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Speech by Consul General Kiyokazu OTA to Welcome JATP Trainees March 2011(March.25, 2011)
Good evening, Ms. Cheek and Mr. Yoshikawa, distinguished guests, friends of Japan and trainees.
Before we begin, I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound appreciation of the messages of sympathy we have received so far in response to the earthquake and tsunami on March 11th. In particular, there were very kind letters from Big Bend Community College and the JATP program, Dr. Bonaudi, Ms. Kenison, Mr. Sly and Ms. Cheek.
We have lost large areas of farmland in the tsunami-stricken areas of the Tohoku region. One of the trainees in this year’s class was not able to make it to the United States because of the disaster, but he is planning to join you as soon as he can. The rest of you doubtless have a lot of anxiety about how things are going back home.
I. Japanese Agriculture at a Crossroads
However, for the good of your families, country and for the future of agriculture in Japan, you must concentrate on your work here in the States for the next 18 months.
Japanese agriculture is at a crossroads. An important discussion in Japan right now is whether or not to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership Free Trade Initiative, or TPP for short. At the center of that debate is the effect joining would have on Japan’s agriculture.
As you may know, in 2010 the average age of Japan's 2.6 million farmers reached 65. Some are even calling this a time of crisis for Japanese farming. There will be challenging days ahead.
II. Your Most Important Lesson in the United States
During these times of change, you young ones need to seize the chance to shape the future of agricultural Japan!
The technical side of farming is something that you will, of course, perfect during your training here, but the thing you really need to become skilled at is management and strategic planning.
In America there is a saying “work smarter, not harder.” You already know how to work hard. Imagine the amazing opportunities you will create for yourselves when you work smarter as well!
III. New Country, New Challenges, New Insights
I am looking forward to seeing you in a year and a half in Seattle for your graduation ceremony.
During your time in the States, you may discover and cherish good things about Japanese farming that you used to take for granted or never noticed before!
By tackling challenges here and learning to appreciate what you already knew, you will mature and gain new insights into farming and agriculture. Your experiences and new perspectives will prepare you to take a leading role in the Japanese agricultural community.
IV. Japan and the United States: Strong Ties of Friendship
After the disasters that hit Japan on March 11th, I have come to feel that Japan and the United States are very close and united in friendship. We have received on-site assistance, letters and donations. I am very moved by how much Americans have extended support to Japanese.
Our ties of friendship have been built up slowly over the decades by many individuals, Americans and Japanese, including you trainees! In the coming 18 months, I would like you to further strengthen these people-to-people connections between our two countries on a grassroots level.
In closing, on behalf of the government of Japan, I would like to offer sincere appreciation to all of you who keep the Japan Agricultural Training Program running in the United States. Big Bend Community College, the Big Bend Foundation, the City of Moses Lake, all of those involved in the program, thank you, and I hope to have your support in the years to come!
Thank you for listening