The Japan-America Grassroots Summit is one of the many programs founded by the John Manjiro - Whitfield Commemorative Center for International Exchange (CIE) located in Tokyo, Japan.  CIE was established as a purely nonprofit organization in 1991 and was supported by six ministries;  the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;  MITI;  Transportation;  Telecommunications;  Construction; and  Home Affairs.  The objective of the organization is to promote friendship and mutual understanding between the Japanese and foreign people living in and out of Japan. 

CIE was founded in commemoration of the friendly relationship between Captain Whitfield and John Manjiro, and hence aims at supporting nonprofit grassroots international exchange.  The heart-warming story of Captain Whitfield and John Manjiro can be found here.

CIE created the Japan-America Grassroots Summit to serve as a forum for citizens of Japan and the U.S. to exchange their opinions freely as individuals on a grassroots level.   Political and business exchanges often invite conflict and sometimes confrontation since they are based on the particular interests of each side.  This summit provides the opportunity to experience exchange with ordinary people of many different walks of life.  They are offered a comfortable environment and given the freedom to discuss openly from the heart.  CIE believes this kind of exchange is imperative to the promotion of mutual understanding and world peace and prosperity. 

This foundation is supported by a number of leading Japanese and American firms and services.  Some of its Directors include:

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