Tadashi Idzava: I can see great potential in Ukraine

The following is an interview with Mr. Tadashi Idzava, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine as of October 2008. As usual, The Day posed two questions: (a) What kind of Ukraine have you discovered for yourself? What impresses you most in the political, economic, cultural, and geographic domain? (b) Could you think of three reasons for falling in love with Ukraine?

Idzava: “Before answering your first question, I would like to point out that Ukraine is a great country with a large population: 46 million. We regard your country as one that has great potential. Your country is important in geopolitical terms. I came to Ukraine five months ago and I want to state, as the Ambassador of Japan, that I consider my posting to your country a great honor. Regrettably, I cannot speak Ukrainian as yet, but when I came to Ukraine I was happy to learn that a lot of Ukrainians are interested in Japanese culture and are versed in it.

“It is a shame but young Japanese are not too eager to study traditional Japanese culture. In contrast, many people in Ukraine are eager to do just that. It was a pleasant surprise for me to learn that Ukrainians are studying — or are versed — in the creative heritage of Matsuo Basho, the master of brief and clear haiku. I also learned that a collection of Japanese tankas entitled “A Poem from a Hundred Poets” was published in Ukraine. Also, I am pleased to state that a large number of Ukrainians are studying Japanese.

“As for your next questions — the reasons for which I could fall in love with Ukraine — I will probably repeat myself by saying that one of the reasons is the interest Ukrainians are showing in other countries, their cultures, and their respect for them, I mean Japan in particular. Ukraine has a very high standard of opera and ballet. Japan is aware of this — I think that Tokyo or Osaka is hosting the Kyiv Opera’s tour at the moment.

“The second reason is that I think that there is much in common between the Ukrainians and Japanese — I mean our national traits, our national character. Ukrainians, like Japanese, are polite, well-wishing, cordial, and humble. Anyway, this is what I have noticed in Ukraine and which I regard as common traits between Ukraine and Japan.

“The third reason is that I am happy to witness a boom of Japanese cuisine in Ukraine. You have countless sushi cafes and bars, and Japanese restaurants. This makes it possible for Japanese who visit your country to feel at home in Kyiv. I have not as yet seen Kyiv in its blossom — it will happen soon — but I do like your city with its beautiful churches and landscapes.”