Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to join us today for the Opening Ceremony of the “Japan Autumn Festival in Hong Kong 2025”.

I am TAKANAMI Kiichiro, President of the Hong Kong Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and I am serving as the Head of the Executive Committee for the Festival, as I was last year. I would like to say a few words on behalf of the Executive Committee.

The “Japan Autumn Festival”, which began in 2016, is now in its 10th year. I would like to express my gratitude to the people of Hong Kong for welcoming the Festival as the largest Japan-related event that colours Hong Kong's autumn season.

As Ambassador MIURA mentioned earlier, celebrating the Festival’s significant 10th anniversary this year, we have prepared more opportunities than ever before to introduce the various aspects of Japan to the people of Hong Kong – from Japanese culture and traditions to the latest technology. We sincerely hope that everyone will enjoy this year's Festival to the fullest!

Hong Kong is an extremely important partner for Japan and the two have close economic ties and intimate people-to-people exchanges. Just as many Hong Kong people enjoy travelling to Japan, there are over 1,400 Japanese companies present in Hong Kong and more than 20,000 Japanese people are based here. I believe that this just one of many examples that demonstrates the good relationship between Japan and Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry remains committed to continuing our efforts to promote economic cooperation between the two places.

Finally, I would like to conclude my remarks by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to all of the event organisers and to my friends in Hong Kong who will be participating. I look forward to seeing everyone at the events. Thank you very much.