U.S. President George W. Bush on Tuesday stressed his commitment to maintaining close ties with Japan, even using a Japanese word to refer to Howard Baker during his swearing-in ceremony as the new U.S. ambassador to Japan.
In front of Baker and his five predecessors, Bush said, "The Japanese press calls these figures 'Omono' — the big guys."
The former ambassadors included Mike Mansfield, Walter Mondale, Thomas Foley and Michael Armacost.
"Today we call upon one of America's most valued statesmen to help be the keeper of one of America's most valued friendships," Bush said in a speech delivered before Baker was sworn in.