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Ambassador hosts Japan-Ja relations anniversary party

Published:Sunday | March 16, 2014 | 12:00 AM
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Admiral Peter Brady and Lois Sherwood
Singing sensations Myrna Hague (left) and Marcia Griffiths strike a pose for our lens.
Brazilian Ambassador Antonio Da Costa Silva greets the wife of the Japanese ambassador, Sayoko Takase.
Angelee Stamp (left) and Miko Isokawa in traditional Japanese dress.- photos by Colin Hamilton/Photographer
Yasuko Ishige is all smiles as she makes her entrance in a very colourful kimono.
Twin entertainers Akihiro Kondo (left) and Hiroyuki Kondo (right), known as Ackee and Salt Fish, strike a pose with Yvonne wallace - Photos by Colin Hamilton/Photographer
Our cameras snapped Akira Kanazawa and Marie Henry.
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Shanica Blair, Gleaner Writer

The diplomats were out in full force on Thursday, March 6, as the Japanese Ambassador Yasuo Takase and his wife, Sayoko, hosted a reception at their Seaview Avenue residence in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Japan-Jamaica diplomatic relations and The Japan CARICOM Friendship year - a prelude to the Nihon Matsuri-Japan Festival that was held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre last Saturday.

Guests at the elegantly casual affair were treated to a delectable offering of finger foods and a wide variety of drinks from bars on location, to set the mood for the kaleidoscope of musical performances by The Sky is broken, Carlene Davis, Nari, Miko, Peterman, Rankin Pumpkin, and twins Ackee and Salt fish.

Ambassador Takase had a lot to boast about as he delved into the contributions his country has made to the development of Jamaica over the past 50 years. "Much has been achieved over the decades since Japan established diplomatic relations with Jamaica in 1964. Both countries exchanged high-level visits to build trustful relations among the leaders in our societies and, at the political level, Japan has been an indispensable development partner for Jamaica's nation-building process for all the years since Independence," he said.

Ambassador Takase reassured guests that his embassy will remain close to the Jamaican people, doing whatever they can to assist in overcoming the challenges Jamaicans face. "I intend to continue to have dialogue with the Jamaican people so that Japan and Jamaica can have better corporation to address our common challenges," he ended.

In his address, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade A.J. Nicholson congratulated Ambassador Takase and his hard-working staff for the commitment they have shown in bringing Japan and Jamaica closer together. "Our 50 years of diplomatic ties have been marked by an abiding friendship between Jamaica and Japan, a friendship which continues to grow and to be nurtured at so many levels," he stated.

The embassy still has plans in the works for more events throughout the year, to celebrate.

shanica.blair@gleanerjm.com