Ambassador Suzuki's visit to Medway

On 24th September, Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki visited Medway Borough.

24th September marks the birthday of William Adams (Miura Anjin), who was born in the area and was the first Englishman to visit Japan. Ambassador Suzuki visited several places associated with Adams, including St John the Baptist’s Church, where the tomb of Sir Thomas Smythe, the first Governor of the East India Company, is located; St Mary Magdalene Church, where Adams was baptised; and the memorial clock tower, which was unveiled in 1934 by the then Ambassador of Japan to the United Kingdom, Mr Tsuneo Matsudaira.
  Ambassador Suzuki also visited the European base of Hochiki Corporation, Japan’s first manufacturer of fire alarm systems, where he received a briefing on the company’s business activities and toured its factory. Hochiki also supports a student exchange programme organised by the Medway Japan Friendship Association between Medway and its twinned cities, Ito and Yokosuka. Ambassador Suzuki expressed his appreciation for the company’s contribution to the local economy and cultural exchange through its activities rooted in the local community.
  Following the visit, Ambassador Suzuki attended a luncheon hosted by MidKent College. The luncheon was attended by the Mayor of Medway, the leader of Medway Council, Members of Parliament from the local area, as well as representatives of local businesses and Japan-related organisations, who introduced their respective activities and initiatives. Ambassador Suzuki expressed his appreciation to the people of Medway for nurturing friendship with Japan through the legacy of William Adams, and said that he hoped to renew that friendship through his visit.