Rush D. Holt, Chief Executive Officer, American Association for the Advancement of Science, and former member of Congress

“Dick Jorgensen, after finishing a stint in postwar Japan that had rebuilt under the protective wing of the American eagle, returned to the U.S., circumnavigating the world before eventually settling down as a teacher in Berkeley, California. His memoir of his travels and of the progression of his career with The Asia Foundation provides entertaining and enlightening narratives. He presents vivid vignettes, each remarkable for his clear expression, his ability to put even mundane events in the appropriate political and cultural context, and his recollection of detail. The vignettes are populated with friends, acquaintances, and occasional celebrities and intellectual leaders. By the end of his journey he declares himself a citizen of the world—although a world, alas, now gone.”

Michael H. Armacost, Fellow at Stanford’s Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center since 2002, former president of the Brookings Institution, former undersecretary of state for political affairs and former ambassador to Japan and the Philippines

“Dick Jorgensen’s memoir, Yuko, Friendship Between Nations, chronicles his work as a development officer at The Asia Foundation (TAF) during the critical postwar years of the 1950s, a time when TAF’s efforts helped Japan recover, which in turn led to deep ties between Japan and the United States. Along the way Jorgensen becomes a dedicated advocate of Japan, and, indeed, friendship between all nations.”

John Caple, author, Finding the Hat that Fits: How to turn your Heart’s Desire into your Life’s work (Penguin) and A Lovely Light: The short Luminous Life of Kathy Caple

“Yuko is a gem: cogent, coherent and comprehensive.  Dick Jorgensen writes beautifully: he is clear, articulate and passionate.  At a time when Friendship Between Nations is crucial to our survival, Yuko is more important than ever.  Yuko is a must read book for anyone hoping to make this a better world.”