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Japanese Ambassador Shiro Yamasaki (SY), who has been living in Lithuania for two years, and his wife Yuko Yamasaki (YY) say they have discovered many similarities between the people of Japan and Lithuania, and Ms. Yuko has even learned to call the lithuanian kankles. The ambassador looks forward to Sugihara Week in Kaunas in the fall, and regards Chiunhara Sugihara as a personality that unites the Japanese and Lithuanian nations.
– The Seimas has declared the Year of Sugihara this year. What does Ch.Sugihara’s personality mean to you?
S.Y .: Ch.Sugihara was a diplomat 80 years ago who worked as a deputy consul at the then Japanese consulate in Kaunas. With the expansion of World War II, in 1940. it issued transit visas to Jews who had come from Poland and other countries, allowing them to reach Japan. The lives of thousands of people are believed to have been saved in this way.
Ch.Sugihara was an exceptional humanist. After long and difficult deliberations, he chose the path of humanism and issued visas of his own free will. After the war, when many people began to remember his feat, he was very modest and said: “I did not do anything special that caused so much noise.” I respect him not only as a diplomat, but above all as a human being.
– What is the role of Ch.Sugihara in maintaining relations between Japan and Lithuania?
S.Y .: Ch.Sugihara is, without a doubt, a very important bridge between our peoples. I heard that during 2019. Up to 17 thousand people visited Sugihara’s house. Japanese tourists. Many Japanese visit Lithuania precisely because of Sugihara’s history and know it more closely. Furthermore, I think Lithuanians are also interested in Japan through the history of Ch. Sugihara. Amicable relations are being established between Sugihara’s native Gifu Prefecture and Kaunas, delegations are being visited, and various exchanges are taking place.
– Currently, everyone is facing a COVID-19 pandemic, and Lithuania and Japan are no exception. How is Japan doing to meet the challenges of the pandemic?
S.Y .: July 8 According to data from Japan, the number of people infected with coronavirus was 20,000 and the number of deaths was 979, so Japan was able to maintain a low level of infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) also highly appreciates Japan’s efforts and presents it as a successful Japanese model in Europe and other regions. The most important factors in this are quite different. It is generally emphasized that the country has high standards of hygiene and sanitation, and that the Japanese have a strong mutual responsibility, do not shake hands when greeting, and are in the habit of wearing masks for a long time. The experts also point to the fact that outbreaks of the disease were detected effectively and those who had been in contact with infected people were identified, as well as the fact that early prevention measures were taken.
My favorite Lithuanian word is “friendship”. I would very much like to maintain a long-term friendship with friends that I have met in Lithuania.
– Do you think the pandemic will affect our bilateral relations? Or maybe it will be a new opportunity?
S.Y .: A few years ago, an agreement was signed between the governments of Japan and Lithuania on cooperation in the fields of life sciences and medicine. Both countries have developed a very high level of life science research, so I hope that both will work together in the future to develop research and technology to combat the coronavirus.
– Many events dedicated to the Year of Sugihara were planned this year, as well as Sugihara Week in Kaunas. Are there plans to cancel events?
S.Y .: This year coincides with the 80th anniversary of the life visas issued by Ch. Sugihara, therefore the Seimas declared them the year of Sugihara. With this in mind, many different events are planned. I have heard that Sugihara Week is being organized in Kaunas in October, during which many wonderful events are planned that will strengthen the friendship of our nations. The Japanese Embassy also intends to actively participate in these events.
– You have already spent almost two years in Lithuania. Tell us your impressions about our country and the city of Kaunas. Was there something surprising? Or maybe you would like to live in Kaunas?
S.Y .: I feel that there are many similarities between Lithuanians and Japanese. Both nations have many serious and humble people. The fact that there are many self-employed people in Lithuania is also very reminiscent of Japan. I already participated in Vilnius Book Fairs twice in February and was impressed that so many visitors come from all over Lithuania.
Also, I felt that the shape and mentality of people differed between the two countries, depending on the region. In Kaunas, judging by the appearance of its buildings and the city, you can feel that it was once the center of Lithuania. It reminds me of Kyoto, which has been the capital of Japan since ancient times, a preserved sense of history. As I admire history, someday I would like to live in Kaunas.
– What impression do the Lithuanian people leave you? Do you like Lithuanian cuisine and dishes?
Y.Y .: When I come to a new place, I always look forward to the opportunity to sample traditional local cuisine. Since we arrived in Lithuania in summer, we were first surprised by the bright pink color of cold beets. After trying the zeppelins, due to their elastic texture, we thought they were very reminiscent of the common potato dish in Hokkaido, and we were impressed by the distinctive shape of the branch, reminiscent of tree branches. For guests coming to Lithuania from Japan, we recommend trying these three things first and generally receive a positive review.
I also have fun visiting local markets. I think one of the things that fascinates Lithuania is the products that we don’t have in Japan: the local rural farms produce handmade cheeses, honey, the flavor of which changes with the seasons, black bread and others.
When we arrived in Lithuania, we are very happy to have found many friends. They are all very friendly, many Lithuanians are interested in Japanese culture, and I am very happy about that. I think I will be able to contribute a little by introducing the Japanese culture of tea and food in Lithuania.
– You are learning to call the Lithuanian kankles. Have you ever become familiar with Lithuanian culture? Maybe you already know how to say something in Lithuanian?
Y.Y .: When I first heard the sound of the kankles, I was fascinated by their incredible timbre and wanted to learn how to call. I never thought that I would start learning to play a new musical instrument, but it became a challenge for life. Together with my husband, we want to learn some Lithuanian songs and take them to Japan.
Y. Yamasaki was impressed by the sound of the Lithuanian kanklės.
Frankly, it is very difficult for us Japanese to learn Lithuanian. My favorite Lithuanian word is “friendship”. I would very much like to maintain a long-term friendship with friends that I have met in Lithuania.
About the Author
Aurelijus Zykas – Associate Professor at Vytautas Magnus University, 2007–2019. He directed the Center for Asian Studies at the University. Founder of Asia LT. 2017 together with his comrades began the tradition of Sugihara Week, which continues to this day. Sugihara Week aims to remember the years 1939-1940. The feat of the Japanese consul who lived in Kaunas to rescue Jews who had fled Poland, and at the same time unite the nations related to this history through artistic, cultural, educational and commercial projects. Currently, A. Zykas is the head of the Kaunas-Japan Friendship Association, which is one of the main organizers of Sugihara Week.
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