Japanese Ambassador Hosts Hachi

Washington, D.C., Japanese Ambassador to the U.S. Ichiro Fujisaki and his wife, Yoriko, hosted a screening of Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. The event was held at the Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery in collaboration with the Japan Information and Culture Center and the Japan Commerce Association of Washington, DC.

Prior to the screening, a reception was held in the main hallway of the Gallery. Guests included the Honorable William Webster, director of the Homeland Security Advisory Board and former head of the FBI and CIA, the Honorable & Mrs. Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy, Mr. & Mrs. Larry Echohawk, Assistant Secretary of Interior, and Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Mori, Executive Director of the Japanese American Citizens League.

I learned that the Honorable William Webster has a warm relationship with his two dogs. I’ve always respected him immensely, and that increased upon learning of his deep affection for animals.

Immediately after the screening of Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, director Lasse Hallstrom and I addressed a wide range of questions from the audience. Lasse has a marvelous sense of humor. When an obscure question came up, he’d turn to me and say “Vicki?” Some of the questions were quite fun, and I really got a kick out of trying to answer them!