Other visits

Visits can also be made to community groups such as scout or guide groups, libraries, rotary clubs, Japan societies, or chambers of commerce — anybody that is interested in Japanese culture in general or wants to know what can be done to assist Japan with long-term recovery. For Japanese people living in the UK and feeling a little isolated, a visit can also be a way to generate some ideas of how to help from so far away.

As with school visits, for a first-time visit or for those who know relatively little about Japan, I can focus on some of the things that I love about Japan rather than focusing on the earthquake.

For groups that assisted with my original trip around the UK I can talk about my trip to the north of Japan and share the results of their efforts.

For corporations interested in supporting Japan as part of their CSR initiatives, or even as potential investment opportunities, talks can be arranged. I have a large business network in Japan and would be happy to facilitate introductions that could lead to long-term relationships.

And if any group were interested in building some even stronger ties with Japan, I would like to encourage them to take on the sponsoring of an Oshika-hanto Home and would be happy to talk more about this project. This is something that fishermen’s associations may be especially interested in.