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Ambassadors

Japanese Ambassador's Enthusiastic Promotion of Britain

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Hiroshi Suzuki, the Japanese Ambassador to the UK, has embarked on a charm offensive to promote British-Japanese collaboration, highlighting the many facets of British culture, history, and traditions that he has discovered during his travels across the nation. From the wheelchair men's final at Wimbledon to the Titanic museum in Belfast, Suzuki has found dozens of interesting and sometimes unlikely things to celebrate about Britain, its people, and its customs. Despite Britain's tendency towards self-deprecation, Suzuki sees his country as ranking the UK in high regard, with British urban attractions ranking third best in the world and its culture and sport in the top five.

Key Takeaways:

  • Suzuki visited the Titanic museum in Belfast and learned about the Japanese person who survived and returned to Japan after the ship's sinking.
  • He participated in Splitting the G, a drinking game popular among hipsters, and enjoyed Irish coffee, Tayto crisps, and Guinness cake.
  • Suzuki visited the Delorean factory in Northern Ireland and learned about its connection to the film Back to the Future.
  • He attended the Henley Royal Regatta and Opera Holland Park, an open-air opera in London.
  • The ambassador was impressed by the wheelchair men's final at Wimbledon, where Tokito Oda triumphed over Alfie Hewett.
  • Suzuki visited the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and took part in Burns Night, celebrating the Scottish poet's life and works.
  • He explored various historical sites in the North East, including Hylton Castle, Washington Old Hall, and Durham Cathedral.
  • Suzuki participated in the Chelsea Flower Show and admired the beautifully crafted Japanese Tea Garden.
  • He tried marmalade sandwiches, a favorite snack of Paddington Bear, and visited the factory where electric trains for Britain's rail network are built.
  • The ambassador attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace and appreciated the rich cultural heritage of the UK during his visit to various historical sites, including Durham Cathedral and the Gladstone Museum.
  • Suzuki visited the Ashmolean Museum, home to ancient Greek statues and kabuki costumes, and enjoyed Welsh cakes, a soft and buttery snack.
  • He attended a rugby match between Japan and England at Twickenham and donned a full kit to show his support.

Statistics:

  • 3/4 of Japanese visitors to Britain would be "extremely likely" to recommend it to friends.
  • 21,000 horse racing events take place in Japan each year.
  • 932 years old is the age of Durham Cathedral.
  • 400 years or more is the minimum period for ancient woodland to be considered such.
  • The Royal Shakespeare Company has won numerous medals at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Sources:

  • The Telegraph
  • Back to the Future
  • Game of Thrones
  • Nigella Lawson
  • Joe Rogers
  • Michael Bond
  • Paddington Bear
  • The Merry Widow
  • The Crown
  • Barry Lyndon
  • Pride & Prejudice
  • Barry Lyndon
  • The Telegraph
  • Kazuyuki Ishihara
  • Robert Burns
  • Auld Lang Syne
  • BandÅ TamasaburÅ V
  • BandÅ TamasaburÅ V

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