Dear the People of Seychelles: Towards the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Seychelles in 2026
2025/2/25
The following message from Ambassador Sakuta was published in the "Seychelles Nation" and "Today" newspapers on 25th February 2025.
On February 23, Japan was in a blissful mood as it celebrated an important national holiday—the 65th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito. On this special occasion, the nation extended its heartfelt wishes to His Majesty, his family, and the people of Japan for happiness, good health, and prosperity.
The coming year 2026 will be the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Seychelles, so on this occasion, while looking back on the friendly relations between Japan and Seychelles to date, I would like to convey the enthusiasm of the Embassy of Japan for the development of relations between the two countries in the future, towards the 50th anniversary next year.
Japan and Seychelles share a longstanding history of cultural exchange and friendship. A Japanese photographer, Mr. Shinko Ohashi, or Samuel Shingow Ohashi, is said to have lived in Seychelles about 120 years ago, engaging with the people of Seychelles and creating various photo postcards, which now show us various landscapes and people's lives of Seychelles in the early 20th century, including the streets of Victoria, ports, government offices, people's activities, giant turtles and much more. He is said to have had his studio in a building on Market Street in Victoria and passed away in Seychelles on 23rd May 1925. This year marks the 100th anniversary of his passing.
In the 1980s, the relationship deepened as Seychelles became a popular destination for Japanese tourists, with around 25,000 visitors yearly. "The Seychelles Sunset" sung by a famous Japanese singer Seiko Matsuda was created during this time connecting Japan and Seychelles. Seychelles’ stunning natural beauty also captivated Japan’s entertainment industry, drawing well-known Japanese actors for magazine shoots and TV productions.
Today, the friendship monument stands proudly in the National Botanical Garden in Victoria, which was established following Seychelles’ participation in the International Garden and Greenery Expo (Horticulture Expo) in Osaka in 1990.
Japan's relationship with Seychelles has deep roots. In 1976, upon Seychelles' independence from the United Kingdom on June 29, Japan simultaneously recognized Seychelles as a sovereign state and established diplomatic relations on the same day. The bilateral relations between Japan and Seychelles will celebrate their 50th anniversary on this day in 2026.
For decades, the Embassy of Japan in Nairobi, Kenya held concurrent jurisdiction over Seychelles. This changed in January 2019, when Japan established an Embassy in Victoria, Seychelles, marking a significant milestone in our bilateral relations. In 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan elevated the status of the Embassy of Japan in Seychelles and appointed me as Japan's first resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Seychelles. On December 17 of the same year, I had the privilege of presenting my credentials to President Wavel Ramkalawan. I am truly honoured to serve as the first resident Ambassador to Seychelles, a democratic state that continues to thrive economically while preserving its natural heritage.
Since establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Japanese government has continued to cooperate with the Republic of Seychelles in its economic development and improving the Seychellois people's lives. To date, we have provided approximately 6.4 billion yen (reference: 43 million US dollars at the current exchange rate) in grant aid for various projects, including financial assistance for small-scale fishing port facilities, which has contributed to the development of the fishing industry. In the 1980s, we also contributed to cultural and educational development by providing television broadcasting equipment, television programme production equipment, and musical instruments.
In addition, the JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) has accepted trainees in various fields. More than 400 Seychellois have received training in their respective fields of expertise. It is a great pleasure for Japan to see those who have participated in JICA training programmes now actively engaging in various fields in Seychelles. I hope these people will serve as bridges between Japan and Seychelles.
I am confident that those who have studied and conducted research at Japanese universities under the Japanese Government's Scholarship will contribute to mutual understanding between our two countries as Japanese experts after returning home.
Furthermore, I am very encouraged to see that young Seychellois diplomats who have participated in training for foreign diplomats conducted by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs are now active in the Seychelles Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the training.
