Building International Relationships Through Sports

A Conversation with Shigeru Nakamura

Japanese Consul General in San Francisco, 2002

On August 4, 2002, the San Francisco 49ers played the Washington Redskins in Osaka. For many fans around the world, this game was simply the first nationally televised 2002 NFL preseason game.

For San Francisco and Osaka, it was an important opportunity to commemorate their long and meaningful relationship as the two cities celebrated the 45th Anniversary of their Sister City partnership.

Consul General Shigeru Nakamura, an avid sports fan, sat down with Joyce Millet to discuss the importance of sports and the role it can play in fostering global friendships and building international relationships.

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Q: What was your impression of the San Francisco 49ers/Washington Redskins game in Osaka?

A: The game was a great success. The people of Osaka were excited to host the game and many Japanese fans came out to enjoy American football. I was especially happy that this game was scheduled to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of the San Francisco/Osaka Sister City relationship. It was a significant opportunity to strengthen the ties of friendship between our two cities. It was also a good chance for Japanese people to see a different side of American culture.

Q: Do you believe sports can help increase cultural understanding between countries?

A: Definitely. I believe sports can do things that politics cannot. It is a neutral and relaxed environment where people can come together to learn from each other. The Osaka game gave the people of both our countries a common experience and created a special environment for us to celebrate the long friendship between our two cities.

Q: How important do you think the Sister City relationship is in promoting understanding?

A: It is very important. These kinds of relationships are person-to-person. That’s how we build international understanding. We cannot just rely on government. In fact, it may be the people of a country who influence the government. In that sense, Sister City programs are grassroots international diplomacy. If the people can be connected, then we will have international understanding.

Q: What would you like to see happen in the future?

A: We need more grassroots activities and more young people involved in Sister City programs. We also need a better way to let people know about these efforts. That’s why this game was such a great opportunity. The media attention helped people learn about Sister Cities and understand more about both of our cultures.