Students > U.S.–Japan Relations > Bridging Two Countries: Norman Y. Mineta
Introduction
You will now be introduced to former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and Commerce Norman Y. Mineta, an American who has served as an important bridge between the United States and Japan.
View the video above while keeping the discussion questions below in mind. After viewing the video, discuss the provided questions.
Discuss
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Why is it important to Secretary Mineta that he contribute to strengthening the U.S.–Japan relationship?
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Secretary Mineta was stationed in Japan while serving in the U.S. Army and has traveled there many times during his years as a member of Congress and in presidential cabinets, as well as on a personal basis. How might this type of “people-to-people exchange” help tie countries closer together?
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Do you think Americans with ancestral ties to a particular country can play a unique role in the United States’ relationship with that country? What skills, experiences, or other qualities can such Americans leverage to help build bridges between the two countries? Might there be unique disadvantages and challenges that they may face? If so, what are some examples?
