Upon having assumed office as Ambassador of Japan to India, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warm greetings to all visitors of the homepage of the Embassy of Japan, New Delhi.
Economically, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has been signed this February between Mr. Seiji Maehara, (former) Foreign Affairs Minister of Japan, and Mr. Anand Sharma, Commerce and Industry Minister of India. While it is currently pending approval in the Japanese Diet (Parliament), upon coming into force in the near future, the CEPA would open more business opportunities for both Japan and India in each other’s country. Already, interest in India is getting stronger among Japanese business circles, and we have been witnessing a rising presence of Japanese companies in India with each passing year. I am sure this will remain the trend in the years to come. Though political and economic ties are two of the most important pillars of our relations, I would like to especially stress upon the vital role played by our cultural connections. Historically, India is the place from where Buddhism came to Japan almost 1500 years ago, via China and Korea, and, therefore, occupies a very special place in the hearts of the Japanese people. Many temples all over Japan have Buddha statues installed in their premises. Interestingly, there are also some Sanskrit words which have been adapted in the Japanese language, and most people use them without realizing their Indian origin. (For example, the Japanese word “shari” (शाली), usually used for small grained Japanese rice for sushi, originally means rice in Sanskrit. Another meaning of this word, which comes from the Sanskrit word “sharira” (शरीर) denotes the pieces of bones or ashes of the Buddha’s body.) Shortly before coming to New Delhi, I visited several places in Tokyo to search for symbols of our cultural ties: such as, the Ueno National Museum, where there are hundreds of small Buddha statues lined up on display in the Annex of the Museum. These golden statues, which were made in the Asuka era (7th -8th century), are indeed a remarkable sight to behold, and I was very impressed with them. I also took a half hour subway ride to visit the Nishikasai area in the suburbs of Tokyo, which is well known for its huge Indian community. However, I apparently chose the wrong hour to visit, as most of the men had already left for their work by that time. Nevertheless, I got the opportunity to interact with some of the Indian womenfolk and children, from whom I learnt that most of the Indians here are working in the Information Technology and Financial Services sector. I was happy to know that so many Indians are demonstrating their amazing skills and contributing to the Japanese economy through their services. After arriving in New Delhi early March, I had an opportunity to get taken around to places related to Indian culture. I first visited the Rajghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial, where a young man volunteered to explain to me the history of the place. I was really struck with the environment of tranquility pervading the environment there. Then, I went to see the Qutub Minar, which can be equated with the Sky Tree building currently under construction in Tokyo, followed by a visit to the National Gallery of Modern Art, where I saw many paintings and works of art by Indian artists. I rounded off the tour with a ride on the Delhi Metro, which I found to be very smooth, impressive, clean and safe. I felt very happy with my experience in the Delhi Metro, which is a fruit of the cooperation between Japan and India. I am now looking forward to serving my term as Ambassador of Japan to India, in close cooperation with members of the Japanese community, businessmen and academics living here, for boosting the relationship between our two countries even further. In closing, I take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of India for their sincere, kind and warm expressions of sympathy and support offered to the Japanese people in their difficult time following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on 11 March 2011. With support from friends in India, the Government of Japan is making all possible efforts to cope with the situation by searching for missing people and providing safety to those who have been evacuated. We are very thankful for the consignment of 25,000 blankets, 13,000 bottles of mineral water, and 10 tons of high-calorie biscuits sent by the Government of India for the survivors of this disaster. Besides, a 46-member strong NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) Response Force has been dispatched by India to assist relief efforts in the affected regions. This is a highly appreciated gesture of real friendship by India, and we are truly grateful for the same. Akitaka Saiki |
I was really happy when I first learnt of my appointment as the next Ambassador of Japan to India. There are mainly two reasons for this: the first one being, this is the first time in my 36 years long career as a Japanese diplomat that I have been given a chance to work on Japan-India relations. I have always had a lot of interest in India, and finally got this opportunity to work in the country. The second reason is a more personal one. My father was appointed as the Deputy Chief of Mission in the Japanese Embassy to India during 1967 to 1969. My elder brother and I visited New Delhi in the summer of 1967 for about 45 days and travelled extensively by car together with my sister and parents. We visited Jaipur and also saw the Taj Mahal in Agra. I was greatly impressed by the historical heritage and culture of India. Interestingly, I still remember the names of some of the Indian staff working in my father’s residence at that time, and also the name of the Doctor (Dr. Chopra) who treated me for some stomach problem. So, I have very fond memories of those days I spent with my family here in India.