Why Japan?

Fülszöveg

Inside Why Japan? -a Diplomat s Perspective-
With the 2020 Olympics approaching and inbound tourism on the rise, interest in Japan is slyrocleting. However, Japan remains a country that is often misunderstood by outsiders. Ambassador Cadelo has collected his observations in this extended essay to help demystify the country for overseas visitors—and to take a fresh look at a little-known delegation that marked an early point of contact between Japan and the West.
"Congratulations on your publication, which will surely contribute to nnytual understanding between Japan and other countries" —Ambassador of Cuba to Japan, Marcos Rodriguez
"Congratulations on the publication of your book about the 1582 Japanese Delegation to Europe." —Ambassador of Italy to Japan, Domenico GiorgI
"I want to praise the work and research done by Ambassador Cadelo on the first encounters between Europe and Japan." —Ambassador of Portugal to Japan, Jose de Freltas Ferraz
"I hope your book meets great... Tovább

Fülszöveg

Inside Why Japan? -a Diplomat s Perspective-
With the 2020 Olympics approaching and inbound tourism on the rise, interest in Japan is slyrocleting. However, Japan remains a country that is often misunderstood by outsiders. Ambassador Cadelo has collected his observations in this extended essay to help demystify the country for overseas visitors—and to take a fresh look at a little-known delegation that marked an early point of contact between Japan and the West.
"Congratulations on your publication, which will surely contribute to nnytual understanding between Japan and other countries" —Ambassador of Cuba to Japan, Marcos Rodriguez
"Congratulations on the publication of your book about the 1582 Japanese Delegation to Europe." —Ambassador of Italy to Japan, Domenico GiorgI
"I want to praise the work and research done by Ambassador Cadelo on the first encounters between Europe and Japan." —Ambassador of Portugal to Japan, Jose de Freltas Ferraz
"I hope your book meets great success and that it contributes to the awareness of the extraordinary journey of the Tensho Delegation during the Namban trading period (approx.1543-1614)." —Ambassador of Spain to Japan, Miguel Angel Navarro
"History is but the biography of great men who have left their imprint on the sands of time. The Tensho Delegation of four courageous young men left Nagasaki on February 1582 to meet the kings and popes in Europe." —Apostolic Nuncio to Japan, Archbishop Joseph Chennoth
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When the world's attention is increasingly focused on Asian giants China and India, and their rapidly expanding economies, why a book on Japan now? For me, the theme is more relevant than ever, as I believe people have a great deal to learn from the third largest global economic power.
As a longtime ambassador of the Republic of San Marino to Japan, and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps—representing the 154 embassies based in Japan—1 have the privilege and honor of attending many rarified events and sacred rites that are inaccessible to most Japanese people. On behalf of my diplomatic colleagues, I make the annual birthday address to the Emperor, as well as participate in private ceremonies at the venerable Ise Shrine. I am also fortunate to be in touch with local communities and local culture, giving me insights into the values of ordinary Japanese people. With the 2020 Olympics approaching, I have collected my observations in this extended essay on a country whose strengths and wonders are often misunderstood by foreigners and overlooked by its own people.
Growing up, my Jesuit priest teacher instilled in me a respect of the religions and traditions of all countries and cultures. Perhaps this is why I am inclined to write about Japan's animistic Shinto philosophy and assert that the world can benefit by studying Japanese culture. I believe that by looking to Japan, we can find clues toward achieving peace—a necessity in these turbulent times—and also economic recovery. Vissza