PRESS RELEASE; Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Japan’s new Ambassador to Samoa.
12th December 2019; The new Ambassador of Japan to Samoa, His Excellency Mr Genichi Terasawa, presented his letter of credence to the Head of State of Samoa, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II at a ceremony held this afternoon at the Head of State’s Official residence at Vailele.
Presenting his credentials, Mr Terasawa conveyed to the Head of State a message expressing the Emperor’s heartfelt appreciation for His Highness and Masiofo’s visit to attend the Emperor’s Enthronement Ceremony in October this year.
During the ceremony, Mr Terasawa, expressed his gratitude to the Head of State and the Government of Samoa for its continued support for Japan.
He highlighted areas of development that Japan is providing aid to and pledged to fulfill his mission by further strengthening strong relations by developing all sectors of Samoa’s economy.
His Highness in his speech mentioned the close bilateral relations between two countries, emphasizing in particular, Japan’s latest humanitarian assistance by deploying a medical team to work alongside other development partners to assist Samoa’s national emergency efforts in combating the measles epidemic.
His Highness also went on to acknowledged the long-standing cooperation which is reflected through cultural and academic programs, volunteers, private and public partnerships. Recent events included the kind hospitality of the Iwaki city and people of Japan as spectacular hosts towards our national rugby team during the Rugby World Cup.
Furthermore, His Highness stated that Samoa recognizes Japan’s contribution in regards to Samoa’s national development, with special focus on areas such as education, health, environment and infrastructure noting the Vaisigano Bridge as one of Japan’s notable project assistance in progress that when completed, it will enhance transportation, tourism and climate change adaptation.
The Head of State congratulated His Excellency on his ambassadorial appointment and expressed his hope that bilateral ties between Samoa and Japan will continue to prosper during his tenure.
H.E. Mr Terasawa replaces Japan’s outgoing Ambassador Afioga Maugaoleatuolo Shinya Aoki.
After graduating in 1979 from Tenri University, Faculty of Foreign Studies majoring in Korean Language, Mr Terasawa entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He served as a Senior Regional Coordinator for the Northeast Asia Division and Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau within the Ministry later in 2008 and again in 2012 upon his return from his post as Counsellor at the Embassy of Japan in Micronesia.
He continued with the Ministry as a Senior Coordinator for the Cabinet Secretariat in 2013 and later Senior Coordinator for North America Division in 2014.
Mr Terasawa was called again to serve as Consul-General of Japan in Jeju, Korea in 2015.
In 2018, he was appointed Director for the Office of Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize within the Cabinet Office.
