Message from Ambassador MIZUSHIMA Koichi
2021/3/15
I am pleased to address you as the appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Israel.
Israel is a country blessed with tourist resources such as many historical sites and her magnificent natural settings, which were the front stage of the Bible. In addition, in recent years, it has attracted a great deal of attention in Japan as a high-tech power, the start-up nation that produces excellent innovation. It is a great honor for me to have the opportunity to work in this fascinating country of diversity, where tradition and innovation coexist.
Although Japan and Israel are geographically remote, the friendship between the two peoples is firmly rooted in the history of their exchanges. The episode of Sugihara Chiune, who saved a large number of Jewish refugees 80 years ago, is well known in Israel. In addition, the Japanese will never forget the gratitude felt when Israel dispatched a medical support team, the first such assistance from a foreign government after the Great East Japan Earthquake 10 years ago. On the basis of this friendship built by our predecessors, we will continue to do our best to build even better bilateral relations in all fields.
Looking at the Middle East, Israel has realized a series of normalizations of its relations with Arab countries since last year, and is now expected to play an even more important role in regional peace and stability. While paying close attention to these developments of regional situations, Japan will continue to promote Japan's unique initiative, the "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity," in order to support the resumption of the Middle East peace process and promote trust building between Israel and Palestine.
Current global outbreak of COVID-19 unfortunately does not allow international travel between our two countries, but even under such circumstances, there are many Japanese citizens in Israel and their Israeli counterparts who are active in various fields of bilateral relationship. We would like to make every effort to support their activities. We would be grateful if you could let us know your opinions and make inquiries to the embassy.
I am looking forward to seeing as many people as possible during my tenure. Your kind cooperation would be highly appreciated.
Ambassador of Japan to Israel
MIZUSHIMA Koichi