Jan. 26 - The other week, Mrs. Susie Roos hosted the America-Japan Society's annual Shinnenkai (New Years Party) at her magnificent residence. All together over 280 Japanese friends came that night to celebrate our warm friendship. Susie Roos toasted the health of His Majesty the Emperor. Then America-Japan Society President Ambassador Yoshio Okawara toasted the health of President Barack Obama.

That night I saw many old Japanese friends and met many new ones. They included politicians, teachers, artists, businesspeople, government officials, journalists, and students. Many had lived in the United States. Each had a story about an American friend or an experience in the United States.

Some of our guests expressed concern that our bilateral security relationship appears to be becoming more contentious. However, the crowded Ambassador's residence, filled with so many Japanese friends of the United States from such diverse backgrounds, gave me encouragement about our future. I believe that the thousands upon thousands of individual Americans and Japanese who forge personal bonds of friendship across the Pacific Ocean will provide ballast in our relationship, helping our two governments further strengthen our ties.

This year I hope each of you will have the chance to make a new Japanese friend, or renew your acquaintance with some old Japanese friends, as I did that night.

Until next time,

Jim