Policy Reform, Trade, Negotiation and Diplomacy: A Conversation with the Japanese Ambassador
HE Makoto Osawa, Ambassador of Japan to New Zealand
Monday, 3 March 2025 4:00pm
Christchurch
Bentleys in Haere-Roa, 90 Ilam Road, Christchurch
This event is hosted in collaboration with the University of Canterbury Political Science Society.
Join the Japanese Ambassador to New Zealand for a talk on his journey from a family tradition rooted in samurai craftsmanship to a career in global diplomacy.
From reforming Japan’s agricultural policies to leading UNESCO’s recognition of Washoku and negotiating the TPP with New Zealand, his story highlights the power of curiosity, cultural appreciation, and humour.
Now focused on fostering ties between Japan and New Zealand, the Ambassador will offer valuable lessons on embracing opportunities and bridging cultures.
Makoto Osawa has served as the Ambassador of Japan to New Zealand since 2024. Prior to this, he worked for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan from 1984 to 2019, where he led various policy initiatives, including those related to the rice system, the revitalisation plan following the Great East Japan Earthquake, and agricultural cooperatives.
Ambassador Osawa also spent 15 years involved in international affairs, leading trade negotiations such as the WTO and TPP, and overseeing the registration of Japanese food as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.
Some light refreshments will be provided.
This event is hosted in collaboration with the University of Canterbury Political Science Society.
Join the Japanese Ambassador to New Zealand for a talk on his journey from a family tradition rooted in samurai craftsmanship to a career in global diplomacy.
From reforming Japan’s agricultural policies to leading UNESCO’s recognition of Washoku and negotiating the TPP with New Zealand, his story highlights the power of curiosity, cultural appreciation, and humour.
Now focused on fostering ties between Japan and New Zealand, the Ambassador will offer valuable lessons on embracing opportunities and bridging cultures.
Makoto Osawa has served as the Ambassador of Japan to New Zealand since 2024. Prior to this, he worked for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan from 1984 to 2019, where he led various policy initiatives, including those related to the rice system, the revitalisation plan following the Great East Japan Earthquake, and agricultural cooperatives.
Ambassador Osawa also spent 15 years involved in international affairs, leading trade negotiations such as the WTO and TPP, and overseeing the registration of Japanese food as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.
Some light refreshments will be provided.
Membership
NZIIA membership is open to anyone interested in understanding the importance of global affairs to the political and economic well-being of New Zealand.