Meeting with the Japanese ambassador

This week, the mayor had the honour of welcoming Japan’s ambassador to Seychelles, Mr Sakuta Makoto, to the mayor’s office, highlighting the importance of this diplomatic engagement.

Held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, the meeting provided an opportunity to explore promising avenues for collaboration, including joint tourism initiatives, fisheries development, and a potential twinning partnership between Miyazu City and Victoria. Known for its rich history and strong tourism appeal, Miyazu presents valuable perspectives that could help inspire Victoria’s ongoing growth and development.

The Mayor also expressed admiration for Japan’s exemplary waste management systems and the exceptional cleanliness of its cities—standards that closely align with her vision of a cleaner, greener, and more vibrant capital.

A key highlight of the discussions was the shared cultural connection rooted in the legacy of Japanese photographer Mr Samuel Shingow, who lived and worked in Seychelles in the early 1900s. Through his photography business, he documented a unique chapter of the country’s history, leaving behind a remarkable collection of images and postcards. This year marks 100 years since his passing in Seychelles, where he is also laid to rest. His work stands as a powerful cultural bridge, offering meaningful opportunities for future collaboration between the two countries.