Greetings everyone,

It is with great pleasure and pride that I took up my post as Consul-General of Japan in Auckland this August.

This is not my first visit to New Zealand. I was previously assigned to the Information and Culture at the Embassy of Japan in Wellington. I am delighted to be back in this great country, especially in the warmth of summer.

I was a bit surprised to find the change in New Zealand. I came to Auckland with the image of Wellington 20 years ago! However what has not changed are the wonderful New Zealand people and the beautiful landscape.

During the 3 months I have been living in Auckland I have been fortunate to attend a number of events organized by the New Zealand Japan Society of Auckland such as Taste of Japan, baseball matches, and boat cruises on the beautiful Waitemata Harbour where I met a number of wonderful people from all walks of life.

I have been most impressed by the number of young people who have attended NZJS events. This is surely a good sign for the future of the society.

I would like to take this chance to applaud the committee members of the New Zealand Japan Society of Auckland Inc and all the volunteers for their efforts in maintaining and expanding the two-way bridge between two countries. I look forward to attending future events of society during my tenure in Auckland.

Consul General Ishida

Consul General of Japan in Auckland