Address from Consul General Takaoka: Emperor's Birthday Reception
2020/3/6
Distinguished Guests, Presiding Officer, Cabinet Secretary, members of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, Members of the Scottish Parliament, Lord Provosts, Provosts, Mayors, my colleague's in the Consular Corps, ladies and gentlemen,
My name is Nozomu Takaoka, Consul-General of Japan in Edinburgh.
Thank you very much for joining us this evening to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty, the Emperor. This is the first joyous occasion to do so since his enthronement last year, starting in Japan the new era of Reiwa, meaning "Beautiful Harmony".
My name is Nozomu Takaoka, Consul-General of Japan in Edinburgh.
Thank you very much for joining us this evening to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty, the Emperor. This is the first joyous occasion to do so since his enthronement last year, starting in Japan the new era of Reiwa, meaning "Beautiful Harmony".
Upon enthronement, His Majesty expressed his best wishes for the friendship and peace of the international community and the welfare and prosperity of humankind. I am sure everyone gathered here today shares his hope.
Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress have accepted an invitation from Her Majesty the Queen to pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom this spring. They will stay at Windsor Castle. It is truly auspicious that this country will become the first destination of Their Majesty's official foreign trip since both of them studied at the University of Oxford, His Majesty at Merton College, while Her Majesty studied at Balliol.
Although Merton graduates might disagree perhaps including His Majesty, I should not hesitate to mention that Balliol is the oldest college, because its former Master Sir Drummond Bone is with us today.
Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress have accepted an invitation from Her Majesty the Queen to pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom this spring. They will stay at Windsor Castle. It is truly auspicious that this country will become the first destination of Their Majesty's official foreign trip since both of them studied at the University of Oxford, His Majesty at Merton College, while Her Majesty studied at Balliol.
Although Merton graduates might disagree perhaps including His Majesty, I should not hesitate to mention that Balliol is the oldest college, because its former Master Sir Drummond Bone is with us today.
Balliol College was founded in 1263 by John I de Balliol, the father of a son who later became the King of Scotland. His wife, Dervorguilla of Galloway did so much to ensure the permanence of the college, which benefited so many students over centuries including myself as well as two former Presidents of that famous Oxford Union, the Right Honorable Lord Selkirk of Douglas who is graciously with us today despite his busy schedule at the House of Lords, and the Right Honourable Prime Minister. Of course, he should be in London.
What I have mentioned so far constitutes the first of a series of happy episodes that have been learned in the past year since I arrived in Edinburgh; happy between Japan and Scotland and the United Kingdom that I wanted to share with this important audience today.
Let me continue with some of these episodes, this time relating to the Scottish Parliament.
I am grateful today for the presence of the Presiding Officer, the Right Honourable Mr Ken Macintosh MSP. Under his wise guidance, the parliament has been doing an incredible job at elevating Scotland's image on such occasions as lively parliamentary debates and Burn's Suppers, both over which he elegantly presides as well as promoting exchanges with the rest of the world including Japan.
Also, in the Scottish Parliament, the Cross-Party Group on Japan was established immediately after my arrival about one year ago under the leadership of its Convenor Mr. Dean Lockhart MSP, and Deputy Convenors Mr. Jamie Halcro-Johnson MSP and Ms. Maureen Watt MSP as well as Mr Colin Smyth MSP, Mr Alexander Stewart MSP and Mr. Tom Mason MSP. Thank you very much for your attendance. They have already held four meetings to identify great possibilities to strengthen cultural and business exchanges between Japan and Scotland.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the insightful and fantastic work done in Westminster by the British-Japanese Parliamentary Group, which is represented tonight by Douglas Chapman MP and Deidre Brock MP again despite their busy schedule. Thank you very much for your kind presence.
Another fantastic example relates to the active members of the Scottish government. I appreciate the great achievements of Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop in building friendship between Japan and Scotland during the past 11 years as Cabinet Secretary and Minister in charge of external affairs.
Let me continue with some of these episodes, this time relating to the Scottish Parliament.
I am grateful today for the presence of the Presiding Officer, the Right Honourable Mr Ken Macintosh MSP. Under his wise guidance, the parliament has been doing an incredible job at elevating Scotland's image on such occasions as lively parliamentary debates and Burn's Suppers, both over which he elegantly presides as well as promoting exchanges with the rest of the world including Japan.
