Message from Ambassador Baker

I would like to thank the Japan America Society of Tennessee for helping to further mutual understanding between the United States and Japan.

Nancy and I have had a very busy and eventful few months and we are more convinced than ever that my friend and colleague Mike Mansfield was right - this is the most important bilateral relationship in the world, bar none.The U.S. and Japan provide the largest amount of overseas development assistance; much of the world's foreign direct investment and, more importantly, our alliance has contributed to the growth and stability of the entire East Asian and Pacific region for more than fifty years. But let's remember that we are not only security allies and trading partners but also friends who have common interests and values.

Nowhere is this truer than in Tennessee where traditional virtues much admired by Japanese - hospitality, honesty, and hard work -- are as plentiful as cherry blossoms in springtime Tokyo. For those reasons, 138 Japanese companies have decided to set up business in Tennessee and this has resulted not only in profits for them but jobs and economic growth for our state. At a time when many media stories about Japan seem so pessimistic about the future of its economy, I think it is worth remembering the facts. Japan is still the second largest economy in the world -- larger than the German, British, and French economies combined and four times the size of China. It is our largest overseas market having bought $57 billion U.S. products and services last year. I like to say that when the U.S. prospers, Japan prospers; when Japan prospers, we prosper. As in Tennessee, our economies enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship.

I am confident that we have no more steadfast friend and valuable economic partner than Japan. I depend on the contributions of private citizens like the membership of the Japan-America Society of Tennessee to play a role, not only in fostering cultural and commercial ties, but to serve as links between our citizens that forms the basis for so much that makes our relationship strong. Thank you for your good work in our mutual endeavor. Nancy and I hope you will see us in Tokyo.

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