SOCIETY 377

SOCIETY
Austria has been playing the role of a bridge builder between Western
and Eastern Europe, which coincides with the basic philosophy of
Japan in the world community.
months have passed since my arrival
in Austria and I got the impression,
that we share a similar mentality. We
appreciate a softer approach to things
and do not like to impose ourselves
on others. There are also differences
between our countries. For example,
after WW II., Japan’s national security
focused on the relations with the US
while at the same time improving
bilateral relations with other Asian
countries. Austria, on the other hand,
chose to adopt permanent neutrality
for its foreign policy and strengthened
its ties to other European countries.
Japan and the EU are both important
global players in the fields of politics
and economy. Austria has been playing
the role of a bridge builder between
Western and Eastern Europe, which
coincides with the basic philosophy of
Japan in the world community.
You have been accredited as Ambassador
of Japan to Austria in December
2019. What would you like to
accomplish during your term?
As the year 2020 marks “150 Years
Friendship Japan-Austria plus 1”, I will
further strengthen the bilateral ties.
In the past two decades, our mutual
relationship grew closer, especially
relations between the Imperial House
of Japan and the Office of the Federal
President of Austria. Since 2002, there
have been many official visits on the
highest level from both sides. Currently
both governments are making their
utmost efforts to overcome the novel
coronavirus infectious disease, which
is impeding the movement of people.
In Austria, the 150 Years Friendship
Japan-Austria was celebrated with
more than 200 events. I would like to
keep up this momentum. The Tokyo
Olympic and Paralympic Games,
which are postponed to 2021, should
offer a good opportunity to intensify
our friendship. With regard to the
economy, the Japan-EU EPA provides
an excellent foundation for further
strengthening the economic relations
between our countries. I would like
to support an early conclusion of a
Social Security Agreement between
Austria and Japan, and promote
the bilateral economic cooperation
regarding the West Balkan Region. My
Embassy is in charge of the cooperation
with the OSCE as well. This year
marks the 25th anniversary of the
OSCE Asian Partnership for Co-operation.
While continuing the close
cooperation with the OSCE, I would
like to tackle security challenges
from a global perspective. I am also
serving as the Japanese Ambassador
to Kosovo. Last year, we celebrated
the 10th anniversary of diplomatic
relations. This year, with the opening
of our Embassy in Kosovo, I would also
like to deepen the friendship between
Japan and Kosovo by contributing
even more to the development of the
country and the stability of the region.
Outside the diplomatic sphere – how is
Japan represented here in Austria and
how big is the Japanese community?
About 3000 Japanese citizens (as
of 2018) are living in Austria, 66% of
which are in Vienna. There are the
Japanese Association of Austria and
the Japanese International School.
The Japan External Trade Organization
also has an office in Vienna.
Besides our Embassy, the Japanese
Government is also represented by
the Permanent Mission of Japan
to the International Organizations.
Approximately 120 Japanese companies
are active in Austria. They
are not only “big-name” companies
like Daikin, Toyota or Panasonic, but
also steady companies like Amada
(metal processing equipment and
machinery), Nichicon (capacitors), or
Shiraishi-Omya (material products
and applied development). Some
medium-sized production companies
indispensable for the manufacturing
industry are also doing good jobs. The
COVID-19 virus is viciously hampering
our bilateral relations. My embassy
has been eagerly responding to CO-
VID-19. However, when the situation
recovers, I do want Austrians to get to
know more about Japan. The Embassy
has been cooperating with Japan-related
organizations in Austria, we are
providing information about Japanese
government scholarships and you can
get information about the chances
to work in the Japanese local communities
or at the junior high schools
through the Japan Exchange and
Teaching (JET) programme.
In 2019, the European Union-Japan
Economic Partnership Agreement,
which is considered the world’s largest
economic area, came into force.
How important is this Agreement for
both sides, and how would you like
to see the EU-Japan relations in the
future?
The Japan-EU EPA eloquently embodies
that both parties are global
partners sharing fundamental values
such as democracy, basic human
rights, and the rule of law. In the
mood of protectionism, this high-level
agreement between Japan and
the EU forms the foundation of a free,
fair and open international trade and
economic system. Together with the
Strategic Partnership Agreement
(SPA), it will raise Japan-EU relations
to a new strategic level.
JAPAN
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