It’s a snowy December evening and a black-tie crowd of Japanese businessmen, embassy staff, U.S. Foreign Service alumni, and influential Japanese-Americans are congenially milling about the Four Seasons Hotel ballroom. They have gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Japan America Society of Washington, D.C.”
    Kato is unassuming and approachable with a splash of patriarchal charm. Although having operated for nearly four decades in Japanese foreign policy, he maintains a youthful quality that, without a doubt, has helped ensure his success.
    He begins his speech: “In olden times, in England and Scotland, when someone gave a toast, they would stand on a chair and put one foot on the table. I like this. It’s more my style.” The guests laugh, sharing perhaps for the first time that night, a light-hearted moment

An Opening Pitch
     Kato’s ability to navigate his way through a speech as well as Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs - while gaining the trust of Americans and Japanese alike - has enabled him to maintain and cultivate the Japan-U.S. alliance through tumultuous post 9-11 times. During his diplomatic career, he has become deeply respected in both countries. On a personal note, it has also offered him the opportunity to throw opening pitches at ten different major league ballparks along the way, including Yankee Stadium and here in Washington.
    

Previous page: A long hallway in classic Japanese style, which connects the main house with the tea house. Right: Ambassador Kato and Mrs Kato take a moment to feed the carp in the residency’s Koi pond. The tea house in the background was first built in Japan and then reassembled at the residence