Love Letter from Brussels
<< Back List Next >>
Brexit, thereafter, celebrations (No.38)
27/06/2016
Brexit!!!
Before moving on to talks about celebrations, let me say a few words on Brexit. As a result of the referendum held in the UK on June 23, the British people voted, with a difference of about 4%, for the path of exiting from the EU. We can say that Brexit was a shock, not only to Europe but to the whole world.
The short term influence on the markets is already clear but at the same time (or, even more seriously) Europe, that is already struggling with various problems such as refugees and terrorism, will have to spend now at least 2 years negotiating about the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. The concern is that all that time the EU will need to operate with uncertainty.
On the other hand, whether the UK’s withdrawal from the EU will have a domino-effect on other countries depends also on uncertain factors such as how the future withdrawal negotiations will progress, so the consequence is not yet clear. Also the impact on the direction of the EU’s future requires further careful assessment.
As I said in my previous LFB, Japan needs a strong Europe and EU, and I think it is clear that a more united Europe and EU will be stronger and will be able to hold a more meaningful position in the world. However, now that the UK has decided to leave the EU, practically speaking, we should come up with proper response with that in mind.
The UK continues to be a member of NATO, it remains an important country within Europe and the bilateral ties with Japan stay strong. I think it is now needed to discuss the problems one by one to come to a solution.
Celebrations; two conferment ceremonies
Well then, let’s proceed to the main topic. Since my last LFB, I had the honor to host conferment ceremonies for 2 Belgians who each has received a Japanese decoration this spring.
First is Mr. Adamo, the chanson singer who is famous even in Japan. He has the Italian nationality but was raised in Belgium and became a national singer. His relation with Japan spans over half a century. In 1963, at the age of 20, he came to Japan for the first time for his first concert in Japan. Since then, he has visited Japan 38 times and performed over 500 concerts.
What is great about Mr. Adamo is that all of his songs are his own original compositions. Even now, more than 70 years old, he is still composing new songs. More than any other song, it is “Yuki ga furu” (Tombe la neige) that is famous in Japan. By the way, one time”Yuki ga furu” was played in the airplane when he was travelling to Japan. As a little prank, he asked the Japanese person next to him what song it was. The person replied that the song is a famous Japanese song… It is a good story that Mr. Adamo tells well.
The other person who received a decoration is aikido master Leclerc. It may not be well known in Japan, but in Europe, including Belgium, Aikido is very popular. To my shame, I have to admit that in Japan I did not have the chance to watch an aikido practice, but since I came to Belgium I have been invited several times to attend such trainings. I find the sight of Belgians and other Europeans training hard in silence very impressive. I think that aikido, like many other Japanese martial arts, has become firmly rooted in Europe.
Master Leclerc is the only holder of a 7th dan rank in aikido in Belgium. He was also the second person in Europe and the first person in Belgium to become “shihan” (instructor). He started aikido at the age of 14 and from the age of 21 he already began teaching; a wonderful career in my opinion. Mr. Leclerc himself says that what is important is to transmit aikido to the next generation. There are already over 100 holders of a black belt among his students so far. Also, the international aikido summer camp which he founded 20 years ago now attracts over 300 practitioners.
Mr. Adamo, who introduced and established the European culture of chanson in Japan, as well as Mr. Leclerc, who introduced and transmitted the Japanese culture of aikido in Belgium to the next generation, are both worthy to receive decorations this year. It is after all the year in which the 150 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium should be commemorated. Congratulations to both of them!