Address from Consul General Takaoka: Online Emperor’s Birthday Celebration

2021/3/19
Thank you very much everyone for joining us to celebrate the 61th birthday of His Majesty.

One year ago in February before the lockdown, celebrating His 60th Birthday, I hosted a real reception at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh, and was joined by so many kind and honourable friends of Japan; from the Scottish Government and Parliament including the members of the Cross-Party Group on Japan, from the House of Lords and House of Commons, including the members of the British-Japanese Parliamentary Group, as well as Lord Provosts, Provosts and Mayors.

Things have changed a great deal since then, but friendship and warm relations between us remain the same. Last year we were honoured to have the Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh and Cabinet Secretary Michael Russell, say a few words at that reception. Although they are unable to join us in person today, they, along with Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop, have kindly prepared the following messages to be read out.

Thank you very much Presiding Officer and Cabinet Secretaries for your warm and strong messages of solidarity at this critical juncture.

I agree with them that we must fight together against COVID. Representing Japanese people living in Scotland and North England, I would like to express my appreciation to the UK and Scottish governments and NHS as well as those essential workers for sustaining our health and daily lives.

Light at the end of the tunnel is in sight with the development of the vaccines. I am encouraged by the news that a Japanese company is joining this fight. Fujifilm Diosynth in Billingham on Teesside will produce 60 million doses of the Novavax vaccine which recently passed its clinical trials.

We must also build back together. I am also glad to note that with the precious local support, many Japanese businesses are deciding to continue to operate in this country overcoming difficulties presented by pandemic and Brexit.

During this challenging period, I was reflecting upon how Japanese experience and culture could contribute to ease the pain and aid recovery. For that purpose, today, I would like to focus upon three key values which embody the Japanese spirit, that can make a difference.

The first of these values is resilience. Nothing embodies this more than the Ginko Trees from Hiroshima that I planted in the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh together with Chairman Dominique Fry and Lord Provost Frank Ross last August. Please have a look at the film footage of that planting ceremony after my remarks.

In Aberdeen, Karate Master Ronnie Watt OBE has been able to promote the Samurai spirit through his online karate lessons, helping to strengthen minds and bodies of so many youngsters and seniors alike. We will hear from Mr. Watt later in this film.

The second of these values is peace of mind. In troubled times like today, composure and serenity are all the more appreciated. I am very fortunate to appreciate this beautiful flower arrangement just beside me by Sogetsu master Deborah Hathorn. I hope you can also feel this sense of beautiful, yet strong life that these flowers represent.

In Cowden near Dollar, Sara Stewart will kindly show us exactly where we can feel peace of mind, the Japanese Garden which her great great aunt had commissioned more than hundred years ago. 

The third and final value found within the Japanese spirit is international friendship. I hope that the Tokyo Olympic Games 2021 will forge new bonds, through a mutual love of competition and athleticism.
 
Here in Scotland, the Japan Society of Scotland, established 35 years ago and the Orkney Japan Association, established only two years ago are both doing a wonderful job. Later in this film we will be hearing how both organizations have adapted to this challenging time and what their exciting plans for the future are.

I do hope after watching this program, you will somewhat lifted by the sense of resilience, peace of mind and international friendship. I would like to personally thank everyone who has contributed to today’s film, and I would also like to extend my gratitude to you for joining our Emperor’s birthday celebration from home. Please Stay safe.