His Excellency Mr Ohmori Setsuo, the Ambassador of Japan in Botswana
By Cynthia Thanda and Thelma Obakeng
How old do you think His Majesty Naruhito, the Emperor of Japan is?
The Japanese Embassy answered that question in style as it celebrated the occasion of its National Day at Avani Hotel on 22nd February 2024.
Japan is no stranger to Botswana and the deepening bilateral relations between the two countries continue to attest to the growth and mutual respect of both nations.
His Majesty Naruhito celebrates 64 years of age. He ascended the throne in 2019, beginning of the Reiwa, following the abdication of his father Emeritus Akihito, as the 126th Emperor of Japan.
This May marks the sixth anniversary since his accession to the throne. It could be said that the Japan imperial family is currently the oldest in the world. From the historical context the Emperor of that era used to have such absolute authority so much that he could even direct civil engineering works.
Today, the Emperor plays the role of a symbol of Japan and also the unity of Japanese people as defined in the Constitution of Japan. His Majesty’s duties are performed with the advice and assistance of the Cabinet hence Japan is a constitutional monarchy.
Since his accession to the throne, His Majesty has delivered keynote speeches at various fora including the United Nations Special Session on Water and Disasters and the World Water Forum. His Majesty is known for his deep knowledge in the world’s water issues.
Most Japanese people are happy with the Emperor as it is viewed as a symbol of the nation rather than someone with political authority. His Majesty is viewed as kind and respectful human being.
His Excellency Mr Ohmori Setsuo, the Ambassador of Japan in Botswana expressed his deepest gratitude to a country that has become a second home to him. Since his arrival in Botswana, he has witnessed as many as four handover ceremonies and three contract signing ceremonies of educational facilities taking place.
The Kazungula Bridge is one of the most important monumental achievements, not only under bilateral context but for regional cooperation in Southern Africa.
There are 60 Japanese living in Botswana and out of thee, more than half of them are volunteers engaged in quite unique and valuable activities in various parts of Botswana.
In October 2023, the Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteers took a lead in cleaning up Riverwalk in Gaborone. It was called a clean-up campaign to which His Excellency Ohmori Setsuo and his wife joined in.
Some of the volunteers are coaching Japan-oriented sports while others support the planning and implementation of recycling projects in municipalities and work in schools to enhance children’s awareness of the importance of recycled or renewable resources.
“Next year 2025, there will be two important events for Japan and Botswana. First one is an International Exposition to be held in the city of Osaka from April.
The other one is TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development), which is held every three years, inviting leaders from all countries in Japan and Africa. The next one will be held in Yokohama, His Excellency Ohmori Setsuo said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Lemogang Kwape also expressed his wishes to the Emperor, his family and the people of Japan as they celebrated the special day. He acknowledged the longstanding history of friendship between Botswana and Japan, which has over the years evolved into a living partnership characterised by economic, social and cultural cooperation.
He commended Japan for its continued support to Botswana, highlighting that last year the two counties concluded negotiations on the P1.45billion loan as budget support to help Botswana overcome challenges bred by covid19.
Besides big projects such as the Kazungula bridge, Japan also supports small projects aimed at enhancing the socio-economic developments of communities in Botswana, which have improved the livelihoods of remote communities and disadvantaged populations.
Dr Kwape mentioned that other projects are underway.
The celebration was characterised by laughter and joy as people tasted the different food from both cultures. The Japanese choir which sang the national anthem beautifully had people singing along.
(C) The Pan Afrikanist
