Dr.Y.Tsurumi,who currently teaches at City University of New York,    
 gave a lecture for ESUJ New Year's Lecture program on January 27 at
 the Japan National Press Club in Hibiya. Despite the inclement weather,
 the hall was filled to capacity for his talk. Dr.Tsurumi analyzed the
 ongoing state of confusion in America and Japan's present position from
 an historical viewpoint, referring liberally to his newly published
 book, Whither America, Whither Japan, which is based on a conversation
 between Shiba Ryotaro and himself. He referred to Iraq problem too.
 During the question and answer session, ESUJ Chairman Hanabusa acted as
 moderator. There were numerous comments from the floor,including strong
 criticism of both President Bush and Prime Minister Koizumi,and respon-
 ses thereto ,as well as opinions on the problems arising from visits to
 Yasukuni Shrine and the possibility of there being a Jewish president
 of the US, etc,resulting in a lively, stimulating atmosphere.
 
 
   
       Dr.Yoshihiro Tsurumi            Mr.Hanabusa,ESUJ Chairman (left)

   
                                         A large audience packed into the hall