Farewell Message from Ambassador OKADA Kenichi, Consul-General of Japan in Hong Kong and Macau

 
I am writing to inform you that I have received my relocation order and, therefore, I will be leaving Hong Kong at the end of November, having completed my service at the Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong and Macau. It has been a great honour to serve in Hong Kong and Macau for almost three years and three months, from September 2021. Although there were some restrictions due to the pandemic when I first arrived, I have been able to get back to my daily routine as exchanges in the region resumed, and I would like to thank you all for your support.
 
Since my training at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1989, living in Hong Kong and Macau for the second time has been a deeply moving experience for me. Whilst I have work experience in Beijing and Shanghai, the unique “One Country, Two Systems” framework of Hong Kong and Macau has been intriguing and I have learned a great deal through my encounters with many people throughout the region.
 
Hong Kong is an extremely important partner for Japan, with close economic ties and people-to-people exchanges. The current Japan-Hong Kong relationship exists entirely thanks to the achievements of the many local people who have engaged in numerous interactions and activities. Furthermore, it is very encouraging to see Hong Kong people greatly enjoying Japanese food and culture. From the annual “Japan Autumn Festival”, to countless other Japan-related events that I have attended, there are few places in the world where I have felt such strong ties with Japan.
 
Macau has seen remarkable development in its tourism and casino industries over the years and major Japanese manufacturers, insurance companies, hotels and travel agencies have entered the Macau market. In 2019, the next-generation Light Rail Transit (LRT) began operations, further advancing economic cooperation between Japan and Macau. As Macau is aiming to diversify its industries, there are opportunities to expand cooperation with Japan in areas such as medical care, culture and sports. I hope that, in the future, there will be increased people-to-people interaction between Japan and Macau, leading to even closer cooperative relationships.
 
Since my appointment, I have endeavoured to advance relations between Japan and Hong Kong/Macau, making every effort to meet as many people as possible within my limited time to strengthen mutual exchange and cooperation. My successor, Consul-General (Ambassador) Jun Miura, is scheduled to take office shortly and I would be grateful if you would continue to support the activities of the Consulate-General under Consul-General Miura.