2021 Happy New Year message from Consul General Takaoka
令和3年1月5日
Happy New Year.
As the coronavirus continues to spread, I would like to convey my greetings on the website this year.
First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all essential workers, including those in the medical field, who have worked tirelessly to provide the infrastructure of our daily lives. Staff at the Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh also continue to pursue their duties.
Last year, various restrictions were imposed on businesses and daily life to prevent the spread of infection and we all had to adapt to the “new normal”. The Consulate General of Japan introduced an appointment system for our consular service and worked to provide timely information.
As the opportunity for face-to-face interaction declined dramatically, cultural activities and exchanges, as well as communication and coordination with the Scottish Government and local authorities moved online.
At the beginning of this year, on the 1st January, the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement came into force. Together with the future agreement between the UK and the EU agreed at the end of last year, a stable framework for UK-Japan economic relations was established.
In addition, the UK is Chair of the G7 this year, and the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will be held in Glasgow in November. An election for the Scottish Parliament is also scheduled for May.
Therefore, in 2021, the importance of the UK and Scotland will be strongly recognised. The Consulate General of Japan will continue with our best efforts to promote friendship and provide consular services.
Difficulties with the pandemic still lie ahead, but if we continue to take care of each other, I hope this year will be a good year for everyone.
5th January 2021
Nozomu Takaoka, Consul General of Japan in Edinburgh
As the coronavirus continues to spread, I would like to convey my greetings on the website this year.
First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all essential workers, including those in the medical field, who have worked tirelessly to provide the infrastructure of our daily lives. Staff at the Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh also continue to pursue their duties.
Last year, various restrictions were imposed on businesses and daily life to prevent the spread of infection and we all had to adapt to the “new normal”. The Consulate General of Japan introduced an appointment system for our consular service and worked to provide timely information.
As the opportunity for face-to-face interaction declined dramatically, cultural activities and exchanges, as well as communication and coordination with the Scottish Government and local authorities moved online.
At the beginning of this year, on the 1st January, the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement came into force. Together with the future agreement between the UK and the EU agreed at the end of last year, a stable framework for UK-Japan economic relations was established.
In addition, the UK is Chair of the G7 this year, and the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will be held in Glasgow in November. An election for the Scottish Parliament is also scheduled for May.
Therefore, in 2021, the importance of the UK and Scotland will be strongly recognised. The Consulate General of Japan will continue with our best efforts to promote friendship and provide consular services.
Difficulties with the pandemic still lie ahead, but if we continue to take care of each other, I hope this year will be a good year for everyone.
5th January 2021
Nozomu Takaoka, Consul General of Japan in Edinburgh