From Ambassador (Presentation of Credentials)
2025/1/8
Photo courtesy: The Office of the President
Hello everyone! My name is Keizo Takewaka. I have recently been assigned as the new Japanese Ambassador to Iceland. Carrying on the tradition from my predecessors, I will also be writing a regular column. I look forward to hearing your feedback and comments.
On January 8, I presented my credentials to President Halla Tómasdóttir. It was no more than two weeks after I arrived in Reykjavik on December 27th last year that I was officially appointed as ambassador. I am very grateful for this prompt arrangement.
I spoke with the President about gender equality, an important issue where Japan can learn from the experience of Iceland. The President also emphasized that having a diverse workforce was a key factor for Iceland in overcoming the financial crisis.
Speaking about the first event I went to after arriving in Iceland, I told the President that I had gone to see the fireworks at Hallgrímskirkja on the night of New Year's Eve, and she talked about how it was a famous event in Reykjavík.
I took the opportunity to present her with an English translation of the Tale of Genji, in reference to the popular Japanese historical drama television series "Dear Radiance[i]". The President showed great interest in a novel written by a Japanese woman in the 11th century. The President also gave high praise for the film “Touch”, which will be screened in Japan later this month.
It's only been a short time since I arrived, and I cannot wait to learn more about Iceland.
On January 8, I presented my credentials to President Halla Tómasdóttir. It was no more than two weeks after I arrived in Reykjavik on December 27th last year that I was officially appointed as ambassador. I am very grateful for this prompt arrangement.
I spoke with the President about gender equality, an important issue where Japan can learn from the experience of Iceland. The President also emphasized that having a diverse workforce was a key factor for Iceland in overcoming the financial crisis.
Speaking about the first event I went to after arriving in Iceland, I told the President that I had gone to see the fireworks at Hallgrímskirkja on the night of New Year's Eve, and she talked about how it was a famous event in Reykjavík.
I took the opportunity to present her with an English translation of the Tale of Genji, in reference to the popular Japanese historical drama television series "Dear Radiance[i]". The President showed great interest in a novel written by a Japanese woman in the 11th century. The President also gave high praise for the film “Touch”, which will be screened in Japan later this month.
It's only been a short time since I arrived, and I cannot wait to learn more about Iceland.
[i] “Dear Radiance” depicts the life of female author Murasaki Shikibu, who wrote the epic novel The Tale of Genji over 1,000 years ago.