Wishing you a happy new year.
On New Year’s Eve, at 6 PM, I was watching Her Majesty the Queen’s New Year Address on TV at home. Her Majesty looked back the coronavirus in the last two years, expressing her belief that there is widespread understanding of the need for restrictions to ensure that our society gets safely through the pandemic. Her Majesty also expressed her special gratitude to the scientific researchers who contributed to curbing the infection and have developed vaccines against corona. By the similar token, the Queen touched upon the significance of knowledge and insights in addressing climate change question. Her Majesty went on to stress the importance of society with diversity where we treat everybody with respect, thinking of those who struggle with a disability.
In recalling the summer in 2021, Her Majesty said that in Tokyo, achievements were made which we can all take pride in – both during the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games. As a Japanese national living in Denmark, I felt deeply honored to hear the remark. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne.
https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/the-new-year’s-address-2021
On 1st January, the 4th year of Reiwa (2022), Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress made New Year address on video out of the consideration to prevent possible spread of Novel Coronavirus Diseases. This cancellation of the direct address with people who come to the Imperial Palace to celebrate a new year follows last year’s precedence. His Majesty expressed his condolence to those who passed away due to COVID-19 and expressed his tribute and gratitude to the medical workers. The Emperor hoped that warm assistance should be provided to those in needs for losing jobs, enduring severe lives and so on. His Majesty also expressed his hope that we will learn from experiences, continue our efforts for the countermeasures against the pandemic, appreciate people to people links, share pains, support each other and thus overcome difficult situations. The address was concluded by His Majesty’s prayer for peace of people of Japan and the world. As one of Japanese nationals in Denmark, living far away from Japan, I listened solemnly to the address.
https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/okotoba/detail/90#337
These two speeches reminded me of the history of the long-standing exchanges between the Royal and Imperial families, which have deepened the friendship and cordial relations between the Kingdom of Denmark and Japan. It also made me resolute to continue modestly a step-by-step effort with Danish and Japanese friends and colleagues for enhancing the bilateral relations between our countries, without giving in the prolonged COVID-19.
I wish you a wonderful 2022.
| Yours sincerely, |
| MIYAGAWA Manabu |
| Embassy of Japan in the Kingdom of Denmark |
 |
The Imperial Palace and the iron bridge at the front gate, “Niju-bashi”
Amalienborg, the Royal Family’s residence in Copenhagen
https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/palaces-and-the-royal-yacht/amalienborg/#