Although the economic relationship between Japan and Seychelles is not necessarily large due to the geographical relationship and the size of the Seychelles economy, the fact is that Seychelles exports much tuna to Japan. About 10% of the yellowfin and bigeye tuna imported into Japan comes from Seychelles, so many Japanese people eat tuna from Seychelles. As a result, the value of exports to Japan exceeds 8 billion yen (approximately 53 million US dollars, 2023). The value of exports from Japan to Seychelles is approximately 1.1 billion yen (approximately 75 million US dollars), so Japan has a significant deficit in trade with Seychelles.
The Japanese government has made the 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)' initiative, proposed by the late Prime Minister ABE, Shinzo and further developed by former Prime Minister KISHIDA, Fumio, one of the main pillars of its foreign policy. The concept of the 'Indo-Pacific' is now being used worldwide based on this idea.
The fundamental concept of FOIP is simple. We will enhance the connectivity of the Indo-Pacific region, foster the region into a place that values freedom and the rule of law, free from force or coercion, and make it prosperous. We should reaffirm and share the understanding that at the root of the concept of FOIP is defending "freedom" and "the rule of law". In other words, vulnerable countries are in greatest need of "the rule of law", and a state in which the principles of the UN Charter, such as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the peaceful resolution of disputes and the non-use of force are upheld, is the important premise on which "freedom" is enjoyed in the international community. Another equally important principle of FOIP is respect for "diversity", "inclusiveness" and "openness". In other words, we do not exclude anyone, we do not create camps, and we do not impose values.
Seychelles, located in the Indian Ocean—a strategic corridor linking Africa's vast potential with Asia's remarkable growth—is a vital partner in this vision. In the international arena to date, I understand that Seychelles, which has often acted based on values shared with Japan, shares many of the fundamental concepts of FOIP. I am confident that we will be able to continue to act together in response to today's difficult international situation.
As island nations with extensive Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), Japan and Seychelles face shared challenges, including fisheries management, ocean conservation, and resilience to disasters exacerbated by global warming. Moreover, our collaboration extends to addressing critical issues such as piracy, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and other maritime crimes.
Japan and Seychelles work together for maritime security. Our cooperation has been enhanced by the goodwill exercises between the two countries during two port calls by the Japanese Maritime Self-Force ship in 2024. Japan also appreciates Seychelles' participation in the Combined Maritime Forces to protect the maritime route and tackle piracy issues with all the member nations. In this regard, Japan continues to support, in collaboration with the UNODC, maritime law enforcement in the judiciary and prosecution system in Seychelles.
In less than two months, the much-anticipated World Expo will open in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, running from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The Expo will showcase Seychelles' participation and celebrate the bonds of friendship and shared vision between our countries, enhancing international travel and people-to-people exchanges.
As part of the Japanese government's World Expo International Exchange Programme, a group of Japanese high school students and teachers visited Seychelles in January. They engaged in meaningful exchanges with students at English River Secondary School, Anse Royale Secondary School, International School, and the National Conservatoire of Performing Arts.
This month featured exciting opportunities to experience Japanese culture in Seychelles. In collaboration with the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts, we organised the 3rd edition of the Japanese Film Festival, followed by traditional Japanese storytelling Rakugo shows by a Japanese Rakugo performer Kimochi. Both events were well received and served as vibrant cultural exchanges that highlighted the artistic values, history and traditions of Japan.
Japan will hold the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama from August 20 to 22, this year. For approximately 30 years since the launch of TICAD in 1993, the Government of Japan has been making efforts based on the spirit of supporting African-led development. Through the TICAD process, Japan will further deepen its relations with African countries.
I sincerely hope that TICAD will be a success, and I also hope that this TICAD opportunity will further strengthen the partnership between our two countries.
As Japan’s first resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Seychelles, I am committed to further strengthening the enduring partnership between our two countries. I look forward to working hand in hand with the people of Seychelles to achieve our common goals in various areas, including maritime security, fisheries, climate change, capacity building, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
25th February 2024
SAKUTA, Makoto
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Seychelles
Accreditation Ceremony (December 17, 2024)
Friendship Monument at Botanical Garden
Japan Training Squadron Port Call (Japanese Drums (Taiko) Performance at National Museum, June 19, 2024)
On February 23, Japan was in a blissful mood as it celebrated an important national holiday—the 65th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito. On this special occasion, the nation extended its heartfelt wishes to His Majesty, his family, and the people of Japan for happiness, good health, and prosperity.
