[I-House Lecture]



Baseball and Diplomacy: A Game Changer for U.S.-Japan Relations

Lecturer: Robert Whiting (Journalist)



Otani Shohei's smash-hit debut has been fascinating baseball fans in the United States and Japan, and a variety of positive impact is expected. Since its introduction to Japan in the early Meiji Era, baseball has played a key role in forging a relationship between the two countries. A memorable visit by Babe Ruth in 1934 temporarily eased escalating tensions. The visit by the San Francisco Seals in 1949 rebuilt goodwill between the former enemies, and Nomo Hideo's success in 1995 helped to defuse trade conflicts while permanently opening the MLB door for fellow stars including Otani. This lecture will let us see the two countries' relations through the prism of baseball.



Date: Wednesday, June 20, 2018, 7:00-8:30 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)

Venue: Lecture Hall, International House of Japan

Admission: 1,000 yen (Students: 500 yen, IHJ members: Free) *Reservations required

Language: English (without Japanese interpretation)



For details & Registration:

http://www.i-house.or.jp/eng/programs/ihouselecture20180620/