From the Ambassador's Desk
- Vol.37 November 2011
It has now been eight months since the last Japan Info newsletter, which I sent soon after my arrival here in New York. After solving some technical issues and dealing with practical matters, I'd like to get a fresh start on the newsletter.
Japan experienced a crisis of massive proportions in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami of March 11th. We were grateful to have received heartwarming compassion and generous support from all corners of the globe. I was touched by a drawing the Consulate General received from an elementary school student in New Jersey. The drawing depicted two people shaking hands beneath the flags of Japan and the US. It came with the message "We are with you." This gesture cast a light of hope in times of sadness for those affected people, and offered warm feelings to those in need. As of October 24th, the Consulate-General of Japan in New York has collected donations totaling $711,425.49, of which $698,479.98 (98.2%) have been remitted to the Japanese Red Cross Society.
In July, the Cabinet announced the Basic Guidelines for Reconstruction in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake. With the inauguration of the Administration of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in September, the Japanese people will work together with all their strength toward a speedy recovery from the disaster. In spite of the various economic side effects of the disaster, including a slump in exports and a drop in tourism, efforts are being made in earnest towards a resolution of these and other issues arising from the earthquake and tsunami. For more on disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts by the Government of Japan and the Consulate General of Japan in New York, please visit our website.
Moving on to Japan-US cultural exchange, the coming year will mark the 100th anniversary of the gift of sakura, or cherry trees, to the US from Japan. It is well-known that in 1912, with the encouragement of Mrs. Taft, then First Lady of the US, the City of Tokyo, gave a gift of over 3,000 sakuras to Washington DC in order to foster good relations between our two countries. What is less well known is that at the same time an inaugural tree-planting ceremony for a number of sakura took place on the banks of the Hudson River near Grant's Tomb in Clairmont Park, now known as Riverside Park. The area in Riverside Park where this ceremony took place is now called Sakura Park. It is the 100th anniversary of the gift of these sakura that we will celebrate next year. Please join us for the many programs we will present in the near future!
Ambassador Shigeyuki Hiroki,
Consul General of Japan in New York
25 Feburary, 2011
As of today, February 25, I assumed my post as Consul General of Japan in New York. I travelled directly from JFK to downtown Manhattan to visit the former World Trade Center site. There I paid my respects to those whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001. I start my new duties at the Consulate with a renewed commitment to peace.
For the past year and a half, I worked in Afghanistan as Japan's ambassador on the frontlines of the international community's efforts to build peace and stability in that region. In New York too, my most important mission is to work to guarantee people's safety in the event of any possible emergencies. Remembering this, I will strive to make the Consulate General as helpful as possible to all who need our assistance. In addition, this great city is a vibrant center of the political, economic and cultural ties that make up the Japan-US relationship. With your help and understanding, I look forward to doing my part to further the development of a strong Japan-US partnership in New York.
This is a homecoming of sorts for me. Back in the early 1990s, I had the good fortune to be posted at the Consulate General in New York; returning for a second time is exciting and has brought back many fond memories. Of course, New York City has changed much in that time, so I will look to you for valuable opinions and advice as I begin my duties here. Like my predecessor Ambassador Shinichi Nishimiya, I am committed to doing my very best to ensure that the consulate is a place that serves your needs, and I once again ask each of you for your cooperation and support.
Message from former Ambassador and Consul General Shinichi Nishimiya (Japan Info “From the Ambassador’s Desk”)
Message from former Ambassador and Consul General Motoatsu Sakurai (Japan Info “From the Ambassador’s Desk”)
