Since 2009, I have been involved with cultural exchanges between Japan and the United States as part of the Grassroots Summits sponsored by the John Manjiro Whitfield Center for International Exchange, headquartered in Tokyo. 

I have had interest in Japan and the Japanese people since my youth, when I learned from my father about my ancestor, Commodore Matthew C. Perry.  The Summits have given me an opportunity to learn about Japan, the Japanese people, and facts about my ancestor's two visits in 1853 and 1854.  I am grateful to staff at the Center for all their planning and gracious friendship in helping to arrange these trips.

The following pages contain short articles I wrote for family and friends to document some of the activities I have experienced as part of the Grassroots Summit and on Post-Summit trips.  Many persons have offered information, pictures, and editorial comments.  More feedback is welcomed.   

I hope you enjoy this information and that it helps in continuing the close relations between the United States of America and Japan, which were formally initiated in 1853 and 1854 by Commodore Perry.

Domo arigato gozaimashita.