site.btaJapanese Ambassador: Relations between Bulgaria and Japan May Enter New Golden Аge

The return of Japanese business to Bulgaria and the positive relations between the two countries could lead to a new golden age in exchanges between Japan and Bulgaria, with the upcoming EXPO 2025 in Osaka as a starting point, said Japanese Ambassador here Hisashi Michigami at a business breakfast organized by the Japan-Bulgaria Business Association (JBBA), in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria and the Executive Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (EAPME) at the Hilton Hotel in Sofia.

Expo 2025 in Osaka is dedicated to the future and advanced technologies, the diplomat recalled.

"You all know that the Olympic Games are held every four years and the Expo is every five years. (...) I think we can say that the expo is perhaps a little bit more important in terms of the development of human life and technology," said Michigami, despite the longer history of the Olympic Games.

Michigami gave a quick overview of the history of the World Expo, which was first held in London in the 19th century, also recalling that Osaka had already hosted the fair in 1970.

He said the Japanese and the people of the world have a clear understanding that advanced technology and humanity are equally important, and technology alone is not enough, but rather should be used as an aid.

Michigami recounted that in 1970, when he was only 11 years old, he visited the Osaka Expo six times, and recalled that there were moon rocks in two pavilions at that time, of the US and of the USSR, which attracted millions of visitors. The expo always draws huge crowds of visitors, Michigami said, pointing out that the previous Osaka expo was attended by 64 million people.

The Аmbassador recalled Bulgaria's participation with its own pavilion at the 1970 exhibition, pointing out that he personally remembers the triangular vision of the Bulgarian pavilion.

According to him, the Emperor of Japan visited the Bulgarian pavilion at that time, and this was actually the beginning of Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt, as the Emperor and the Empress tasted yogurt there and liked it very much - something that was noticed by the company that started developing the product in Japan.

In addition, the Bulgarian leaders have also visited Japan and were impressed by the country's development, which has provoked the desire for educational exchanges, the ambassador said.

"This was the starting point of our close exchanges, including in business, but not only. It started a golden age between the two countries," said Michigami.

He pointed out that 158 countries will participate in the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev is expected to visit Osaka in May.

Michigami briefly presented business projects in which the two countries are cooperating, including the construction of the subway in Sofia, the port expansion in Burgas, energy projects, schools and others.

"We are happy and honoured to have made some limited contribution to Bulgaria and we want to make an even bigger contribution," said Michigami.

Japanese business is back, including its big representatives, he said, thanking the Bulgarian authorities for their support. In his words, a "very important, fundamental document for our strategic partnership" will be signed during the visit of head of State Rumen Radev to Japan.

"My hope, my wish is that this whole positive trend can lead to another golden century between the two countries," Michigami added.

He said that just as the old Osaka expo was the starting point for close relations and business operations between Bulgaria and Japan, the same could happen with this year's expo, which could be the starting point for "our next golden century."