In a testomony to the enduring bond between Jamaica and Japan, Minister of State for Overseas Affairs and Overseas Commerce, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, expressed gratitude for the friendship between the 2 nations.
Talking at a Shamisen and Japanese folks music live performance held to commemorate vital diplomatic milestones, Terrelonge emphasised the mutual respect and appreciation for one another’s tradition that defines this relationship.
Cultural connections strengthen bonds
Terrelonge highlighted the colourful alternate of cultural appreciation between Jamaica and Japan, citing the love of Jamaican Blue Mountain Espresso and reggae music among the many Japanese, and the widespread urge for food for Japanese delicacies, notably sushi, amongst Jamaicans.
These cultural exchanges, he famous, underscore the depth of the connection between the 2 nations.
Commemorating diplomatic milestones
The live performance, held on Wednesday on the Ministry of Overseas Affairs and Overseas Commerce in Kingston, marked the sixtieth anniversary of Jamaica-Japan Diplomatic relations and the thirtieth anniversary of Japan-CARICOM Relations.
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Terrelonge lauded the occasion as a symbolic illustration of the enduring partnership between Jamaica and Japan, highlighting the importance each international locations connect to their cultural and people-to-people connections.
Affect of alternate applications
Because the inception of the Japan Alternate and Educating (JET) Programme in 2000, Jamaica has welcomed over 400 nationals to function assistant language lecturers and cultural ambassadors.
Terrelonge underscored the optimistic affect of those applications, emphasizing how Jamaican contributors showcase their tradition whereas contributing to cultural understanding and cooperation.
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Japan’s assist for Jamaica’s growth
Expressing gratitude for Japan’s longstanding assist, Terrelonge acknowledged the very important function performed by the Japan Worldwide Cooperation Company (JICA) in Jamaica’s growth efforts since 1989.
Via grants, technical help, concessionary loans, capability constructing, and volunteers, Japan has considerably contributed to Jamaica’s progress and progress.
Sharing experience by way of volunteerism
Terrelonge highlighted the Japan Abroad Cooperation Volunteer (JOCV) Programme, which has seen over 450 Japanese volunteers sharing their experience with Jamaicans in essential fields equivalent to well being, schooling, and knowledge and communications know-how (ICT).
This alternate of data and abilities additional strengthens the bonds between the 2 nations.
The cultural occasion featured fascinating performances by Shamisen participant Hibiki Ichikawa and Japanese conventional music singer Akari Mochizuki.
Attendees had been handled to the melodic sounds of the Shamisen, a three-stringed instrument usually heard at Japanese festivals and in anime.
Moreover, they indulged in Japanese delicacies ready by Jamaicans, together with rice balls and taiyaki—a fish-shaped pastry crammed with candy red-bean paste.
By celebrating cultural exchanges and highlighting the shared values and appreciation between Jamaica and Japan, the live performance served as a poignant reminder of the enduring friendship between these two nations.
