Message from Ambassador OKADA Kenichi, Consul-General of Japan

 
   Greetings, everyone. My name is OKADA Kenichi and I have just arrived in Hong Kong to take up my post as Consul-General of Japan in Hong Kong.
 
   I joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in 1988 and, in the following year, attended a summer language course at the Chinese University of Hong Kong as part of the training program of the Ministry, and lived in Hung Hom. During that time, I visited Macau and got a strong impression of its scenery and culture that is different from Hong Kong. I cherish my memories of that summer and I am delighted to come back to this city.
 
   During my last posting, I served as Consul-General in Chicago, United States, and my other previous postings include Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Seoul and Washington DC. However, as it is my first time to work in Hong Kong in an official capacity and also obvious that Hong Kong and China have been through significant changes in many aspects, I will do my very best to learn a lot and would be most grateful for your kind guidance and support.
 
   The Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong was established in 1873, almost 150 years ago. It is my great honour and privilege to be appointed Consul-General of Japan in Hong Kong, especially due to Hong Kong’s longstanding partnership with Japan. I look forward to meeting with many people during my term.
 
   As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread globally, it is unfortunate that travel between Japan and Hong Kong, as well as Macau, is restricted at this time. However, I would like to express my appreciation towards the various organisations, groups and individuals who tirelessly continue to make efforts to maintain the strong partnership between Japan and the two regions, even under these difficult circumstances. I, together with my staff at the Consulate, am committed to extending my service in further promoting this valuable partnership. Therefore, please do not hesitate to contact our Consulate should you require any assistance.
 
   Lastly, as we are preparing for the Japan Autumn Festival in Hong Kong again this year, (of which I am aware that some events have already taken place), I hope that relevant organisations and groups will consider registering their events and that many people will be able to attend the related events and enjoy the various forms of Japanese culture.