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Consul General's Past Speeches             September, 2009

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Remarks at the Welcome Reception

2009/09/29

Good afternoon, everyone. Aloha!

(Preamble)

It is a privilege and honor for my wife and me to welcome all of you here. Governor Lingle, Mayor Hannemann, and Governor Ariyosshi, thank you very much for your attendance. We are extremely grateful for your decision to accept our invitation, since we know that your schedule is always full, as being dynamic civic leaders. Your popularity, however, may threaten my spotlight position this afternoon. So I decided to speak first. General Tom, thank you very much for your attendance.

(Self-Introduction)

I think many of you do not know me personally. So please allow me to talk about myself, my family and my consulate colleagues first. Then I will touch on the aspirations that I entertain in assuming my office.

I was born in Shizuoka prefecture, Japan in 1952. After graduating from Tokyo University, I joined Japan’s Foreign Service in 1976 and was given a chance to study at Amherst College in Massachusetts for two years. As a career diplomat, I served overseas in Asia, North America and North Europe. While in Tokyo, I worked mainly with divisions in charge of Asia and the Pacific. Before I moved to Honolulu, I was seconded to the Secretariat of the House of Representatives, taking charge of international affairs at the House.

My family consists of wife Etsuko, and two daughters, Ryoko and Yuko. Next year Etsuko and I will celebrate the 30^th anniversary of our marriage back in 1980. We have been good partners so far. Our elder daughter Ryoko works at a Tokyo company. Our younger daughter Yuko is a college student in Tokyo. Daughters away from us, we are being joined by Chef Takahiro Uematsu. He excels in Italian cuisine, besides he is single and handsome.

(Staff and Team Work)

 In July we had the pleasure of receiving Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan in Hawaii. We appreciate for your invaluable contribution and cooperation. I heartily offer my congratulations to my colleagues at the Consulate led by former Consul General Kunikata for their excellent teamwork in executing this most challenging task.

Teamwork will continue to be the key word. My team consists of 14 officers from Japan. My deputy is Mr. Hajime Kido who serves as my advisor and chief operating officer. In addition to our colleagues from Japan, we have 17 local staff. They take root in Honolulu and actually run the office behind the scenes, while Japanese officers come and go. It is my privilege to inherit this wonderful institution called the Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu and its engaging staff.

(Aspirations)

Now, what are my aspirations or operating guidelines in leading the Consulate, you may ask. I have some, and let me share with you the following three points:

First, we would like to be a helpful concierge. Many visitors come to Hawaii from Japan. There is a large demand for consular services, including protecting and assisting Japanese nationals in time of need. Hawaii gives us an exemplary role model. We would like to learn from concierges of Waikiki hotels what hospitality is all about. With the Aloha spirit in mind, we would like to help our people by shooting their troubles.

What is more, we would like to be a match-maker in establishing new relationships of cooperation among people and groups concerned. We would like to promote cultural exchanges and grass-roots interactions.

Second, we would like to be a good corporate citizen. Faithfully observing local rules and honoring local traditions, we will discharge our social responsibility as a proud member of the community.

The Pacific Forces provide an ideal example of coalescence with the community they base. The mightiest guys on earth are taking every care and attention to harmonizing the Hawaiian tradition with their professionalism. They win the hearts and minds of the local people. We would like to emulate and follow their example.

Third, we would like to be a decent torch guard. Last weekend, my wife and I attended a joint memorial service in honor of the fallen Japanese-American soldiers during the WW2. We were moved to witness that the meaning of their sacrifices has been passed down on to the posterity in a most befitting manner. They were the great torch bearers in the American history. Their sacrifices paved the way for the genuine integration of the Japanese-Americans into the American society and for the subsequent influx of Asian immigrants. They taught America a lesson and thus gave her a chance.

Hawaii is a special place to many Japanese. Thanks to its incredibly friendly social infrastructure that Japanese immigrants toiled to build over the years, Japanese holiday makers are now able to enjoy Hawaii to their fullest. The role of the Consulate is to protect these intangible assets securely and pass them on to the future.

It is safe to say that Japan’s traditional culture and civilization are a viable counterpoint to the western civilization, which gives richness and diversity to the lives of many peoples in the world. I take pride in Japan and believe in its future. Japan should remain a great country. The Consulate should remain instrumental in representing Japan with pride and integrity. It is my conviction that these will serve the best interest of the Japanese-American community in Hawaii as well. To this end, I will spare no effort.

Mahalo Nui Loa