Ambassador of Japan in Chile
“My primary goal is to demonstrate that the Japanese people are with you.”
Mayor Pedro Edmunds Paoa and Japanese Ambassador Kazuhisa Shibuya inaugurated the Comprehensive Care Center in Rapa Nui. The center, funded by the Japanese government, operates in Mataveri and serves elderly and disabled individuals through the DIDECO Inclusion Office. Despite having been operational, the inauguration was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions. The event, attended by administrative staff and local leaders, included a traditional “umu tahu” (curanto) feast and artistic performances.
The initiative strengthens ties with Japan, which has always supported the island in various areas, such as heritage conservation and improving quality of life. DIDECO emphasizes that the space caters to individuals with diverse needs through a professional and dedicated team. “I arrived in Chile three years ago, and many people told me I should visit Rapa Nui. Additionally, the former Japanese ambassador to Chile mentioned, ‘Tadano donated three cranes to Easter Island, so you should definitely go. It’s a place of great importance to us,” Shibuya highlighted.
Shortly after arriving in Chile, due to the pandemic, the Japanese diplomat had to be confined at home for an extended period. Consequently, visiting the island was impossible at that time. “Now that I have finally arrived here, I am very pleased. I had the opportunity to witness the dance performance at the rehabilitation center’s inauguration yesterday, and I was truly moved by the dance and music. The resemblance to the music and dance of Okinawa is astonishing, suggesting a possible ancestral connection between the Okinawan and Rapa Nui peoples.”
Shortly after arriving in Chile, due to the pandemic, the Japanese diplomat had to be confined at home for an extended period. Consequently, visiting the island was impossible at that time. “Now that I have finally arrived here, I am very pleased. I had the opportunity to witness the dance performance at the rehabilitation center’s inauguration yesterday, and I was truly moved by the dance and music. The resemblance to the music and dance of Okinawa is astonishing, suggesting a possible ancestral connection between the Okinawan and Rapa Nui peoples.”
The theater company “Bungeiza” and the dance company “Kasai,” hailing from the city of Toyama, will perform tonight, intentionally delivering their performance in Japanese. Despite the language barrier, the ambassador hopes that the Rapa Nui people will capture the essence. The play revolves around the Toyama community, a place quite distinct from this island. However, during the winter, much like here, the community lives in isolation, and according to Shibuya, they found ways to showcase their experiences to the world through these performances. “This theme is beautifully expressed in the play we are about to witness,” the ambassador adds.
The delegation’s schedule has been quite busy. “Yesterday, I attended the donation event by the Japanese government for the rehabilitation center. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the hospital, and in the near future, the Japanese government will provide an X-ray machine and other equipment. However, my primary goal, as designated by the Japanese government, is to demonstrate that the Japanese people are with you.
I also had a conversation with the mayor yesterday. He shared his ambitious plan to promote a sustainable society on the island. I assured him that Japan can assist in this effort, given our shared concerns about waste and our advanced technology in this field. Upon departing Rapa Nui, I carry a mission: to encourage the Japanese population to visit and collaborate more closely with this island.
This marks my first visit, and I have a strong sense that it won’t be the last,” concludes the Japanese diplomat.
