「渡米実業団」日録

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 今から約100年前の1909(明治42)年、東京・大阪など6大都市の商業会議所を中心とした民間人51名が3ヶ月間にわたりアメリカ合衆国の主要都市を訪問し、民間の立場から、日本とアメリカの経済界を繋ぐパイプづくりに大きく貢献しました。
 この日録では「渡米実業団」(Honorary Commercial Commissioners of Japan to the United States of America)と呼ばれた日本初の大型ビジネスミッションの日々の出来事を、『渋沢栄一伝記資料』に再録された資料等で追いながら、過去に遡る形で掲載しています。

 1909(明治42)年7月19日(月) 米国太平洋沿岸聯合商業会議所の招待状

東京商業会議所月報』 第2巻第8号 (1909.08)

米国太平洋沿岸聯合商業会議所より、今回更に本邦五商業会議所に対し、左の通り聯含招待状を送致し来れり
To the
  Tokio, Osaka, Kioto, Yokohama and Kobe
              Chambers of Commerce.
Gentlemen :
  Desiring to give expression to our feelings of friendship and good will towards Japan and the Japanese people, and in an effort to bring about a better understanding of the opportunities for trade extension between the two nations, which, in our opinion, must inevitably result in increased prosperity to the manufacturing and commercial interests of both countries, the undersigned herewith extends to Tokio, Osaka, Kioto, Yokohama and Kobe Chambers of Commerce an invitation to have thirty of their leading businessmen and trade experts visit the United States in September next.
  In the event we are honored by the acceptance of this invitation, you may rest assured that The Associated Chambers of Commerce of Pacific Coast will take advantage of every opportunity to make your stay in this country both pleasant and profitable, and to reciprocate, in some measure, the hospitality and attention extended to our representatives, while your guests, during their recent visit to Japan.
        The Associated Chambers of Commerce of the Pacific Coast,
                 J. D. Lowman (Signed)
                   President.
                 C. W. Burks (Signed)
                   Secretary.
  July 19, 1909
(『渋沢栄一伝記資料』第32巻p.35-36掲載)