During the 1980s, when he was first posted to New York, Mori noted that “Japan bashing” was rampant. Japan was portrayed as the cause of U.S. economic ills, including a significant trade deficit and a decline in domestic manufacturing. Then, in the early 1990s, Mori said that Japan was criticized for “being too little, too late,” in its response to the Gulf War.  

The 1990s and into the 2000s was seen as the era of “Japan Passing,” with ongoing financial crises. In contrast, Mori said that today “Japan is Something,” especially in regard to its increasing role as an active player on the geopolitical stage. Japan has revised parts of its post-1945 security posture and increased its military budget, he said, while remaining committed to peace.

“The opportunity to meet Ambassador Mori was remarkable because he possesses real-world experience in US-Japan diplomacy,” said Danbi Lee, a doctoral student in political science and international relations. “Interactions [like this] are necessary to stay updated on recent events and to contemplate the applicability of the theories we learn and discuss in class to ongoing geopolitical events.”  

Mori’s presentation also introduced the uninitiated to the country and culture of Japan, and of the ways that he believes the “Japan and the U.S. complement each other’s values.” He noted the popularity of anime and manga in both Japan and the U.S. and displayed a photo in which he threw out the first pitch at a New York Mets game.

“We have been playing baseball in Japan for over 150 years,” said Mori, noting that it’s as much a staple of Japanese culture as it is in U.S. culture.     

“Ambassador Mikio Mori’s heartfelt and informative remarks inspired many in attendance to pursue collaborations that will advance scholarship, learning and cultural understanding between Japan and the University of Delaware,” said Debra Hess Norris, interim dean of UD’s College of Arts and Sciences.