It is with great pleasure that I address the Japanese Embassy and all the Japanese living in Greece on this important day for the country of the Rising Sun. You have every reason to be proud of the role that your country plays internationally as well as of its prospects for the future.
In Greece, the admiration for Japanese culture and the respect that the Japanese demonstrate for their traditions is evident.
Although geographically distant, our peoples are united on their love for the sea and οn their skillful seamanship, on their resourcefulness in trade and their devotion to arts and culture. And of course, as our relations are getting strengthened, the Greek-Japanese friendship will continue to expand.
The most recent indication of that was the opening of the “Japanese Garden” last November in Pagrati, Athens. It now constitutes a jewel for the city.
This year marks one hundred years since the Asia Minor Catastrophe. When remembering those sad events, the self-sacrifice of the captain -whose name still remains unknown- and crew of the Japanese ship “Tokei Maru” springs to mind. In the midst of untold suffering and imminent danger, the “Tokei Maru” saved hundreds of Greeks of Smyrna from certain death. This selfless act should be highlighted this year so that it takes its rightful place in the history of the long-standing friendship between our peoples.
Therefore, I extend my warm congratulations on your National Day and I hope that, by stepping up our contacts, 2022 will be an important year in the cooperation between Greece and Japan.