From Ambassador (In the memory of Mr. Ólafur B. Thors, Honorary Consul General for Japan in Iceland)
2021/6/29
In response to the news of former Honorary Consul General Mr. Ólafur B. Thors, who has contributed to the relationship between Japan and Iceland for many years, I would like to express my deepest condolences as well as my gratitude for his contribution during his lifetime.
Mr. Thors was the Honorary Consul General for Japan for 20 years, from 1981 to the opening of the embassy in Reykjavik in May 2001. The duties of Honorary Consul General may not be well known to the public. They are appointed in countries and regions where no embassy is established and their service is to protect the interest of Japan and Japanese nationals overseas as well as to promote cultural exchange on behalf of the embassy.
During the years when the embassy was not yet established here, he must have been looked upon like a father by the Japanese residents who could be relied upon in the event of emergency. For Icelandic people, I am sure that he must have been like a window of knowledge about a country far away, Japan.
It is worth mentioning that no monetary compensation nor salary is paid to Honorary Consul General. It is an unpaid honorary position.
Ms. Miyako Þórðarson, in her book she wrote in 2017, referred to the following episode. When the historical Reykjavik summit meeting was held between U.S. and the Soviet Union in 1986, many Japanese journalists visited Iceland for news coverage. While the meeting was held, Mr. Thors offered his office space to them and supported their press activity with his son who drove them around voluntarily.
The time has changed. The cold war ended and 20 years have already passed since the Japanese embassy was established in Reykjavik. However, we will never forget the dedication of Mr. Thors and his family in Iceland.
Mr. Ólafur B. Thors received the Order of the Rising Sun from the Japanese Government in 2002 for his many years of contribution.
Mr. Thors was the Honorary Consul General for Japan for 20 years, from 1981 to the opening of the embassy in Reykjavik in May 2001. The duties of Honorary Consul General may not be well known to the public. They are appointed in countries and regions where no embassy is established and their service is to protect the interest of Japan and Japanese nationals overseas as well as to promote cultural exchange on behalf of the embassy.
During the years when the embassy was not yet established here, he must have been looked upon like a father by the Japanese residents who could be relied upon in the event of emergency. For Icelandic people, I am sure that he must have been like a window of knowledge about a country far away, Japan.
It is worth mentioning that no monetary compensation nor salary is paid to Honorary Consul General. It is an unpaid honorary position.
Ms. Miyako Þórðarson, in her book she wrote in 2017, referred to the following episode. When the historical Reykjavik summit meeting was held between U.S. and the Soviet Union in 1986, many Japanese journalists visited Iceland for news coverage. While the meeting was held, Mr. Thors offered his office space to them and supported their press activity with his son who drove them around voluntarily.
The time has changed. The cold war ended and 20 years have already passed since the Japanese embassy was established in Reykjavik. However, we will never forget the dedication of Mr. Thors and his family in Iceland.
Mr. Ólafur B. Thors received the Order of the Rising Sun from the Japanese Government in 2002 for his many years of contribution.