[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING TADASHI YAMAMOTO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2012

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. 
Tadashi Yamamoto. At the age of 76, Mr. Yamamoto died from cancer on 
April 15, 2012. He left behind four sons, four daughters-in-law, and 
eight grandchildren. He left behind a legacy and enduring partnership 
with his friends in the United States.
  As Japan rose in world influence in the 1960s and '70s, Tadashi 
Yamamoto created one of his country's first nongovernmental 
organizations in the field of international affairs. In 1967, he 
organized the first Shimoda Conference, designed to bring together U.S. 
and Japanese leaders to discuss issues of mutual interest to both 
countries. Out of that conference, he founded and became president of 
the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE). Since 1970, JCIE 
has enabled more than 1,000 U.S. and Japanese political leaders to 
engage in meaningful dialogue and problem-solving, strengthening our 
relationship and paving the way for decades of productive endeavors.
  In February 2011, Mr. Yamamoto, recognizing the necessity for 
continued bilateral cooperation, decided to revive the concept of a 
frank discussion between political, business, and media leaders. He 
convened the New Shimoda Conference in Tokyo. I was pleased to lead the 
bipartisan, bicameral U.S. delegation to that historic event. Less than 
one month later the depths of the U.S.-Japan relationship were affirmed 
by the outpouring of assistance in the wake of the devastating 
earthquake in March 2011.
  Tadashi Yamamoto was a pioneer. In the decades before the Internet 
brought together people from diverse cultures to connect and exchange 
ideas, inspired individuals like Tadashi Yamamoto built bridges that 
made our world stronger. At a time when both countries were in the 
midst of change and protest, discovering post-war identities and 
ideals, Tadashi Yamamoto made our world safer. He led us to a brighter 
future. The United States and Japan has a distinct partnership today 
because of his vision, and those like him, who work tirelessly and 
optimistically toward peace and security for all of humanity.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me and the House delegation to the 
New Shimoda Conference, Congressman Tom Petri, Congresswoman Nita 
Lowey, Congresswoman Susan Davis and Steve Davis, and Congresswoman 
Mazie Hirono, in remembering Tadashi Yamamoto. May his work and his 
legacy live on in continued cooperation between the United States and 
Japan and the open exchange between our leaders.

                          ____________________