Address from Consul General Takaoka: Meeting with Fiona Hyslop MSP
2020/2/20
Cabinet Secretary, Ambassador, company CEOs, distinguished guests,
Thank you very much for joining us tonight for this precious opportunity to exchange views on Japan- Scotland economic relations. I am especially thankful to Secretary Hyslop to accept my invitation despite her extremely busy schedule as the brand-new Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture in literally her first day in office.
But my humble expectation is that this dinner should indeed serve your purpose as Minister responsible for economy.
Talking about the meal, when I was stationed in New York in the 1990’s, New Yorkers always said to me that “there is no such thing as a free lunch”.
As for this dinner, of course Secretary Hyslop and members of her delegation including Ambassador Wightman already did more than enough when they visited Japan in October last year. Because Secretary not just cheered for the Scottish national rugby team but also endorsed many important events and contracts between Japanese and Scottish companies.
I am sorry to repeat again, but there is no such thing as a free dinner. To the CEOs and representatives of the Japanese companies here tonight, I would like if possible, to ask you to share with us three things. First, what do you think has made your company so successful here in Scotland?
Secondly, please share with us your thoughts on how your business or the general business environment can be helped by the Japanese, UK or Scottish governments? Thirdly, if it is possible, maybe you can educate us on any future plans by your company, during the course of the dinner.
By the way, I am always telling my guests that there are again three important traditions in our house. First, the picture of Their Majesties the Emperor and the Empress should be displayed at the best place, tonight together with Secretary. Secondly, visitors are kindly asked to sign the guest book, which you have already done I believe.
And thirdly, you are kindly asked again to toast with Japanese sake. This sake, dassai, is made in Yamaguchi Prefecture where Prime Minister Abe’s constituency is located. Dassai is becoming popular also in Scotland. I found them at the food section of Harvey Nichols here in Edinburgh.
The good thing about sake is that you sip rather than drink, so it is entirely OK, immediately after the toast, to go for champagne, wine or Hyslop martini, Ritz class cocktail prepared by my butler. So please join me. Kanpai.
Thank you very much for joining us tonight for this precious opportunity to exchange views on Japan- Scotland economic relations. I am especially thankful to Secretary Hyslop to accept my invitation despite her extremely busy schedule as the brand-new Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture in literally her first day in office.
But my humble expectation is that this dinner should indeed serve your purpose as Minister responsible for economy.
Talking about the meal, when I was stationed in New York in the 1990’s, New Yorkers always said to me that “there is no such thing as a free lunch”.
As for this dinner, of course Secretary Hyslop and members of her delegation including Ambassador Wightman already did more than enough when they visited Japan in October last year. Because Secretary not just cheered for the Scottish national rugby team but also endorsed many important events and contracts between Japanese and Scottish companies.
I am sorry to repeat again, but there is no such thing as a free dinner. To the CEOs and representatives of the Japanese companies here tonight, I would like if possible, to ask you to share with us three things. First, what do you think has made your company so successful here in Scotland?
Secondly, please share with us your thoughts on how your business or the general business environment can be helped by the Japanese, UK or Scottish governments? Thirdly, if it is possible, maybe you can educate us on any future plans by your company, during the course of the dinner.
By the way, I am always telling my guests that there are again three important traditions in our house. First, the picture of Their Majesties the Emperor and the Empress should be displayed at the best place, tonight together with Secretary. Secondly, visitors are kindly asked to sign the guest book, which you have already done I believe.
And thirdly, you are kindly asked again to toast with Japanese sake. This sake, dassai, is made in Yamaguchi Prefecture where Prime Minister Abe’s constituency is located. Dassai is becoming popular also in Scotland. I found them at the food section of Harvey Nichols here in Edinburgh.
The good thing about sake is that you sip rather than drink, so it is entirely OK, immediately after the toast, to go for champagne, wine or Hyslop martini, Ritz class cocktail prepared by my butler. So please join me. Kanpai.