My first encounter with Mumbai and India goes back 10 years ago. The first dialogue on Maritime Security began between India and Japan in Delhi. I was the then Director of the Marine Security Policy Division in our foreign office and headed this dialogue. After the meeting, I stopped at Mumbai for two days. My first impression of the city was quite striking. The scenery I saw from the airport today surprised me and showed me city’s development over the last 10 years.

    The relations between our countries - India and Japan are also very favourable and positive. It is owing to the trust and closeness between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abe.

    My jurisdiction covers the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Goa. I am looking forward to visiting these states as soon as possible to exchange ideas with people and to promote our close ties with the prominent leaders and businessmen of these states.

   I also look forward to getting in touch with the Japanese nationals living there and Japanese companies operating in these states. My goal is to create “an open and useful Consulate-General” with our staff. I hope to count on your valuable support.