Consul General's New Year's Greetings
2024/1/4
Hello everyone, and Happy New Year to you all. Hopefully this year will be good to us.
Last year, 2023, shook things up with big political changes, including the replacement of Scotland’s First Minister, and, looking at the United Kingdom as a whole, the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, along with whispers of a potential general election this year. There has been quite a shift to this year from the last. As you likely know, the international situation regarding Ukraine and the Middle East remains something that must be monitored carefully.
On the other hand, there was some good news that graced the United Kingdom last year.
Although the new strain of coronavirus is still unpredictable, for now, things looks stable and life in Scotland and the United Kingdom is moving on. The price hikes that the people of the United Kingdom had to suffer through in 2022 started to stabilise in the last year as well.
Now, I would like to think back on the relationship between Japan and Scotland.
Last year saw a reawakening in Japan and Scotland’s human interactions. In particular, the visit of Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, mutual exchanges from cabinet ministers, interaction at a local government level, and the cooperation between universities in Japan and Scotland contributed to a high level of human interaction. In terms of economic relations, new investments from Japan expanded not only in Scotland, but in the United Kingdom as a whole. And, as previously mentioned, cooperation between universities in Japan and Scotland’s progression is particularly due to “industry-university cooperation”, with Japanese companies who do not yet have a presence in Scotland stepping forward to contribute.
On the cultural side of things, the JET Programme, which assists with Japan’s schools and local governments’ internalisation efforts, sent 56 students to Japan, the highest number since the programme began operating in 1987. We received a considerable number of applications, spotlighting Scotland’s high level of interest in Japan. Also, last year’s Edinburgh International Fringe Festival saw more than 10 Japanese artists and performers registering, a record number, along with various performances in the city. According to the Fringe’s office, they have already received several inquiries from various Japanese teams. Not only the Fringe office, but the Festival office and Military Tattoo office also anticipate high levels of Japanese interest in participation.
In the field of sports, as I’m sure you all know, there are several active Japanese players in Glasgow-based Celtic and Edinburgh-based Hearts football teams, who have the support of many Scottish fans, showing the depth of interaction between Japan and Scotland.
As for the consular side that affects daily life, online applications for passports, visas and certifications began in March last year. We understand that the new system in place may cause an inconvenience, but the consulate staff will continue to work together to provide you with the information and services you require.
Lastly, I sincerely hope that you all will have a fruitful and happy 2024.
Last year, 2023, shook things up with big political changes, including the replacement of Scotland’s First Minister, and, looking at the United Kingdom as a whole, the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, along with whispers of a potential general election this year. There has been quite a shift to this year from the last. As you likely know, the international situation regarding Ukraine and the Middle East remains something that must be monitored carefully.
On the other hand, there was some good news that graced the United Kingdom last year.
Although the new strain of coronavirus is still unpredictable, for now, things looks stable and life in Scotland and the United Kingdom is moving on. The price hikes that the people of the United Kingdom had to suffer through in 2022 started to stabilise in the last year as well.
Now, I would like to think back on the relationship between Japan and Scotland.
Last year saw a reawakening in Japan and Scotland’s human interactions. In particular, the visit of Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, mutual exchanges from cabinet ministers, interaction at a local government level, and the cooperation between universities in Japan and Scotland contributed to a high level of human interaction. In terms of economic relations, new investments from Japan expanded not only in Scotland, but in the United Kingdom as a whole. And, as previously mentioned, cooperation between universities in Japan and Scotland’s progression is particularly due to “industry-university cooperation”, with Japanese companies who do not yet have a presence in Scotland stepping forward to contribute.
On the cultural side of things, the JET Programme, which assists with Japan’s schools and local governments’ internalisation efforts, sent 56 students to Japan, the highest number since the programme began operating in 1987. We received a considerable number of applications, spotlighting Scotland’s high level of interest in Japan. Also, last year’s Edinburgh International Fringe Festival saw more than 10 Japanese artists and performers registering, a record number, along with various performances in the city. According to the Fringe’s office, they have already received several inquiries from various Japanese teams. Not only the Fringe office, but the Festival office and Military Tattoo office also anticipate high levels of Japanese interest in participation.
In the field of sports, as I’m sure you all know, there are several active Japanese players in Glasgow-based Celtic and Edinburgh-based Hearts football teams, who have the support of many Scottish fans, showing the depth of interaction between Japan and Scotland.
As for the consular side that affects daily life, online applications for passports, visas and certifications began in March last year. We understand that the new system in place may cause an inconvenience, but the consulate staff will continue to work together to provide you with the information and services you require.
Lastly, I sincerely hope that you all will have a fruitful and happy 2024.