MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

When the Reischauer Center was founded over thirty years ago, the two parties to the U.S.-Japan relationship were challenged by deepening trade frictions and a full-fledged global Cold War.

As the centennial anniversary of Edwin O. Reischauer’s birth has come and gone, the Cold War is over and trade frictions have abated to a substantial degree. Yet, prompted by contrasts between the distinctive political-economic base of the U.S.-Japan relationship and its dynamic counterparts in a more global world, lingering questions remain. “Japan and the United States face each other,” as Edwin O. Reischauer pointed out, “but across the broadest ocean of them all.” The challenge of coordination that the two, sharply different, nations face is of consequence for the world. Together, their response gives new meaning to the concept of alliance and their partnership is evident today as the two nations tackle together the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly uncertain environment.

We at the Reischauer Center will build on the Reischauer heritage and continue to work with redoubled effort to help assure that U.S.-Japan relations remain stable and mutually productive.

Kent E. Calder, Director