You may find what I am going to say impertinent. But I have discovered impertinence can be a virtue in Israel. So I hope you will indulge me.
When I arrived here two and a half years ago, I didn't know anything about this country, despite my long career in foreign service. The lack of preconception, however, has never been a disadvantage. You don't understand Israel unless you come here. The country, moreover, undergoes constant change.
I find myself extremely fortunate that my term in Israel included tremendous progress in our bilateral partnership on all fronts, from political dialogue to business cooperation. But what I have enjoyed most during my tenure is actually talking to people. Every Israeli has a story to tell, and very few are reticent to tell it. And what amazing stories you hear! Stories of hope, despair, courage, faith, compassion, and, above all, the power of the human bond. The conversations I've had with so many people here are the most precious souvenirs that I bring back to Japan.
Indeed, the people are the most valuable asset this country possesses. Take the example of the famous Israeli "ecosystem." When I arrived here, I tried to discover the secret behind Israel's innovative business culture. I listened to people talk about this scheme or that fund with great interest, but, after a while, I started to notice that things don't work in a systematic way in this country. And then, I came to realization that the so-called "ecosystem" is, in essence, actually a network of enterprising and ingenious people. In my view, the whole point of the "ecosystem" is to let the Israelis be Israelis.
Because of my admiration for the Israeli people, the main focus of my activity has been to create and expand human connections between our two countries. This has involved not only developing contacts among the elite in politics and business but also reaching out to ordinary people.
For example: There are two very important sources of goodwill toward Japan in this country. The one is the so-called "Budokas" who practice all kinds of Japanese martial arts, and the other is the youth who enjoy Japanese pop culture such as manga and anime. Their goodwill is an important foundation for our friendship, and I am gratified I have been able to engage them closely on various occasions.
I have also developed deep respect for Israel as a nation during my stay. In modern history, few countries were born with greater disadvantages than Israel. Overcoming these disadvantages in establishing a strong nation is in itself a great achievement. But Israel has gone further than that: It has turned innate disadvantages into advantages. From a drip irrigation mechanism to the thriving military industry, you see many examples of Israel's remarkable capacity to derive strength from weakness, which I think is a hallmark of a great country.
Looking ahead, my hope is that Israel will make greater efforts to use this strength not only for its own benefit but for the benefit of the broader regional and international community. It has already started doing so, for instance, by sharing its cutting-edge technology with the rest of the world. Being a robust democracy in this troubled region is in itself an important contribution to regional stability.
But I firmly believe there is room for Israel to play a much more positive role in the region. This, of course, is not something it can achieve single-handedly. The region has to do a better job of accepting Israel. It should, however, continue to be an aspiration.
I should also add that Japan can play a role of catalyst in this endeavor. The four-party industrial project in Jericho, involving Japan, Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Jordan, is an example of what we can accomplish with creativity, patience and mutual commitments.
Usually, two and half years are too short a time for an ambassador to do a proper job. But, in Israel, each day is filled with unbound energy, excitement and discovery. I am concluding my time here with great satisfaction as well as optimism for the future of our friendship.
