[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 15 (Friday, February 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E174-E175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            IWAKURA MISSION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM MATHESON

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2002

  Mr. MATHESON. Mr. Speaker, I had a wonderful opportunity to be 
present at an event honoring the 130-year friendship between the State 
of Utah and Japan. As many know, during the Meiji Revolution in the 
1870's, the Japanese government sent the Iwakura Mission throughout the 
United States to gather information and ideas for use in modernizing 
Japan.
  One of the less well-known stories of the Iwakura Mission took place 
in Utah. While unexpectedly stranded while awaiting the melt of a heavy 
winter snow, the 111-person delegation stayed in Salt Lake City, UT. 
They met the people, learned the culture, and experienced the American 
West. On February 10, I was able to celebrate that 1872 winter with 
Japanese Consul-General Koichiro Seki, members of his staff, officials 
from the State of Utah, and historians. At the conclusion of the 
program a memorial plaque, which will be hung at the place where the 
Japanese entered the city, was unveiled.
  Although the Iwakura Mission moved on to Washington, DC after the 
snows melted in 1872, its member's presence was felt long after they 
left. The Japanese toured Utah

[[Page E175]]

schools and hospitals; they visited Salt Lake City's Temple Square and 
met with religious and government leaders. The strong cultural and 
political relationship between Utah and Japan has its roots in the 
positive impression that the Japanese gave Utah, and the Utahns gave 
Japan.
  Mr. Speaker, as the world grows closer and closer together, it is my 
hope that the relationship between the United States and Japan will 
continue to be strengthened. As the world visits upon Utah during the 
2002 Olympic Games, I cannot help thinking that we are not only 
improving our relationship with the Japanese,but also building new 
friendships with other nations of the world. The Games thus far have 
been a tremendous success. It is my hope that in the months and years 
to come, people from throughout the world will come to Utah to visit, 
to study, to work, and perhaps to stay. Thank you Mr. Speaker.

                          ____________________