The cultural relationship between Barbados and Japan, as well as efforts to deepen and strengthen bilateral ties, will continue.
This was expressed by Minister of Training and Tertiary Education, Sandra Husbands, during a reception hosted, last Friday, by the new Ambassador of Japan to Barbados, Miyasaka Yusuke, to celebrate the 65th birthday of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito.
Government and private sector officials and members of the diplomatic corps participated in the event, including the President of Barbados, Her Excellency, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason; Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw.
Minister Husbands, who offered congratulations to Emperor Naruhito on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, said: “I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to His Majesty and the people of Japan on this joyous occasion. May this day be a reflection of peace, prosperity, and continued progress for your great nation.”
She noted that the Emperor’s characteristics personify not only its people but the bilateral relationship that exists between Barbados and Japan.
“His Majesty the Emperor has come to personify the very best characteristics of the people of Japan. Respect the pursuit of common ground and advocacy for peace. These same characteristics underpin the bilateral relationship between Barbados and Japan. Though geographically distant, Japan and Barbados share a deep commitment to democracy, economic development, innovation and environmental sustainability.
“Over the years, our bilateral relations have flourished, rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and cooperation in various fields, and we continue to pursue deeper engagement and strengthened cooperation,” Minister Husbands stated.
She also spoke of the “strong” bilateral areas that exist between the two countries. These are cooperation in disaster resilience, fisheries, renewable energy, education – Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme, sports, arts, and cultural exchanges, and most recently the donation to the Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness.
Ambassador Yusuke highlighted the deep friendship and mutual understanding between the two nations.
He said: “Since my arrival in Barbados, I have been deeply impressed by the beauty of this country, the warm hospitality of its people and the vibrancy of its culture. It has been a privilege to experience the spirit of this remarkable island through my encounters with the people of Barbados. I have come to appreciate the deep connection between our two nations, not only our shared values but also in our commitment to resilience and cooperation. This year, we commemorate the 58th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Barbados, a partnership built on mutual understanding and collaboration.”
As part of the evening’s celebrations, attendees were treated to specially curated Japanese food prepared by Japanese Chef Sakamoto, and Japanese wines and spirits. There were also origami, calendars, clothing, and artwork exhibits.
On May 1, 2019, Naruhito, the former Crown Prince, acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne, officially becoming the 126th Emperor of Japan.
Barbados and Japan established diplomatic relations on August 29, 1967. (PR/GIS)