ENGLISH ∙ ESPAÑOL ∙ FRANÇAIS ∙
GALLERY — JUNE 2007, OKINAWA
The Honorary Consulate of Latvia in Okinawa was officially opened on June 4th, 2007. Here are some of the highlights...
GREETING GUESTS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY
ONAGA MICHIKO KANCHO IN HER BEAUTIFUL KIMONO
THE FLAGS OF JAPAN, LATVIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
GREETING GUESTS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY
Following the protocol, as the guests arrived to the reception they passed through a receiving line and were greeted by the hosts in the following order:
Dr. Artis Pabriks, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia;
Mrs. Undine Pabriks-Bollow;
Mr. Peteris Vaivars, Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia in Japan;
Mr. Edgars Skuja, Under-Secretary of State;
Onaga Yoshimitsu Kaicho, Honorary Consul of Latvia.
OPENING CEREMONY
During the opening ceremony Minster Pabriks presented Onaga Kaichō with the official credentials and certificate as Honorary Consul of the Republic of Latvia in Okinawa. See PRESS RELEASE.
After all the speeches, we had the "Champagne Bottle" breaking ceremony (but I think they used Awamori insted).
ONAGA MICHIKO KANCHŌ IN HER BEAUTIFUL KIMONO
By far, the greatest attraction at the party was Miss Onaga Michiko dressed in her fancy and expensive Kimono. Everyone at the party wanted a picture with her!!
And of course, I took a few pictures with Onaga Kaichō's family.
THE CELEBRATION
The celebration continued with many distinguised guests from the Japanese, Okinawan local governmentand, private sector, Martial arts community and the press.
THE FLAGS OF JAPAN, LATVIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
Following the protocol, the Flags of Japan, Latvia and the European Union were in display. It is also significant that the Honorary Consulate of Latvia was the first Consulate of the European Union ever opened in Okinawa!!!
DINNER PARTY
A few hours later we attended a small dinner party for the Latvia delegation. During this special ocassion Foreign Minister presented to Mr. Susumu Tanaka, former Japanese Chargé d'Affaires ad interim in Latvia, the IV class of the Order of the Three Stars, Latvia's highest State award. This award was given to Mr. Tanaka in recognition to his distinguished service to the establishment of the Japanese Latvian diplomatic, cultural & business relations.
Among the guests, on this ocassion was Mr. Shigeie Toshinori, Japanese Ambassador in Charge of Okinawan Affairs. Afterwards, the celebration continued with a presentation of traditional Ryūkyū Dances.
BACK TO THE DŌJŌ
And after the dinner we rushed back to the Dōjō, for another late night...
