Minister Ichiro Fujisaki started out by saying that Japan is the only country in the Far East that hosts U.S. military bases and supports those bases' operations with over $4 billion annually ($150,000 per U.S. soldier).  Japan has also contributed $30 billion to the Gulf War and $200 million for humanitarian aid in Kosovo.

Minister Fujisaki pointed out that current U.S. - Japan ties stem from the "Grand Experiment" which began in 1951.  How can the winner and the loser of WWII, with such differences in cultures, still maintain one of the most powerful alliances in the world?   Mr. Fujisaki attributed this to the fact that both countries are large economies and democracies.   He underlined that Japan supports U.S. foreign policy most of the time, disagreeing only with some trade issues which are normally resolved by protracted negotiations.  Mr. Fujisaki added that other Asian countries, especially North Korea and China have a high degree of respect for the U.S., and that this in itself is a guarantee for Japanese security.

Minister Fujisaki delivered his address by using fictional characters to represent the views of the United States and those of Japan.  His imaginative technique and use of humor won over the Executive Forum members.