One hundred years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Türkiye have been marked with a cinematic tribute in Ankara.
Japan’s ambassador to Türkiye, Katsumata Takahiko, made the opening speech on relations between the 2 international locations, saying that each international locations, going through pure disasters like earthquakes, share a protracted historical past of friendship.
“Last year, a significant earthquake hit the southeast of Türkiye on Feb. 6, causing loss and leaving deep scars in many hearts. A year has passed since this disaster. Additionally, on the first day of the new year, a major earthquake occurred in Japan’s Noto Peninsula, and many residents are still facing challenging times. We received warm condolences, especially from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and we want to express our gratitude,” he mentioned.
The ambassador then introduced the anime film “The House of the Lost on the Cape” as a launch of centennial celebrations and the opening of the Japanese Film Festival.
Yoichi Fukazawa, a member of the Japanese House of Representatives, talking on the occasion, highlighted that not often do diplomatic relationships deepen and final for greater than a century, particularly when contemplating the geographical distance of over 8,000 kilometers (4,970 miles) between Japan and Türkiye.
“However, for us, this isn’t a coincidence. We have constructed pleasant relations by respecting and appreciating one another’s tradition and historical past, exhibiting mutual regard and helping one another in tough occasions, as our ancestors did.
“Remarkably, geographical barriers are no longer an issue. With 10 direct flights per week between Haneda/Narita airports in Japan and Istanbul and the resumption of flights to Osaka last month, the distance has become more manageable. Last year, over 70,000 tourists from Japan visited Türkiye and more than 20,000 tourists from Türkiye visited Japan. The number of Japanese companies operating in Türkiye is rapidly increasing, bringing our countries even closer in diplomatic relations and human interactions,” he added.
Shinya Kawatsura, the director of the film, mentioned the story was about Yui, a highschool pupil operating away from her household; Hiyori, who misplaced her household in an accident; and Kiwa, an aged girl with no kinfolk, assembly in a small coastal city after an earthquake and beginning a brand new life in a mysterious home on a cape.
“The images of the tsunami striking the Tohoku region and the devastated settlements during the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 left deep scars in the minds of the Japanese people. Therefore, as a filmmaker, I chose not to depict the earthquake or tsunami directly but rather focus on portraying the town in ruins. Before starting to work on this film, I conducted extensive research on earthquake disasters, leading to this decision,” he mentioned.
“Lastly, I would like to express my deepest condolences for the lives lost in the recent earthquake in Türkiye. It is an incredibly tragic disaster, but I believe they will overcome this situation with everyone’s compassionate hearts in Türkiye.”
Mustafa Hulki Cevizoğlu, chair of the Japan-Türkiye Parliamentary Friendship Group, mentioned diplomatic relations between the 2 international locations return 137 years.
“In 1887, Japanese Prince Komatsu Akihito and his wife visited Istanbul and met Sultan Abdulhamid II, exchanging a chrysanthemum and a medal. In return, Sultan Abdulhamid II sent the Ertuğrul Frigate to Japan in 1890, which tragically sank on its return, resulting in 532 martyrs,” he mentioned.
He additionally reminded that in 1924, after Japan ratified the Treaty of Lausanne, diplomatic relations have been established and in 1925, the primary Turkish illustration in Japan grew to become operational.
“In 1931, Prince Takamatsu, the brother of the Japanese emperor, presented a ceremonial sword to Türkiye’s founding father Mustafa Kemal Atatürk during his visit to Türkiye. This sword is currently exhibited in the Anitkabir Museum,” Cevizoğlu added.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
