Jamaica and Japan Share Respect for Culture – Terrelonge

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, says that Jamaica and Japan share a long-standing friendship, which is marked by a deep respect and appreciation for each other’s culture.

He noted that the numerous programmes between the countries “highlight the deep sense of appreciation which our peoples have for our respective cultures, and this is further evidenced by the undeniable love of the Japanese people for Jamaica’s Blue Mountain Coffee and reggae music, as well as the insatiable appetite of Jamaicans for Japanese food, especially sushi”.

He was speaking at a Shamisen and Japanese folk music concert to commemorate the 60^th anniversary of Jamaica-Japan Diplomatic relations and 30^th anniversary of Japan-CARICOM Relations, which was held on Wednesday (March 27) at the Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Ministry in Kingston.

Mr. Terrelonge said that the event “is not only a fitting representation of the strength and endurance that have characterised the Jamaica-Japan partnership over the past 60 years, but also reflects the importance which our countries attach to our cultural and people-to-people connections”.

He noted that since 2000, when the Government of Japan commenced the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme with Jamaica, the island’s nationals have not only served as assistant language teachers, but also as ambassadors who showcase the Jamaican culture to those whom they encounter.

“The over 400 Jamaican nationals who have been a part of this programme are testament to the positive impact which it has had,” he said. JIS

Mr. Terrelonge said that Jamaica is grateful for the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which has been supporting Jamaica’s development efforts through grants, technical assistance, concessionary loans, capacity building and volunteers, since 1989.

In addition, under the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer (JOCV) Programme, more than 450 Japanese volunteers have shared their time, talents, and expertise with Jamaicans in various fields such as health, education, and information and communications technology (ICT), he noted.

The cultural event included performances  from Shamisen player Hibiki Ichikawa and Japanese traditional music singer Akari Mochizuki.

A Shamisen is a three-stringed instrument that is played at Japanese festivals or used as music in Japanese anime.

Attendees also enjoyed Japanese foods made by Jamaicans such as rice balls and taiyaki, which is a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red-bean paste.