Mutsuo Ikuhara, a physician based in California and the son of a prominent Los Angeles Dodgers baseball executive from Japan, reflected on his volunteer work in northeastern Japan following the devastating earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011. In a recent interview coinciding with the 13th anniversary of the disaster, he expressed that the experiences from his time in Japan are etched in his memory.
Originally from Japan but raised in the United States due to his late father Akihiro “Ike” Ikuhara’s career with the Dodgers, Mutsuo, aged 61, felt a strong calling to aid his homeland in the aftermath of the catastrophic magnitude-9.0 quake and ensuing tsunami that wreaked havoc on Fukushima, Miyagi, and Iwate prefectures.
Approximately a week post-disaster, he ventured into the affected areas, where the unprecedented scale of devastation unfolded before him. Witnessing scenes of utter destruction, with once-thriving regions reduced to vast piles of debris, left a profound impact on him. The silence that enveloped the ravaged landscapes, particularly at night, resembled the solemn tranquility of a church, he recalled.
Despite the desolation, the resilience and compassion of the local populace left an enduring impression on Ikuhara. A poignant moment at a restaurant in Miyagi prefectural government office stands out, where the staff, upon learning of his volunteer efforts, generously provided meals as support for the afflicted city of Ishinomaki.
These encounters in Japan served as pivotal moments for Ikuhara, shaping his outlook as a physician and reinforcing his dedication to humanitarian causes globally. Following his involvement in relief efforts in Haiti post the 2010 earthquake, he intensified his international volunteer engagements post-2011, focusing on delivering medical aid and assistance in disaster-stricken regions.
Despite the constraints imposed by the ongoing pandemic, Ikuhara remains resolute in his commitment to resuming humanitarian missions worldwide, emphasizing the importance of making a positive impact within the limitations of time.
Reflecting on his father Akihiro’s legacy, a revered figure in the Dodgers organization known for his contributions to fostering Japanese-American baseball relations and advocating for the reinstatement of baseball as an Olympic sport, Ikuhara acknowledged his father’s enduring influence. Akihiro’s significant tenure with the Dodgers, culminating in posthumous induction into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame for his 27 years of service, underscored his pivotal role as a bridge-builder in the realm of baseball diplomacy.
The recent acquisitions of Japanese star players Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto by the Dodgers serve as a testament to the enduring connections forged by Akihiro, a development that would have undoubtedly brought him immense pride and satisfaction.