Also, in the Scottish Parliament, the Cross-Party Group on Japan was established immediately after my arrival about one year ago under the leadership of its Convenor Mr. Dean Lockhart MSP, and Deputy Convenors Mr. Jamie Halcro-Johnson MSP and Ms. Maureen Watt MSP as well as Mr Colin Smyth MSP, Mr Alexander Stewart MSP and Mr. Tom Mason MSP. Thank you very much for your attendance. They have already held four meetings to identify great possibilities to strengthen cultural and business exchanges between Japan and Scotland.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the insightful and fantastic work done in Westminster by the British-Japanese Parliamentary Group, which is represented tonight by Douglas Chapman MP and Deidre Brock MP again despite their busy schedule. Thank you very much for your kind presence.
Another fantastic example relates to the active members of the Scottish government. I appreciate the great achievements of Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop in building friendship between Japan and Scotland during the past 11 years as Cabinet Secretary and Minister in charge of external affairs.
I am very happy to learn that building upon these positive developments, Cabinet Secretary Michael Russell will succeed her role as Secretary in charge of External Affairs, a familiar area in which he has long experience. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation again to the Cabinet Secretary, for attending on the busy fourth day in his new capacity.
During Ms. Hyslop's visit to Japan last October, she not just cheered for the Scottish National Rugby Team, but also endorsed many important contracts including the one between a big Japanese sushi chain and the Scottish Salmon Company, represented by Ms. Su Cox tonight.
Do you know that the annual export of Scottish salmon to Japan increased by staggering 71.8% last year? The reduction of the tariff rate from 3.5% to 2.9% in the case of raw salmon and down to 0% in the case of frozen salmon must have been a big factor. This reduction was realized by the Japan EU Economic Partnership Agreement which entered into force in February last year.
In addition, Whisky exports to Japan, ten times larger than salmon exports in terms of value, also increased by a hefty 20.9%. These Scottish statistics must have given so much relief to Westminster as International Trade Minister Liz Truss boasted of this good performance after her visit to Japan last year.
Until recently, my natural instinct told me to avoid mentioning the B-word in a public speech like this. But now I can, because on the 1st of February the Japanese Government issued a statement that it will work promptly with the UK after its withdrawal from the EU in order to establish a new economic partnership between the two countries based on the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.
We also hope that the Brexit impact on Japanese businesses will be minimized and in our capacity, in close coordination with the Scottish and UK government, we will spare no efforts in providing relevant information to Japanese company executives many of whom are here with us today. Japan also remains committed to strengthening Japan-UK relations in wide-ranging areas including culture and security.
In this connection, I was encouraged to learn at the CBI Scotland meeting last month that the Scottish government represented by Right Honourable First Minister Nicola Sturgeon have put Japan at the top of the list of the "Next 11", the 11 target countries for Scotland to increase its export in the next ten years.
Other achievements revolve around the city of Edinburgh thanks to the omnipresent presence of Lord Provost Frank Ross. Thanks to him, this city continues to shine as an inclusive and international capital. Japanese residents and tourists truly love this city.
Edinburgh produces numerous beautiful stories through such world-famous institutions and events like Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Edinburgh Botanical Gardens established 350 years ago, and the New Club, which is new compared with the garden, actually founded in 1787.
During Ms. Hyslop's visit to Japan last October, she not just cheered for the Scottish National Rugby Team, but also endorsed many important contracts including the one between a big Japanese sushi chain and the Scottish Salmon Company, represented by Ms. Su Cox tonight.
Do you know that the annual export of Scottish salmon to Japan increased by staggering 71.8% last year? The reduction of the tariff rate from 3.5% to 2.9% in the case of raw salmon and down to 0% in the case of frozen salmon must have been a big factor. This reduction was realized by the Japan EU Economic Partnership Agreement which entered into force in February last year.
In addition, Whisky exports to Japan, ten times larger than salmon exports in terms of value, also increased by a hefty 20.9%. These Scottish statistics must have given so much relief to Westminster as International Trade Minister Liz Truss boasted of this good performance after her visit to Japan last year.
Until recently, my natural instinct told me to avoid mentioning the B-word in a public speech like this. But now I can, because on the 1st of February the Japanese Government issued a statement that it will work promptly with the UK after its withdrawal from the EU in order to establish a new economic partnership between the two countries based on the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.
