Speech by Mr. Eiichi Kawahara, Consul General of Japan in Miami
at Luncheon for Mayors, Military and Business Representatives.
July 27, 2011, at Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentleman,
First of all, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your presence, support and hospitality extended to the Japan Maritime Self Defense Forces Training Squadron on its second good-will visit in Tampa since 2006.
This year’s visit to the United States is especially meaningful to Japan for the unreserved solidarity Japan has received from people of this nation and the extensive search and rescue assistance received from its military forces in the aftermath of the massive devastation by the earthquake and tsunami that struck the Tohoku region on March 11, 2011.
Relations between Tampa and Japan started over one hundred years ago. In 1898, Japanese naval attaché in Washington, Mr. Masayuki Akiyama, was sent to Tampa to witness the Spanish-American War in Santiago Bay, Cuba on board an American vessel. Akiyama-san and the others stayed at the Tampa Bay Hotel, Tampa's finest resort hotel at the time, which was later converted in 1933 into The University of Tampa, now with over 6,000 students. Back in the day, officers involved in the War used the “Writing and Reading Room” to prepare their reports. This room was preserved as originally laid out at the Henry Plant Museum at the University of Tampa.
(Goodwill Visit by Japanese maritime SDF training squadron)
On its way to the Port of Tampa, the training squadron passed through the Panama Canal, undergoing now an expansion project that when completed would be bringing more cargoes and tankers in Tampa. The squadron leaves tomorrow morning, July 28, Japanese newly commissioned officers would have acquired the knowledge about Tampa Bay region, and forging new friendly relations with the people. I am grateful for your hospitality and support to officers of the training squadron. This good-will visit serves to strengthening the already solid friendly relations between the United States and Japan.
(Ten Sister-City Relations)
Japan and Florida have also established through the years a blossoming friendship through ten sister-city relations. Among the participating cities in Florida we have St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Lakeland, all located nearby Tampa. These cities have been actively engaged in youth exchange programs with their counterpart cities every year. I would like to express my deepest appreciation and respects to the Mayors, their international committees and all those involved with such exchange programs for their efforts in making these activities viable. I am confident the young people who have participated in the sister city exchanges will be valuable assets to their respective cities.
(The Great East Japan Earthquake and American Response)
As known by all, Japan was hit by an unprecedented earthquake and tsunami last March 11. Immediately after it happened, the United States, our most important friend and ally, offered and delivered rapid and massive assistance.
From an early stage in the response efforts, American Forces have diligently performed relief activities on multiple fronts as a part of “Operation Tomodachi “named after the Japanese word for “friendship”. The cordial attitude that young Americans have demonstrated towards us under this operation has deeply touched the hearts and minds of the Japanese.
Japan has received support from American government, from NGOs and from countless individuals in the various forms of humanitarian assistance, search and rescue missions, charity events and fundraisers throughout America, including many cities in Florida. We are very grateful for the “Kizuna” or human bond and solidarity extended by the United States.
(Surprising Victory at Women’s World Cup)
In the Women’s World Cup in Germany this year, Japan delivered a surprising victory at the final soccer match against USA. But this was more than a sports victory for the Japanese team, nicknamed ‘Nadeshiko’ after a pink flower that symbolizes a combination of beauty and strength. Their victory was very significant to a nation still recovering from devastation in March.
(Reconstruction of Tohoku Region, Japan)
The government and people of Japan are up to the task of demonstrating to the world their ability to establish the most sophisticated reconstruction plan for Tohoku Japan by: first, creating a regional society highly resistant to natural disasters; second, establishing a social system that allows people to live in harmony with the global environment and third, building a compassionate society that cares about people, in particular, the vulnerable.
Japan is and will remain open for business and travel. If you are thinking of supporting us in our path to recovery, the most effective way would be to visit Japan and buy our excellent products, just as before. We urge you all to be more engaged in exchange with Japan.
I thank you for your kind attention.
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