The coming year 2026 will be the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Seychelles, so on this occasion, while looking back on the friendly relations between Japan and Seychelles to date, I would like to convey the enthusiasm of the Embassy of Japan for the development of relations between the two countries in the future, towards the 50th anniversary next year.
Japan and Seychelles share a longstanding history of cultural exchange and friendship. A Japanese photographer, Mr. Shinko Ohashi, or Samuel Shingow Ohashi, is said to have lived in Seychelles about 120 years ago, engaging with the people of Seychelles and creating various photo postcards, which now show us various landscapes and people's lives of Seychelles in the early 20th century, including the streets of Victoria, ports, government offices, people's activities, giant turtles and much more. He is said to have had his studio in a building on Market Street in Victoria and passed away in Seychelles on 23rd May 1925. This year marks the 100th anniversary of his passing.
In the 1980s, the relationship deepened as Seychelles became a popular destination for Japanese tourists, with around 25,000 visitors yearly. "The Seychelles Sunset" sung by a famous Japanese singer Seiko Matsuda was created during this time connecting Japan and Seychelles. Seychelles’ stunning natural beauty also captivated Japan’s entertainment industry, drawing well-known Japanese actors for magazine shoots and TV productions.
Today, the friendship monument stands proudly in the National Botanical Garden in Victoria, which was established following Seychelles’ participation in the International Garden and Greenery Expo (Horticulture Expo) in Osaka in 1990.
Japan's relationship with Seychelles has deep roots. In 1976, upon Seychelles' independence from the United Kingdom on June 29, Japan simultaneously recognized Seychelles as a sovereign state and established diplomatic relations on the same day. The bilateral relations between Japan and Seychelles will celebrate their 50th anniversary on this day in 2026.
For decades, the Embassy of Japan in Nairobi, Kenya held concurrent jurisdiction over Seychelles. This changed in January 2019, when Japan established an Embassy in Victoria, Seychelles, marking a significant milestone in our bilateral relations. In 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan elevated the status of the Embassy of Japan in Seychelles and appointed me as Japan's first resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Seychelles. On December 17 of the same year, I had the privilege of presenting my credentials to President Wavel Ramkalawan. I am truly honoured to serve as the first resident Ambassador to Seychelles, a democratic state that continues to thrive economically while preserving its natural heritage.
Since establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Japanese government has continued to cooperate with the Republic of Seychelles in its economic development and improving the Seychellois people's lives. To date, we have provided approximately 6.4 billion yen (reference: 43 million US dollars at the current exchange rate) in grant aid for various projects, including financial assistance for small-scale fishing port facilities, which has contributed to the development of the fishing industry. In the 1980s, we also contributed to cultural and educational development by providing television broadcasting equipment, television programme production equipment, and musical instruments.
In addition, the JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) has accepted trainees in various fields. More than 400 Seychellois have received training in their respective fields of expertise. It is a great pleasure for Japan to see those who have participated in JICA training programmes now actively engaging in various fields in Seychelles. I hope these people will serve as bridges between Japan and Seychelles.
I am confident that those who have studied and conducted research at Japanese universities under the Japanese Government's Scholarship will contribute to mutual understanding between our two countries as Japanese experts after returning home.
Furthermore, I am very encouraged to see that young Seychellois diplomats who have participated in training for foreign diplomats conducted by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs are now active in the Seychelles Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the training.
