My name is Yoshiaki Ito, new Consul-General of Japan in Mumbai. I assumed this appointment with effect from 5 December 2014.

Although I have been in this rapid growing vibrant and prosperous city for less than a month, I feel extremely at home because of the warm welcome and hospitality I have received upon my arrival; the results of the positive sentiment of India towards Japan.

I am privileged, firstly, because the current relationship between India and Japan is remarkably good, perhaps one of the "closest" in the last six decades. Both Japan and India have laid the foundations of a new era in cooperation in various fields and I look forward to partake in many of the activities to come. The friendship between Japan and India has progressed by leaps and bounds. I am truly thrilled as this is taking place not only between the central governments, but also in areas of commerce, culture, state governments as well as the people in all walks of life in the two countries.

To realize the full potential of our bilateral cooperation, the government of the two countries, our business communities and academia will have to continue to work hand-in-hand to strengthen this cooperation; a task that I commit myself to do the optimum at my endeavour.

Finally, I wish all the very best and a happy new year.

       Thank You.