We also hope that the Brexit impact on Japanese businesses will be minimized and in our capacity, in close coordination with the Scottish and UK government, we will spare no efforts in providing relevant information to Japanese company executives many of whom are here with us today. Japan also remains committed to strengthening Japan-UK relations in wide-ranging areas including culture and security.
In this connection, I was encouraged to learn at the CBI Scotland meeting last month that the Scottish government represented by Right Honourable First Minister Nicola Sturgeon have put Japan at the top of the list of the "Next 11", the 11 target countries for Scotland to increase its export in the next ten years.
Other achievements revolve around the city of Edinburgh thanks to the omnipresent presence of Lord Provost Frank Ross. Thanks to him, this city continues to shine as an inclusive and international capital. Japanese residents and tourists truly love this city.
Edinburgh produces numerous beautiful stories through such world-famous institutions and events like Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Edinburgh Botanical Gardens established 350 years ago, and the New Club, which is new compared with the garden, actually founded in 1787.
The Edinburgh Oyster Club dates back to the Enlightenment period and was revived by its modern-day chairman Mr. Eric Milligan again with us today. Mr. Peter Bourhill, the Editor of the Edinburgh Life Magazine is very kind today to present us with free copies of the November edition of his magazine which features the Oyster Club meeting held at my house.
And of course, the Edinburgh International Festival, Art Festival and Fringe loom large. I am glad to learn that this year, more Japanese artists will be participating than ever before.
Another group of achievements are actually numerous, as world famous academic and cultural institutions in Scotland and North England are expanding their ties and exchanges with Japan. I would like to recognize the great initiatives of Edinburgh University, Glasgow University, Aberdeen University, Stirling University, Napier University, Heriot Watt University, Queen Margaret University, Newcastle University and Durham University. I am truly thankful for their positive impact upon young people who will be the ones to promote our bilateral relations in the next generation.
In this connection, I would also like to recognize Mr. Roddy Gow, Founder and Chairman of the Asia Scotland Institute and Mr. David Birrell, Director of that Institute. The Asia Scotland Institute supports lively international dialog and exchanges and I am grateful for the many seminars and discussions it holds on Japan.
For the past 33 years, the Japan Society of Scotland has also been a driving force for the promotion of Japan-Scotland exchange and friendship. I am looking forward to working with its Chair Professor Ian Gow, as well as Mr. Callum Farquhar and its patron Lord Charles Bruce, I think everybody is here, thank you, on what is a promising programme of events for the year.
Over the same time period, the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, publicly known as JET, has encouraged as many as 68,000 young native English speakers in total to go to Japan and stay there for 2-3 years to teach English language to pupils and students in local Japanese schools. Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan was among the very first brave participants. From UK, more than 11,000 youngsters have joined including its Alumni Association chairman James Gamgee. Since both of them are also with us tonight, you might want to hear about the programme from them.
Another inspiring achievement was realised in Dundee with the opening of V&A Museum, designed by celebrated Japanese architect, Mr. Kengo Kuma who also designed the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Stadium. When the Museum was officially opened by the gracious presence of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in February last year, he flew from Japan to explain to Their Royal Highnesses about the philosophical background of the design of that building, which has already welcomed more than 1 million visitors.
Recent developments in Scottish Japanese relations can even be found at the northernmost island of Orkney. Last March, the Orkney Japan Association was established by the amazing dedication from its Chair Mr Liam McArthur MSP, and Vice Chairs Ms. Ruta Noreika and Ms. Yuka Johnston. I am looking forward to being involved in the year’s upcoming events in the Scandinavian atmosphere possibly in strong winds.
In my time here, I have also discovered first-hand the commendable work in County Durham, North England where the North East Japanese Women’s Association has been active for more than twenty years with its energetic chairperson Mrs. Sayoko Smith and kind support extended by Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Sue Snowdon.
In my time here, I have also discovered first-hand the commendable work in County Durham, North England where the North East Japanese Women’s Association has been active for more than twenty years with its energetic chairperson Mrs. Sayoko Smith and kind support extended by Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Sue Snowdon.
The association is a testament to how warm community level support really makes a difference. Started by Lord-Lieutenant’s predecessor Sir Paul and Lady Nicholson, their considerate support led to the influx of well-known Japanese huge investments in Durham, Newcastle and Sunderland.
