“It is my great pleasure to send a message to the readers of Nine O’clock, on the occasion of the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, which is customarily celebrated as Japan’s National Day. The current Emperor, His Majesty the Emperor Akihito celebrates his 81st birthday just today. His Majesty not only works energetically on his official duties in the Imperial Palace, but also visits local cities in Japan, or receives foreign VIPs at the palace to further promote friendship with other countries.
As regards the bilateral relations between Japan and Romania, it is our great pleasure to observe a steady development in our ties as a result of various exchanges in the fields of politics, economy, culture and education.
Let me present one example from our cultural exchange activities. There is a Japanese gentleman, Mr. Shinya Ozaki, who has been working as one of the permanent conductors of Targu-Mures Philharmonic Orchestra since 1994 and was decorated by the President of Romania with the Cultural Merit Order in rank of “Commander” in 2004, in recognition of his highly valued activities. In March 2014, in honor of his 20-year long career as permanent conductor, the City organized a special concert, which I also attended and so much appreciated together with citizens of Targu-Mures City. The Government of Japan also valued his activities and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan awarded him the Minister’s prize last August in Tokyo. Some of you may have learned this news as several Romanian newspapers, including Nine O’clock, carried articles about it. I am encouraged by the fact that there exists such Japanese as Mr. Ozaki, who contribute to further enhance the mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Romania.
I would also like to mention another episode in our economic relations. As we know very well, many Romanians expect closer economic ties with Japan. Reportedly, more than 10 Japanese companies have decided to make additional investments in Romania this year through either expansion of production capacity, or construction of new factories, resulting in more new jobs. Furthermore, 10 among the top 100 companies in Romania which recorded the largest exports to the EU market in the first half of this year are Japanese companies. The Japanese companies which have already invested in Romania have created more than 30,000 jobs. As the Japanese Ambassador to Romania, I am very much pleased with the fact that the economic relations between Japan and Romania are firmly expanding and that Japanese companies are actively contributing to boost the economic development of Romania.
Lastly, let me touch briefly upon the economic situation of Japan. The economic revitalization of Japan to be conducted under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Abe, known as “Abenomics”, is still on the half way. However, after the victory of the Abe Government at the recently held general election of the House Representatives, economic reforms and economic growth are expected to be much more consolidated in 2015.
To conclude with, I would like to express my sincere hope that next year will be a most wonderful and fruitful one for the readers of Nine O’clock, and that our bilateral relationship will be further developed.
“Merry Christmas” and “A Happy New Year” to you all!
