DIAMOND DIPLOMACY
Spanning 150 years of history between the United States and Japan, DIAMOND DIPLOMACY reveals how the shared love of baseball became an enduring bridge between two nations. Anchored by the stories of Japanese pitcher Masanori “Mashi” Murakami—the first Japanese player in Major League Baseball—and American Warren Cromartie, the film traces how sports intersect with racism, international relations, and cultural identity. Baseball’s roots in Japan date back to 1872, when Civil War veteran Horace Wilson introduced the game during the Meiji era. From Babe Ruth’s 1934 Goodwill Tour to Lefty O’Doul’s postwar mission in 1949, baseball mirrored the tensions and reconciliations surrounding World War II. Woven through archival footage, rare home movies, artwork, and evocative music, the film highlights the game’s unique cultural resonance. By chronicling commemorations, youth tournaments, and player exchanges, the documentary shows how baseball continues to unite Japan and the U.S., embodying diplomacy and connection across generations.
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