Another beautiful success story can also be witnessed at the must-visit Japanese Garden in Cowden, which was completely renovated and reopened following half a century of closure last year in Clackmannanshire. Visitors will wonder why this beautiful and authentic Japanese garden was created originally more than 100 years ago by a female great traveller Ella Christie.
I commend the Garden’s Chair and Trustee, Ms. Sarah Stewart for the renovation work and also for giving me permission to plant 22 cherry trees in a pouring rain together with students from Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden as well as local MP Luke Graham and Head Gardner Kate White last March.
Broomhall House in Dunfermline was the noble stage for other fantastic occasions thanks to the kind generosity of Lord Bruce. In April gracious guests kindly joined me in a toast to celebrate the naming of the new era of Reiwa after the lectures on Japan given by Professor Aaron Moore of Edinburgh University and Professor David Howell of Harvard University.
In May, 22 leading figures in education, history, literature, community and sports were awarded the Order of the Scottish Samurai established by an Aberdonian Karate Master Mr. Ronnie Watt inspired by the famous 19th Century Scotsman, Thomas Blake Glover. I believe that Lord Provost of Aberdeen Barney Crockett must be very proud of his city’s heritage.
Another successful project is the collaboration between high schools in West Lothian, West Lothian Chambers of Commerce and Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning Systems Europe Ltd. Last year 2000 students from 11 schools across West Lothian participated in the educational competition to consider how to use heat pump technology in innovative new ways to combat CO2 emissions. This is good for the UK environment and good for UK export.
Another inspirational story involving young Scots was the first tour of Japan by the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra last summer. The orchestra made history as being the first to play music in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Their performance in other several cities in Japan were also very well received by the Japanese audience. Provost Helen Moonie should be also proud.
The memory of historic achievements have led to rekindled international relations in Kirkintilloch. Exactly 101 years ago a young Scottish woman from Kirkintilloch named Rita Cowan met an ambitious young Japanese man, Masataka Taketsuru who was admitted to Glasgow University to study chemistry and also learned whisky distilling technology at local distilleries.
The rest is a well-known history in Japan and Kirkintilloch. The couple got married, and despite concerns from Rita’s parents, immigrated to Japan, and became known as the Father and Mother of Japanese whisky. Without them, there is no Nikka nor Yamazaki of Suntory. You can learn about their legendary story at an upcoming exhibition at the Auld Kirk Museum, starting this weekend.
Developments in the world of sport have also been taking place, following the arrival of Ryo Meshino last September to join Hearts Midlothian Football Club. His avid fans, which include myself, are looking forward to seeing the talented midfielder to increase his goals, now stands at three.
In a diverse land of Scotland, Japan- Afghanistan friendship also grew. Last December, the late Dr. Tetsu Nakamura tragically lost his life in Afghanistan in a terrorist attack while engaged in his passionate mission to irrigate the barren terrain of that country to fertile land.
But I was heartened to see that the President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan was personally carrying his coffin at the funeral and here in Scotland I was asked immediately after the tragedy by the representatives of Afghan United in Glasgow, who are with us today, to transmit their heart-warming message to his bereaved family in Japan, which I did. Thus, Dr. Nakamura’s legacy spreads.
I would also like to thank Ms. Bronwyn Gilgallon and her father, also with us tonight, for visiting Japan and sending powerful message to Japanese audiences from a young Glaswegian artist that art can be a strong means of communication overcoming adversity.
In concluding, I would like to refer to the wonderful episode on 13 October last year, after the Typhoon Hagibis, not Hagis left Japan so that rugby match between Japan and Scotland should take place.
On that day, I invited Scottish and Japanese boys and girls to my house in Murrayfield to watch the match on TV together because of the connection of the Japanese boy with the Boroughmuir Rugby Club.
Maybe I didn’t share this on that day with Mr. Scott Allan, Club Secretary, but immediately after the referee blows full-time whistle a young Scottish boy like this with his properly knotted club tie came to my wife and said, “I am glad it was Japan!”
How sweet and how polite! I am sure that the same friendly spirits exist on the Japanese side as well and that these cooperative spirits will further promote Japan-Scotland, North England and UK relations in the future.
Thank you very much and please enjoy the evening.