Letter from Tokyo. Where was the Vuvuzela to celebrate the 2020 Olympics Coming to Tokyo?

South Africa needs to create a Vuvuzela, a special one for the Japanese. They just don't know how to get down and celebrate!

I really miss the Vuvuzela. That constant noise that is at first irritating but without its there really is no celebration! I have no idea why I did not think of taking mine along the other morning. Finally, Tokyo has won the bid to host the 2020 Olympic games. I could not help myself. I had to compare the celebrations, noise and jubilation that South Africa experienced when we won the bid to host 2010 World Cup. South Africa was just electrified! Nothing united the country more at that moment. There was a unity of purpose. Even more special was the blaring of horns, the Vuvuzela's and all the soccer fans out in the streets in their green and gold Bafana -Bafana T-shirts.

In Tokyo, many loyal Japanese waited patiently until about 05h20 in the morning when the long awaited announcement was made. 'And the Winner is....... Tokyo!' Yes there was jubilation and streamers and a few cars blaring music on some of the usually quiet streets of Tokyo. Some cried, but it was rather contained compared with the vigour that South Africa uses to celebrate! Jho, its two days later and in Tokyo is business as usual. Its as if nothing happened!

Everything has gone back to normal almost two hours after the winner was announced. Had it not been for the newspapers and TV news that have served as a useful reminder, we might have actually forgotten about that Tokyo won the olympic bid.

Eish eish mara.... The Japanese need some serious lessons on celebrating. I think we need to create a loud Japanese Vuvuzela to prepare them for the Olympic games. All we can say now is Congratulations Tokyo as you prepare. To all the South African potential Olympian's get ready to win some medals in tokyo in 7 years time!

Sayonara

Ambassador Pheko

www.sajapan.org

SOUTH AFRICAN DIAMONDS CHANGED ROMANCE IN JAPAN: 'LETTER FROM TOKYO'

Ambassador Pheko Wearing a SA BIRTH Diamond Necklace

SOUTH AFRICAN DIAMONDS CHANGED ROMANCE IN JAPAN: 'LETTER FROM TOKYO'

Who ever thought that South African Diamonds would change the business of  Romance  in Japan? Until  the mid-1960's parents arranged marriages for their children through trusted intermediaries. The marriage  ceremony was consummated by the bride and groom drinking  Sake [wine made from rice] from a wooden bowl. This rather bland unromantic  courtship, had no seduction, no courtship non of the romantic thrill that culminates in a diamond engagement ring.

De Beers, a  South African Company completely changed this state of affairs, and transformed romance in Japan forever. With the help of an advertising company, they launched a massive campaign to make the diamond ring a token of love and intent. This was in no way an easy task convincing the Japanese that a diamond ring was an essential symbol of courtship. 

De Beers Campaign

It was not until the South African company promoted the diamond ring as a something modern. They cleverly begun to produce gorgeous images of women doing non-traditional activities with beautiful diamond rings on their fingers. Yatching, mountain climbing, biking, and camping. Behind each of these women was the handsome prospective groom, with a sports car, dressed handsomely and prepared to woo the women with of course a diamond ring. In essence the advertisement took the Japanese on a journey away from the past into a new way of romancing women. 

'A Diamond is Forever' became associated with romance. Men started spending large portions of their salaries buying engagement rings that sent a clear message, that said, I want to be with you forever!

De Beer Campaign1967

When the campaign started less than 5% of Japanese women got a diamond engagement ring. Today Japan is the 2nd biggest buyer of diamond engagement rings in the world after America.

SA BIRTH PROTEA MADE WITH SOUTH AFRICAN DIAMONDS

This evening, I had the honor of attending the launch of SA Birth, a company that buys diamonds from South Africa, and creates some of the most beautiful diamond jewellery. I had the opportunity to wear one of the diamond necklaces. I felt like a queen! 

AMBASSADOR PHEKO AT THE LAUNCH OF SA BIRTH

I could not help remember as I appreciated the jewellery designed by Japanese designers, that is was a South African company that was bold enough to enter a difficult market, create a wonderful idea, and made the diamond a highly demanded jewel in Japan. We seem to have lost that edge today. We need that pioneering spirit from South African companies who can once more create new brands that can take on the Japanese consumer. Whether its with our platinum groups metals making fuel cells, or creating a brand of anti-aging cosmetics from South Africa's bountiful herbs rich in our biodiversity or simply taking our existing brands and  creating a huge demand for them in Japan. The Opportunities are numerous. The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa stands ready to assist South African brands navigate their way into the Japanese market. We can do this!

