A FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM H.E. MR. HIDEO SUZUKI, AMBASSADOR OF JAPAN
H.E. Mr. Hideo Suzuki and his wife
Dear friends,
“The flow of the river is ceaseless, and its water is never the same. The bubbles that float in the pools, now vanishing, now foaming, are not of long duration” (“Hojoki”, 13th century, translated by Donald Keene)
Such should be the life of a diplomat. Like the water of the Vltava, I’m leaving Prague.
In 1212, when this masterpiece of Japanese literature was written by Kamo-no-Chomei in his grassy cabin in the Kyoto suburbs, ten thousand kilometers far west, Přemysl Otakar I was consecrated as the first King of Bohemia. Just a coincidence of chronicle. But this is a reminder of the long history and rich cultural traditions that both countries uphold and cherish. And this made me very proud of serving my country in Czechia.
Aesthetics represented by architecture, design, art and crafts, performing arts, and music is another aspect we share in common. A plethora of architects and artists, both Czech and Japanese, have travelled back and forth to literally cement our friendship. Industrial / technological prowess, which I believe is also part of creation and art, is one more instance of symbolism that explains why we feel so close to each other.
My wife and I never missed a single time or opportunity to explore, all around the country, the testimonies of these bonds that unite our two peoples. And we were always received so warmly and so generously.
In February 2024, a new bridge linking the two countries was signed by the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Kamikawa and Mr. Lipavský: the aviation agreement that paves the way for direct flights.
If it were 800 years ago, Kamo-no-Chomei could have met Otakar I, and would have added several comparative paragraphs on the ephemeral of power in his immortal essay.
What is certain is that I will make the best use of this agreement, by coming back to Czechia to meet you all again.
On this occasion, I and my wife Atsuko would like to thank all Czech leaders and people who kindly helped us in performing our duties, as well as the colleague Ambassadors and spouses for their friendship.
Děkuji moc a nashledanou!