オーストラリア・日本両政府からの
新年のご挨拶

　パース・エクスプレス読者の皆様、新年明けましておめでとうございます。豪州に着任以来、早一年がたち、キャンベラでの二度目のお正月を家内と共に迎えております。

　着任したばかりの頃、いろいろな方々に抱負を聞かれ、豪州の出来るだけ多くの場所を訪問し、出来るだけ多くの方とお会いしたい、と申し上げました。この一年数ヶ月の間、北は西豪州のブルームから南はタスマニアのホバートまで、多くの場所を訪問させて頂きました。早くも北部準州を除く全ての州・地域を訪問したことになります。また、各地で多くの豪州の方々や邦人の方々とお会いし、お話をさせて頂きました。これらを通じて、日豪両国間の友好関係が永きに亘る人と人の絆によって支えられている、との思いを改めて強くしました。

　昨年は、豪州では連邦選挙を通じた政権交代によりアボット政権が誕生しました。また、日本では、参議院選挙を経て国会の「ねじれ現象」が解消され、安倍政権は安定した政権基盤の下で着実に政策を実現しつつあります。日豪両国の強力な指導者の下で、両国関係を更に強化し、「新たな段階」へと引き上げる環境が正に整ったと言えます。本年は、両国首脳の相互訪問を是非とも実現して、両国関係の発展に大きな弾みをつけることができればと思っております。

　また、本年は、第二次大戦中のカウラ収容所での日本兵による集団脱走事件から70周年、また、日豪の最初の軍事協力、即ち1914年に日本の戦艦「伊吹」がエジプトに向かう豪州・ニュージーランド連合軍を護衛してから100周年にあたります。豪州に於いてそれぞれの記念行事が予定されています。両国の人々が、友好、協力の歴史を積み重ねてきただけでなく、困難な歴史、悲劇的な事件をも乗り越えながら、今日の揺るぎない友好関係を構築してきたこと改めて思い返す良い機会ではないかと思います。

　本年も微力ながら日豪関係の発展のために全力を傾注する所存です。また、読者の皆様と、豪州のどこかでお会いできることを楽しみにしております。

　最後になりましたが、本年が日豪関係にとり大きな発展の年となること、また、パース・エクスプレス読者の皆様のご多幸を心からお祈り申し上げます。

I would like to wish the readers of The Perth Express a happy new year. A year has already flown by, and this is the second time my wife and I are spending New Year's holidays in Canberra since coming to Australia.

Many people asked me about my wishes as an ambassador not long after I arrived here. I expressed my hope to visit as many places and speak with many people as possible. During the last 14 or so months, I have been fortunate enough to visit many places from Broome in the north of Western Australia to Hobart in the south of Tasmania. With the exception of the Northern Territory, I have visited every state and territory in Australia. I have also had opportunities to meet and speak with many Australians, as well as Japanese residing here in Australia. Through these encounters, I have once again strongly felt how the relations of Australia and Japan are underpinned by the person-to-person links over a long period of time.

In last year's federal election, Australia witnessed a change in government with Tony Abbott being elected as Prime Minister. In Japan, the Upper House elections saw an end of the Diet's ‘Turnout twist’ phenomenon, and Prime Minister Abe has taken advantage of domestic political stability to steadily implement a series of measures. Under the strong leaders of both countries, it could be said that our relationship has gone from strength to strength, and has created a positive environment that will draw our relationship to a ‘New level’. It would be an honour to have both leaders visit one another's country, and build momentum for further growth of our friendship.

Moreover, 2014 is the 70th anniversary of the breakout of Japanese internees and prisoners of war at Cowra in New South Wales during World War II. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of Japanese battle cruiser Ibuki's escort of Australian and New Zealand troops as they headed for Egypt. Appropriately, events will be held to mark both of these anniversaries this year in Australia. I believe it is a perfect opportunity for the people of our countries to reflect upon our unwavering friendship to this day which is not only made up of our history of friendship and collaboration, but also overcoming difficulties and tragic events in our past.

In 2014, I will endeavour to devote myself to the very best of my ability to the continued development of Australia and Japan's relationship. I am also looking forward to meeting you somewhere in Australia.

Finally, I would like to wish for the continued success of Australia and Japan's relationship, and all the very best to the readers of The Perth Express for this year.