What's New
The Speech by Consul General Kiyokazu OTA at New Year's Reception(Jan.13, 2011)
Good afternoon, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
I. New Paradigm for the Economy
(1) According to forecasts, the world economy has a mixed outlook this year.
A feeble recovery is expected for the US economy. Unemployment and fallout from the real estate crisis will remain the main concerns. The Euro-based economies are also facing a weak recovery. Member states will implement stringent economic policies to restore credibility. The Japanese economy will benefit from growth of Asian neighbors and see modest gains.
We are likely to see progress in emerging economies in South and South-East Asia and Latin America. It remains to be seen if China, the driving force in the world economic scene, can settle on a track for truly steady growth.
(2) The free market system has spread to every corner of the world. We have become so globalized that we cannot return to yesterday’s economic system of restrictive trade policies.
Developed economies are suffering from unemployment, excess capacity and lack of demand. I am afraid that many countries may undergo long-term deflation, as Japan has for the last two decades.
Emerging economies are building up their production capacity, subsequently increasing their national income. I hope they will provide not only their products, but also new market opportunities for the rest of the world.
(3) Today we live in the world of a new economic paradigm. Each economy has unique opportunities and challenges different from those they had in the past.
In Japan, Prime Minister Kan stated at his New Year Press Conference that he would make 2011 the year of “the third nation opening.” Unlike previous openings, there is no single human trigger like Admiral Perry or General MacArthur. Japan needs to pursue reforms and innovation by itself.
The global community must engage in policy coordination such as the “Trans-Pacific Partnership” free trade initiative. Wisdom, courage and cooperation are needed for us all in the world community.
II. The Human Element: Positive Characteristics for a Better Future
(1) Last summer, I was on leave in Japan after 4 years absence and witnessed that we have achieved a wonderful society of wonderful people. All around, I saw that Japanese society is modern as well as traditional. It is not surprising to see a lady wearing a kimono walking down the street using an iPhone. The society focuses on safe, convenient, and harmonious living. Our people are sincere, educated, hard-working and respectful. If we cease to value these characteristics, we will cease to be Japanese. We have braved difficulties in the past with our values intact. We will continue to uphold them, come what may.
(2) You welcomed me here in Seattle 9 months ago. Since then I have observed a prevailing spirit of challenge and innovation in this city. I believe we Japanese can be more successful if we learn from such American characteristics as open-mindedness, originality, ambition, pragmatism and strategic planning. It is with these traits that America has established itself as the political and economic leader of the world.
(3) In Seattle we have the privilege of being well-positioned to enjoy qualities of both cultures. There already exists a great cooperative network of Japanese, Americans, and Japanese Americans. Joint ventures in business, sister city relations and educational exchange are just a few examples. You, too, are bridging the two cultures. With all of our positive characteristics combined, we are poised to forge a new path of happiness and prosperity this year and in the years to come.
I wish you all the very best in 2011.