Although the economic relationship between Japan and Seychelles is not necessarily large due to the geographical relationship and the size of the Seychelles economy, the fact is that Seychelles exports much tuna to Japan. About 10% of the yellowfin and bigeye tuna imported into Japan comes from Seychelles, so many Japanese people eat tuna from Seychelles. As a result, the value of exports to Japan exceeds 8 billion yen (approximately 53 million US dollars, 2023). The value of exports from Japan to Seychelles is approximately 1.1 billion yen (approximately 75 million US dollars), so Japan has a significant deficit in trade with Seychelles.
The Japanese government has made the 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)' initiative, proposed by the late Prime Minister ABE, Shinzo and further developed by former Prime Minister KISHIDA, Fumio, one of the main pillars of its foreign policy. The concept of the 'Indo-Pacific' is now being used worldwide based on this idea.
The fundamental concept of FOIP is simple. We will enhance the connectivity of the Indo-Pacific region, foster the region into a place that values freedom and the rule of law, free from force or coercion, and make it prosperous. We should reaffirm and share the understanding that at the root of the concept of FOIP is defending "freedom" and "the rule of law". In other words, vulnerable countries are in greatest need of "the rule of law", and a state in which the principles of the UN Charter, such as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the peaceful resolution of disputes and the non-use of force are upheld, is the important premise on which "freedom" is enjoyed in the international community. Another equally important principle of FOIP is respect for "diversity", "inclusiveness" and "openness". In other words, we do not exclude anyone, we do not create camps, and we do not impose values.
Seychelles, located in the Indian Ocean—a strategic corridor linking Africa's vast potential with Asia's remarkable growth—is a vital partner in this vision. In the international arena to date, I understand that Seychelles, which has often acted based on values shared with Japan, shares many of the fundamental concepts of FOIP. I am confident that we will be able to continue to act together in response to today's difficult international situation.
As island nations with extensive Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), Japan and Seychelles face shared challenges, including fisheries management, ocean conservation, and resilience to disasters exacerbated by global warming. Moreover, our collaboration extends to addressing critical issues such as piracy, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and other maritime crimes.
Japan and Seychelles work together for maritime security. Our cooperation has been enhanced by the goodwill exercises between the two countries during two port calls by the Japanese Maritime Self-Force ship in 2024. Japan also appreciates Seychelles' participation in the Combined Maritime Forces to protect the maritime route and tackle piracy issues with all the member nations. In this regard, Japan continues to support, in collaboration with the UNODC, maritime law enforcement in the judiciary and prosecution system in Seychelles.
In less than two months, the much-anticipated World Expo will open in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, running from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The Expo will showcase Seychelles' participation and celebrate the bonds of friendship and shared vision between our countries, enhancing international travel and people-to-people exchanges.
As part of the Japanese government's World Expo International Exchange Programme, a group of Japanese high school students and teachers visited Seychelles in January. They engaged in meaningful exchanges with students at English River Secondary School, Anse Royale Secondary School, International School, and the National Conservatoire of Performing Arts.
This month featured exciting opportunities to experience Japanese culture in Seychelles. In collaboration with the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts, we organised the 3rd edition of the Japanese Film Festival, followed by traditional Japanese storytelling Rakugo shows by a Japanese Rakugo performer Kimochi. Both events were well received and served as vibrant cultural exchanges that highlighted the artistic values, history and traditions of Japan.
Japan will hold the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama from August 20 to 22, this year. For approximately 30 years since the launch of TICAD in 1993, the Government of Japan has been making efforts based on the spirit of supporting African-led development. Through the TICAD process, Japan will further deepen its relations with African countries.
I sincerely hope that TICAD will be a success, and I also hope that this TICAD opportunity will further strengthen the partnership between our two countries.
As Japan’s first resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Seychelles, I am committed to further strengthening the enduring partnership between our two countries. I look forward to working hand in hand with the people of Seychelles to achieve our common goals in various areas, including maritime security, fisheries, climate change, capacity building, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
25th February 2024
SAKUTA, Makoto
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Seychelles
Accreditation Ceremony (December 17, 2024)
Friendship Monument at Botanical Garden
Japan Training Squadron Port Call (Japanese Drums (Taiko) Performance at National Museum, June 19, 2024)