【天皇陛下オランダ訪問】「出島の狭き橋が世界を結んだ」晩さん会で長崎が果たした歴史的役割に思い

At a banquet held in the Netherlands, His Majesty the Emperor spoke about the role Nagasaki has played in the more than 400-year history of Japan-Netherlands relations. On the evening of June 17th local time, His Majesty the Emperor attended a banquet held in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. During his address, His Majesty spoke about the deep relationship between Japan and the Netherlands, weaving in the history of Nagasaki. His Majesty the Emperor: "The narrow bridge of about 5 meters in Dejima, Nagasaki, has connected Japan, the Netherlands, and the Western world for more than 200 years." His Majesty also mentioned that in 2000, when he was Crown Prince, he visited Nagasaki to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Japan-Netherlands relations. His Majesty the Emperor: "Attending the commemorative ceremonies held in Nagasaki and Oita prefectures together was a valuable opportunity to reflect on this long history of exchange between our two countries." The following day, His Majesty visited Leiden University in Leiden, Nagasaki's sister city, and viewed items related to Japan and the Netherlands. Professor Hiroshi Akase of Kwassui Women's University, an expert on Japanese-Dutch history, believes this was a valuable opportunity for His Majesty to learn about the history of Nagasaki and the Netherlands. Professor Hiroshi Akase, Kwassui Women's University: "Leiden is a place associated with Siebold, who is famous in Nagasaki. In particular, Leiden University has a botanical garden, and I think His Majesty may have seen the Siebold Garden and its Japanese hydrangeas." Nagasaki made its presence felt during His Majesty's visit to the Netherlands. Professor Akase says he wants to continue conveying that Nagasaki is an indispensable city when discussing the history of both countries. Professor Hiroshi Akase, Kwassui Women's University: "Nagasaki is the city at the very edge of Japan, and from the perspective of the Netherlands, Nagasaki is recognized as the true gateway to Japan, an important city connecting Japan and the Netherlands. We in Nagasaki must continue to tell this story." For more details, see NEWS DIG! ↓ https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/...