is also well-known to the Seattle Mariners won the individual negotiating Japanese fans for catching Hideo Nomo when the rights by making the highest transfer bid, about pitcher made his major league debut with the Los $12.7 million. Since Ichiro had previously Angeles Dodgers. After Nomo went to the major participated in a Mariners’ training camp under a leagues in 1995 and made a name for himself, tie-up agreement with Orix, the negotiations went several other Japanese pitchers followed. If Ichiro smoothly, and Ichiro agreed to a three-year contract and Shinjo are successful as outfielders, more with an average annual salary of $4.5 million Japanese position players can be expected to follow dollars. His uniform number will be 51, the same as them. he had at Orix. The Mariners also have a Japanese pitcher, Kazuhiro Sasaki, who last year won the American JAPAN NOW is a publication of the League Rookie of the Year award, so the team is Embassy of Japan for distribution to readers in the well known in Japan. Next season Japanese fans United States. However, the opinions and material will be cheering for Ichiro as he uses his famous contained herein do not necessarily represent the pendulum swing to try and repeat his remarkable views or policies of the government of Japan.

domestic success in the Majors. Japan Information and Culture Center JAPAN Meanwhile, Shinjo acquired free agent rights EMBASSY OF JAPAN NOW [email protected] after last season and had talks with two other teams www.embjapan.org/jicc.html in Japan, the Yakult Swallows and Yokohama 8 1155 21ST STREET, NW BayStars. His previous team, Hanshin Tigers, also WASHINGTON, DC 20036 did not want to lose a key player and offered him a 202-238-6900