Message from Ambassador NAKAMURA Koichiro

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 two years since I arrived in Tallinn on October 18, 2024. I am about to welcome my third winter in this country. Last winter was relatively cold with heavy snow, but I wonder what this year will be like? I look forward to winter in Tallinn as there are many enjoyable events such as Christmas markets, concerts, and theatre performances.

Over the past year as well, I have had the privilege of meeting a great many Estonian people in various fields, including the government, Riigikogu (parliament), defense, business, education, science, and culture. I have also been able to visit many places in Estonia over the past year, including the South Estonia region centered around Tartu and Otepää, the Setomaa region, Paide, Haapsalu, Saaremaa Island, Hiiumaa Island, Rakvere, Sillamäe, Narva, and Paldiski. In July this year, it was also a very wonderful memory for me to host the conferral ceremony of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon on behalf of the Government of Japan to Maestro Paavo Järvi, a world-renowned Estonian maestro, on the stage of the Pärnu Music Festival. 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. In addition, the security environment surrounding the international community and Japan is changing at an accelerating pace in various fields, including the tense situation in the Middle East. Around Japan, there are concerning developments such as China's diplomatic stance and military trends, North Korea's nuclear and missile development, and the progress of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. These individual developments are interrelated in the global international community, bringing diverse changes to regional and international situations. Therefore, 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, increasingly intense cyberattacks are seriously recognized as a common and real threat worldwide. This means that we must pay attention to Euro-Atlantic security, and at the same time, 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 Japan's continued participation in cybersecurity-related exercises held in Estonia and exercises hosted by NATO.

In addition, over the past year, many ministers and dignitaries from Estonia visited Japan, including Minister of the Interior Igor Taro, Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Johannes Terras, Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta, Minister of Climate and Energy Andres Sutt, Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas, and Mayor of Tallinn Peeter Raudsepp. From Japan, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Digital Affairs KISHI Nobuchiyo, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense YOSHIDA Shinji, and delegations from both the House of Representatives and the Senate’s members visited Estonia. On the occasion of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in June this year, State Minister for Foreign Affairs KUNIMITSU Ayano held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna. Furthermore, the 6th Japan-Baltic Cooperation Dialogue was held in Riga, Latvia, in September. In this way, bilateral political dialogue is being conducted closely and smoothly.

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." In September this year, the JAIF International Cooperation Center (JICC), a Japanese general incorporated foundation, held its fifth seminar on nuclear energy in Tallinn, with the cooperation of the Ministry of Climate of Estonia. Japan intends to continue providing possible cooperation for large-scale infrastructure development, including energy, which Estonia is undertaking. Cooperation in the field of dual-use technologies is also progressing.

In terms of culture, Japan and Estonia are also firmly connected. Last year, the Embassy launched the Japanese Culture Festival "Momiji." In the first "Momiji – Japanese Autumn in Estonia" last year, with the warm cooperation of all those involved, we held 20 events, which attracted a total of over 15,000 participants. This year, "Momiji 2026" is being held for three months from September to the end of November, with an even richer lineup of events than last year. We will deliver a more diverse program of Japanese culture, art, food, sports, and martial arts across Estonia. This year, cultural events such as film festivals are being held not only in Tallinn but also in Tartu and Haapsalu. We hope that this opportunity will allow more Estonian people to further deepen their familiarity with Japanese culture.

On September 8, an opening ceremony was held at the Kadriorg Art Museum. On that occasion, a mini-concert was held courtesy of the Estonian National Male Choir. Furthermore, in order to make "Momiji" shine even brighter, we invited public designs for its logo. Out of many applications, a wonderful logo designed by Ms. Eka Susanti was selected, along with a mascot character. We hope that these will become the face of "Momiji" from now on, be embraced by many people, and play an active role as a symbol of cultural exchange between Japan and Estonia. Please take a look at them, as they are posted on the Embassy's website and social media. We plan to hold "Momiji" annually every autumn.

In Estonia, Japanese residents have been active for many years in various fields such as art, culture, education, and economy, serving as a bridge between the two countries. On September 24, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced the recipients of the Foreign Minister's Commendation for fiscal year 2026, and Mr. HAYASHI Tomomi, President of the Japanese Cultural Society in Estonia, was awarded for his outstanding contributions to the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and Estonia. The Embassy extends its heartfelt respect to Mr. Hayashi and all of these individuals.

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.


October 2026
NAKAMURA Koichiro
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Estonia