President Chen Shui-bian, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan), on the afternoon of May 15 bestowed the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon on Interchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Tadashi Ikeda. The honor is in recognition of Mr. Ikeda's long efforts and outstanding contributions in fostering substantive and friendly cooperative relations between Japan and Taiwan.
Making remarks upon the conclusion of the formal ceremony, Chief Representative Ikeda said that he is delighted to receive the honor. He said that he especially appreciates President Chen taking time out of his busy schedule as he prepares to leave office to personally bestow the honor on him. He said he is quite proud to be presented the honor.
Chief Representative Ikeda said that since entering Japan's diplomatic corps, he has served in seven different nations. Taiwan was the first place overseas he was stationed, and it is also the only place where he has been stationed twice. As a result, he said that he has a special fondness for Taiwan. Mr. Ikeda said that he has personally witnessed the enormous progress made by Taiwan both politically and economically over the past two decades. He stressed that since taking his post here, he has strived to promote bilateral exchanges and mutual understanding between Taiwan and Japan. He mentioned how President Chen has frequently said that Taiwan-Japan relations now are the best they have been since the two countries severed diplomatic ties in 1972. Chief Representative Ikeda believes that the strong level of interaction between Taiwan and Japan is the result of the long-term goodwill and friendship by President Chen as well as people in both countries.
Mr. Ikeda said that presently there are about 1.3 million tourist visits made by the Taiwan people to Japan each year, while the Japanese people make over 1.2 million tourist and business visits to Taiwan annually. Furthermore, about 16,000 Japanese citizens either live in or work on Taiwan. He said he is confident that this interaction helps foster mutual understanding among people of the two countries. He said he accepts the honor on behalf of people from many sectors in Japan, adding that this is an enormous honor for him, especially since President Chen presented it to him personally. Chief Representative Ikeda also reiterated his most sincere appreciation to President Chen.