Message from Ambassador NAKAMURA Koichiro
2025/11/6
Dear Visitors to the website of the Embassy of Japan in Estonia,
Hello everyone. I am NAKAMURA Koichiro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Estonia.
It has already been a full year since I arrived in Tallinn on October 18 of last year and presented my credentials to President Karis on October 28. While time is passing and I am enjoying beautiful autumn sceneries of Estonia, winter is coming back again. I am often asked by Estonians whether the winter of Estonia, with its cold temperatures and short daylight hours, is not tough to me, but I don’t find it that way at all. I look forward to winter as there are many enjoyable events such as Christmas markets, concerts, and theatre performances.
Over the past year, I have had the privilege of meeting a great many Estonian people, including the high ranking dignitaries of the Government and Riigikogu, including Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Speaker Lauri Hussar, and Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. I have also been able to visit many places in Estonia, including Tartu, Narva, Pärnu, Võru, Saaremaa Island, and the Setomaa region. Each time I meet people and visit different places, I am deeply grateful for the warm hospitality of the Estonian people.
Regrettably, Russia's aggression against Ukraine, which began in February 2022, continues to this day, and the global security environment remains unstable. There is a stronger recognition than ever before that Euro-Atlantic security and Indo-Pacific security are inseparable, and that the international community must collectively address global security. Furthermore, cyberattacks are seriously recognized as a common and real threat worldwide. A shared understanding has emerged that we, as Japan, must pay attention to Euro-Atlantic security, and European countries, including Estonia, must pay attention to Indo-Pacific security, and together we must work to maintain international peace and security. Estonia is one of Japan's most reliable partners, sharing common challenges. Security cooperation between Japan and Estonia is progressing smoothly, including our continued participation in cybersecurity-related exercises held in Estonia. In July this year, the Embassy hosted its first-ever JSDF (Japan Self-Defense Forces) Day Reception, which was attended by many guests.
In the economic sphere, Estonia is also one of Japan's most reliable partners. We believe there is significant potential for future economic and business cooperation with Estonia, which not only shares our values but also boasts its status as an "e-Estonia," a high level of education supporting its growth, and an entrepreneurial spirit symbolized by the successive emergence of "unicorn companies." This summer, the JAIF International Cooperation Center (JICC), a Japanese general incorporated foundation, held its fourth seminar on nuclear energy and nuclear safety in Tallinn. Japan intends to continue providing possible co-operation for large-scale infrastructure development, including energy, which Estonia is undertaking.
In terms of culture, Japan and Estonia are also firmly connected. Many artists are active in this country, and a considerable number of Japanese students are studying here. In July this year, the nationwide Song Celebration, held once every five years, took place, with the Wakayama Children's Choir participating from Japan, as well as Japanese students studying in Estonia. Furthermore, a delegation led by the Mayor of Saku City, which has a long-standing friendship and sister-city relationship with Estonia's Saku Municipality, participated in the Song Celebration parade. I attended the Song Celebration and was deeply impressed by its sheer scale and the sight of the Estonian people singing in unison.
This year, the Embassy launched the Japanese Culture Festival "Momiji." From September to the end of November, many Japan-related cultural events are being held, including "Japanese Culture Day" organized by the Estonia-Japan Cultural Exchange Association and "Japanese Cinema Days" hosted by the Embassy. We hope that this opportunity will allow more Estonians to further deepen their familiarity with Japanese culture. This cultural festival is planned to be held annually every autumn.
As Ambassador of Japan, I find great fulfilment in working in this fascinating country. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you in Estonia. Thank you very much for your kind attention and co-operation.
November 6, 2025
NAKAMURA Koichiro
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Estonia
Hello everyone. I am NAKAMURA Koichiro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Estonia.
It has already been a full year since I arrived in Tallinn on October 18 of last year and presented my credentials to President Karis on October 28. While time is passing and I am enjoying beautiful autumn sceneries of Estonia, winter is coming back again. I am often asked by Estonians whether the winter of Estonia, with its cold temperatures and short daylight hours, is not tough to me, but I don’t find it that way at all. I look forward to winter as there are many enjoyable events such as Christmas markets, concerts, and theatre performances.
Over the past year, I have had the privilege of meeting a great many Estonian people, including the high ranking dignitaries of the Government and Riigikogu, including Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Speaker Lauri Hussar, and Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. I have also been able to visit many places in Estonia, including Tartu, Narva, Pärnu, Võru, Saaremaa Island, and the Setomaa region. Each time I meet people and visit different places, I am deeply grateful for the warm hospitality of the Estonian people.
Regrettably, Russia's aggression against Ukraine, which began in February 2022, continues to this day, and the global security environment remains unstable. There is a stronger recognition than ever before that Euro-Atlantic security and Indo-Pacific security are inseparable, and that the international community must collectively address global security. Furthermore, cyberattacks are seriously recognized as a common and real threat worldwide. A shared understanding has emerged that we, as Japan, must pay attention to Euro-Atlantic security, and European countries, including Estonia, must pay attention to Indo-Pacific security, and together we must work to maintain international peace and security. Estonia is one of Japan's most reliable partners, sharing common challenges. Security cooperation between Japan and Estonia is progressing smoothly, including our continued participation in cybersecurity-related exercises held in Estonia. In July this year, the Embassy hosted its first-ever JSDF (Japan Self-Defense Forces) Day Reception, which was attended by many guests.
In the economic sphere, Estonia is also one of Japan's most reliable partners. We believe there is significant potential for future economic and business cooperation with Estonia, which not only shares our values but also boasts its status as an "e-Estonia," a high level of education supporting its growth, and an entrepreneurial spirit symbolized by the successive emergence of "unicorn companies." This summer, the JAIF International Cooperation Center (JICC), a Japanese general incorporated foundation, held its fourth seminar on nuclear energy and nuclear safety in Tallinn. Japan intends to continue providing possible co-operation for large-scale infrastructure development, including energy, which Estonia is undertaking.
In terms of culture, Japan and Estonia are also firmly connected. Many artists are active in this country, and a considerable number of Japanese students are studying here. In July this year, the nationwide Song Celebration, held once every five years, took place, with the Wakayama Children's Choir participating from Japan, as well as Japanese students studying in Estonia. Furthermore, a delegation led by the Mayor of Saku City, which has a long-standing friendship and sister-city relationship with Estonia's Saku Municipality, participated in the Song Celebration parade. I attended the Song Celebration and was deeply impressed by its sheer scale and the sight of the Estonian people singing in unison.
This year, the Embassy launched the Japanese Culture Festival "Momiji." From September to the end of November, many Japan-related cultural events are being held, including "Japanese Culture Day" organized by the Estonia-Japan Cultural Exchange Association and "Japanese Cinema Days" hosted by the Embassy. We hope that this opportunity will allow more Estonians to further deepen their familiarity with Japanese culture. This cultural festival is planned to be held annually every autumn.
As Ambassador of Japan, I find great fulfilment in working in this fascinating country. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you in Estonia. Thank you very much for your kind attention and co-operation.
November 6, 2025
NAKAMURA Koichiro
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Estonia
With world-renowned conductor Mr. Paavo Järvi With the Mayors and Speakers of sister cities Saku (Japan) and Saku (Estonia)
Japan Self-Defense Forces Day Reception