Sayonara

Mohau Pheko

Ambassador -Embassy of the  Republic of South Africa

www.sajapan.org

AMBASSADOR PHEKO'S LETTER FROM TOKYO - THE Bon Odori Dance Festival

The Bon Odori Dance Festival - 

Letter from Tokyo

Roppongi is known as the wealthy side of town, where expatriates hang out in Tokyo. Roppongi Hills is a towering building one of the tallest buildings in Tokyo. Bustling near fashion iconic stores like Vuitton and Hugo Boss, its strange to see the streets filled with women in their Yukata [summer Kimono's] [the traditional national dress of Japan], and women walking around in their Geta Sandals. Don't ask me how they walk in those painfully elegant shoes. Mine have become a souvenir, a conversation piece for my friends and family in South Africa.

Bon Odori Dance

GETA Sandals

 The traffic is in gridlock tonight because the streets are blocked for this yearly festival and dance. I am at the Roppongi Obon Dori Dance Festival.  Its the end of Obon. Some know this as The Festival of Souls.  Obon, is a Buddhist celebration, celebrated, I was surprised to discover, in many parts of the world where there are Japanese communities. 

Some Japanese believe that during this period the souls of their ancestors return to their homes on earth. This is the time when people can guide and help their ancestors' spirits to find peace. 

During this festival  period  of 3 days, families hang lanterns outside their houses, many decorated with their family names. These are placed at  the graves to welcome and guide the souls  home. In many neighbourhoods a variety of food is offered to the souls of ancestors. 

Yagura Stage

At the end of grave cleaning and welcoming the souls of their ancestors home, the Japanese let their hair down!

During this period people gather for outdoor dances known as Bon dance or, bon odori a (folk dance)  widely practiced on Obon nights. 

People go to their neighbourhood bon odori held at parks, gardens, shrines, or temples, wearing Yukata's and dance around a yagura stage. Anyone can participate in bon odori, so, although this year I did not wear my Yukata, I joined the circle and imitated what others were doing. It was just amazing to be in a such a festive place filled with drumming, dancing and celebration.

Sayonara

Ambassador Pheko

www.sajapan.org

Letter From Tokyo

Welcome to Ambassador Pheko's blog entitled 'Letter from Tokyo'.

It is my intention to use this blog to share my experiences in Japan and to give you some insights on working and living in Japan. I must confess one thing before we begin. I have the best job in the world. Serving my country South Africa in the 3rd largest economy in the world is such an honour! What a remarkable amazing people and country we are.  Sharing who we are, our dreams and aspirations in Japan is such an enormous pleasure. What job would give you a ride in in a carriage to go and meet the Emperor of Japan?

I have another confession to make. Former Minister Tokyo Sexwale was in Tokyo recently attending an installation of some of former President Nelson Mandela's work. Interesting that it took a man named Tokyo to suggest that I write a blog entitled 'Letter from Tokyo', to share insights about our work and opportunities in Japan for South Africans. In turn I also want to share opportunities with the Japanese that exist in South Africa. So Tokyo, here is your 'Letter from Tokyo'.

I have learned a lot in Japan. Slowly I am learning the Japanese language. As I pick up new words and phrases, I am becoming more confident in throwing a phrase or two in my communication. I am digging deeper into understanding what makes this very small country geographically, with a population of 129 million people tick. Its a fascinating country, with many values that we share.

This space  gives me the opportunity to share the culture, politics and economy of Japan. Many South Africans have not been to Japan. I hope through this blog to provide a small window that enables you to peep in. My journeys have take me to many places in Japan. It is my desire and hope that through this blog, I will contribute to bridging South Africa and Japan more. Next year in 2014 our relations will be 104 years old. Not shabby for two countries that are a 17 hour flight away.

What I hope to do is to give you a glimpse of what I do during the day, and give you some thoughts on why I think South Africa should continue to build stronger and more strategic ties with Japan.

I look forward to hearing your comments and experiences.

Ambassador Pheko

www.sajapan.org/

Sayonara!