Below is a welcome message from the Japan Foudation, London's new Director-General, Mr Eiji Taguchi: 

Dear All,

I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to work at the Japan Foundation, London.

Historically, the UK has always been an important cultural partner for Japan. As I’m sure you know, in the 19th Century, Japan was able to achieve a rapid modernisation after learning about various British systems its experiences, and moreover, its culture. I feel a sense of pride as even the Japan Foundation itself has grown and developed after learning much from the UK’s own cultural organisations such as the British Council.

Today, Japan and the UK are facing a number of common challenges, in some of these issues, the UK is leading the way and in others it is Japan that leads. It is through learning together from each other’s experiences and engaging in dialogue, that our two countries can come to find new ideas and answers to these problems. It is for this reason that a mutual understanding between the people of our countries is of the highest importance. Since its establishment in 1972, the Japan Foundation London has been doing its best to advance a mutual understanding between the UK and Japan. Together with my colleagues here at the Japan Foundation, I will do my absolute utmost in spreading and deepening the bonds between people.

I am looking forward to being able to meet you all.

Eiji Taguchi