H.E.Mr. Nashida Kazuya The Japanese Ambassador to Thailand

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H.E.Mr. Nashida Kazuya The Japanese Ambassador to Thailand

by Kathleen Pokrud

 

 

Japan the “Land of Rising Sun” has always had a reputation for its distinctive culture and unique traditions. As an island nation with a long history, Japan developed its distinctive culture through adopting outside influences and making these uniquely their own. Modern Japan is well organised and a busy country. The Japanese people are well known for their politeness and exceptionally good manners. Strong work ethics are instilled to the young generation from an early age. The Japanese “Kaizen” (continuous improvement) business philosophy has been widely adopted globally for management improvement and competitiveness.

 

Renowned worldwide as a nation steeped in a culture that combines both tradition and modernity, Japanese culture has astounded the world with the blend of traditional concepts over the use of the latest technology and art. Pristine natural scenery, tantalising Japanese cuisine and a shoppers’ paradise are amongst the many reasons that Japan is now a favourable and popular tourist destination. Since his arrival in December 2019, the new Japanese Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Mr. Nashida Kazuya still eagerly awaits to present his credentials to King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. As Thailand slowly eases itself from the COVID-19 lockdown, Expat Life took the opportunity to sit down with Ambassador Nashida at their monumental and pristine embassy located on Witthayu Road for his plans and visions with the new role.

 

Career diplomat

 

With over 36 years of experience in the Foreign Service, Ambassador Nashida took the entry exams in 1984 and is a formidable career diplomat who has served the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan with diverse capacities such as international trade, economic policy, aid policy, financial affairs and management. In 2002, he was the Counsellor in the Embassy of Japan in Washington D.C. in the United States where he served for 2 years. His Excellency then served as Ambassador for three years in Iraq  between 2013-2015.

 

I asked Ambassador Nashida on his experience as Ambassador in Iraq. “I was Ambassador in Iraq during the time of strong IS Islamic State insurgents often with daily casualties in excess of 100. The situation then was a battlefield. The Embassy was located in the relatively safer “Green Zone”, I was only allowed to leave the Embassy for official engagements. Three vehicles in a convoy and armed bodyguards escorted every venture outside. We were required to wear helmets with bulletproof Kevlar vests and had wireless jammers on every patrol to protect us from remote controlled explosions.”

 

The family of the Ambassador, his wife and three grown up sons could not join him then and are sadly not with him now in his current posting in Thailand. He said “my wife has a job and my three sons 28, 25 and 20 are employed or in university” he added proudly. Ambassador Nashida was born and educated in Tokyo. His aspiration to join the Foreign Service came during his years at the University of Tokyo to fulfil the desire to work in an international environment.

 

Strong bilateral relations between Japan and Thailand

 

Japan is still the largest foreign investor in Thailand, accounting for 36.2% of total FDI by year-end 2016, followed by Singapore and the EU representing 14.8 and 14.3% respectively, according to Bank of Thailand data. It is still the third largest economy in the world. It is amongst Thailand’s oldest allies. This diplomatic friendship celebrated its 130th year in 2017. Ambassador Nashida explained the rationale behind the enduring relationship, “Japanese companies have long regarded Thailand as a favourable destination for foreign investment not only because of the cultural affinity between the two peoples but also due to labour costs and availability and the geographical closeness between the two countries. Also, Thailand as the centre of Mekong region offers a relatively stable political environment with constitutional democracy. Currently, there are over 5,500 Japanese companies operating in Thailand. Our official count of Japanese nationals surpasses 75,000 but we believe the figure to be more like 100/120,000 people in all.” In terms of cultural exchange and tourism aspects, Ambassador Nashida pointed out, “There are continuously sharp increases for visiting tourists amongst the two countries, in both ways. I found the quality of Japanese cuisine in Thailand is no different from what we are offered in Japan.” He added that another attribute to the amicable rapport is closely linked to the solid bond between the two Royal families, especially the special friendship shared by the two previous monarchs of both dynasties. The current Princesses are frequent visitors to Japan.

 

Dealing with COVID19

 

Prior to the lockdown situation due to COVID 19, his typical day was packed with numerous official and internal meetings, delegations, and lunches. “With the social distancing measure, our embassy has adopted alternative work days between two teams.”

 

Ambassador Nashida believes in people to people contact, and he is earnest to continue his work to maintain and further enhance the large-scale Japanese presence in Thailand by meeting and networking with local and foreign governments and businesses, as well as their communities here.

 

Full Story: https://expatlifeinthailand.com/featured/h-e-mr-nashida-kazuya-the-japanese-ambassador-to-thailand/

 

-- © Copyright Expat Life in Thailand 2020-09-23

 

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[Grusa]

"Since his arrival in December 2019, the new Japanese Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Mr. Nashida Kazuya still eagerly awaits to present his credentials to............."

 

Best he books a flight to Germany, then..... will save some time!