New Japanese Govt official for Chch

Press, 30 October 1981, Page 1

New Japanese Govt official for Chch

Mr F. Takeuchi, the new Japanese Consular Affairs Officer in Christchurch, will take over from his predecessor. Mr A. Tanaka, next week. ■ Mr Tanaka will return to Japan with Mrs Tanaka after two vegrs as Consular Officer' in Christchurch, and will then move to Afghanistan. where he will be Charge d'Affaires at the Japanese Embassy in Kabul. In the last two years. Mr Tanaka said, he had placed most importance on public relations and cultural activities in Christchurch, to help promote relationships between the two countries. “It is very important for the people of Christchurch to learn about Japan and its people.” he said. “Once they know about the Japanese people and their customs, they will know what commodities they want.” Trade and business activi-

ties would follow on from there, Mr Tanaka said. Mr Tanaka carried out other consular duties, such as

providing New Zealand businessmen with information about their Japanese counterparts; extending assistance to Japanese tourists in need; and assisting New Zealanders travelling to Japan on both business and pleasure. Mr Takeuchi said he would carry on in the same tradition. "Customarily, the Japanese Consular Officer’s appointment is for two years, but I hope to be able to extend this to three years.” he said. “I have only been here a week, but it seems to me to be a beautiful place and I would like to stay longer than just two years," Mr Takeuchi said. Mr Takeuchi has brought Mrs Takeuchi with him to Christchurch, but his two sons, who are in their 20s. have remained in Japan.