Film: Diamond Diplomacy

In partnership with the Japan Society of Northern California
Tuesday, 6/9/2026
5:00 - 7:00
Latino/Hispanic Meeting Room A
Latino/Hispanic Meeting Room B
Main Library

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

415-557-4400
Register

Enjoy watching Diamond Diplomacy, a documentary by Yuriko Gamo Romer, explores the dramatic and complicated relationship between Japan and the United States through the shared love of the game of baseball, from the introduction of the sport to Japan in 1872 to the two-position dominance of Shohei Ohtani.

Diamond Diplomacy explores 150+ years of shared history between the United States and Japan through our shared love of baseball. Anchored by the stories of two former players—Japan’s Masanori “Mashi” Murakami and the USA’s Warren Cromartie—the film traces the evolution of a complex international relationship, touching on racism, diplomacy, and the unifying power of sports.

The screening will be followed by a special talk with director Yuriko Gamo Romer and executive producer Glen S. Fukushima, moderated by Stave Pollock, President of the Japan Society of Northern California, followed by an audience Q&A.

NR, 86 mins., 2025. 

This is a walk-in program. However, registered patrons will receive a priority. 

Please contact the Japan Society of Northern California for any questions. 

Agenda:

  1. Opening Remarks
    • Sachiko Iwabuchi | Japanese Language Librarian, San Francisco Public Library
    • Marc Smolowitz | Producer, “Diamond Diplomacy”
  2. Film Screening
  3. Director’s Talk
    • Yuriko Gamo Romer | Director, “Diamond Diplomacy”
    • Glen S. Fukushima | Executive Producer, “Diamond Diplomacy”
    • Moderator: Steve Pollock | President, Japan Society of Northern California
  4. Audience Q&A
  5. Closing Remarks | Steve Pollock, President of Japan Society of Northern California

Connect: 

Diamond Diplomacy - Website

Japan Society of Northern California - Website | Japan Society of Northern California - Instagram

Yuriko Gamo Romer - IMDB | Marc Smolowitz - 13th Gen | Glen S. Fukushima - Center for East Asian Studies at Stanford University

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Weaving Stories is the Library's celebration of the many diverse histories and cultures from AANHPI communities.

Japanese Interest

Connect to engaging discussions and performances related to the Japanese community and culture.

Spotlight

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

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The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.