Jamaica, Japan celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations

TOKYO, JAPAN:

The Tokyo American Club hosted a memorable celebration commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Japan on Saturday, June 15.

The event, named ‘Embassy Nights: One Love’ was a black-tie dinner that heightened the spirit of Bob Marley’s “Good Vibrations”, a sentiment that captured the warmth and camaraderie between the two nations.

“You can’t put a name to it, but you literally feel it,” remarked Jamaica’s Ambassador to Japan, Shorna-Kay Richards. She welcomed guests to an evening filled with the vibrant sounds of steelpan and reggae, courtesy of popular artist Dave McAnuff, also known as Mackaruffin, who is celebrated as the cultural reggae ambassador in Japan.

“The celebrations for the diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Japan were out of this world. The general manager of the Tokyo American Club specifically pointed out that reggae music has never been presented at the club at this level before. They are looking forward to working with me and future reggae acts at the venue,” said Mackaruffin.

The event also saw the participation of other foreign ministries, including the Ghanaian ambassador, who emphasised the importance of Jamaica and Ghana hosting a cultural reggae event together this year.

In a notable moment, Ambassador Richards was invited on stage by Mackaruffin to speak about the influence of reggae music on the Jamaica-Japan relationship. “Reggae music is the greatest gift from Jamaica that is uniting the world, so people put on your dancing shoes right now,” she declared.

Over the years, bilateral relations between Jamaica and Japan have been bolstered by entities such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), headed by Takashi Takano since May 2019. Additionally, the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) programme has enabled Jamaican English teachers to actively promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two countries.

Japan remains a significant market for Jamaica’s Blue Mountain Coffee, importing about 80 per cent of Jamaica’s total production annually.

Established on March 16, 1964, the relationship has been marked by friendship, cooperation, and trade. This 60th anniversary celebration highlighted the strong diplomatic ties and also showcased the cultural harmony that continues to grow between the two nations.