Farewell Message from Ambassador ORIKASA Hiroyuki

　The time has come for me to conclude my tenure and depart from this beautiful country. The warm welcome and friendship, the unwavering support, and the constant kindness I received from all of you during my years here are treasures that my wife and I will cherish for a lifetime. The breathtaking expanse of the sea and the genuine smiles of the Palauan people have made my days as the Japanese Ambassador absolutely irreplaceable.
 
　This year, 2025, marks the historic 10th anniversary of the 2015 visit of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress Emeritus of Japan to the Republic of Palau, as well as the 80th anniversary since the end of the World War II. I am profoundly moved, and I pay my deepest respect to the fact that this island, once a stage for a tragic history, now shines brightly as a symbol of peace and democracy. To commemorate this significant 80th anniversary, a special charitable screening of the animation film, ‘Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise', was held in Japan on November 27th, graced by the attendance of Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko, granddaughter of the Emperor and Empress Emeritus, ahead of its nationwide release in Japan on December 5th, tomorrow. Furthermore, here in Palau, on December 8th, a Japanese Song Concert will be held with the generous support of the Ngarachamayong Culture Center and the valued cooperation of the esteemed Bilung and her daughter Uroi.
 
　Everybody, please come to join us for the Japanese song concert. These events underscore our mutual commitment to remembering our shared history, promoting peace, reconciliation, and celebrating the strong cultural ties that bind our nations. The bond between Japan and Palau ttranscends mere friendship; I often refer to this relationship as "Tokubetsu", meaning 'special and extraordinary'. More than that, I consider our relationship a miracle. I believe that this miraculously stable and vibrant relationship between our two countries is due to the understanding, kindness, and love for Japan expressed by successive presidents, traditional leaders, senators, delegates, cabinet members, governors, members of legislature of the states, and generations of Palauan people. We share a common past and are dedicated to building our future together. This relationship, sustained by our long history, is further strengthened by our shared fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law, and the sustainable use of marine resources.
 
　The international situation surrounding us is becoming increasingly complex. This is a fact that cannot be denied. As you are all aware, the Indo-Pacific region is engaged in an intense contest between 'freedom' and 'authoritarianism' and between 'open cooperation' and 'exclusive influence'. Palau, by virtue of its geographic location and steadfast democratic spirit, stands precisely on the 'Frontline of the Liberal Bloc'. The Palauan people's firm resolve to protect your sovereignty and your significant contribution to maritime security serve as a Beacon of Hope not just for the Pacific Island nations, but for the entire international community. Allow me to touch upon Japan’s commitment under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration and its diplomatic roadmap. Under the banner of 'resolute diplomacy' and 'strengthening cooperation with like-minded nations' championed by Prime Minister Takaichi, Japan will commit even more proactively to maintaining a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). We recognize that, as like-minded nations including Palau committed to democratic values and the rules-based order, we may face attempts to exert pressure on us, whether diplomatic or economic. Such measures are already being criticized by emerging economies. However, I wish to state clearly: Japan will never ever yield to pressure, nor will we tolerate actions intended to intimidate our partners or undermine the global rules we uphold. We will continue to lead the formation of rules based on international law and remain resolute in our commitment to prioritize and support the peace and stability of precious partners like Palau, who demonstrate such courage on the frontline. In terms of concrete cooperation, be it assistance for strengthening maritime security capabilities or improving people's lives through the daily diplomatic activities of both the private and government sectors, Japan's support will continue. The stability of Palau is the bedrock of regional stability, and it is, therefore, firmly in Japan's national interest.
 
　Ladies and gentlemen, over the last three years, we have held five summit meetings between the Japanese Prime Minister and His Excellency President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. of the Republic of Palau. Furthermore, this year alone (2025), President Whipps has visited Japan five times: for the Japan-Palau Summit in February, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation's Ocean Seminar in March, the Palau National Day at the Kansai-Osaka Expo in April, the 'Future of Asia Seminar' hosted by the Nihon Keizai Shimbun in May, and the Inauguration ceremony for regular direct flights and tourism promotion in October. No other country in the world has such frequent exchanges with Japan at the summit level in the last three years. This fact speaks volumes about the 'Tokubetsu' nature of our bilateral relationship.
 
　Next year, 2026, Palau will assume the critical responsibility of Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), leading the entire region. Moreover, in 2027, a globally influential stage awaits as Palau takes on the role of Co-Chair of the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) with Japan. Therefore, the next few years are critically important not only for the national interest of Japan and Palau but also for the peace and stability of the entire Pacific. Our two governments have already clearly identified the way forward on how to maintain and secure peace, stability, and prosperity based on mutual respect, trust, and understanding. Our common targets include, but are not limited to: (1) The success of the PALM Summit, including various Ministerial Meetings, in Palau next year. (2) Concluding a Japan–Palau Special Economic Agreement as an economic security 'Compact' for Palau. (3) Stimulating tourism sales in Japan to increase the number of Japanese tourists utilizing regular direct flights. (4) The successful implementation of the first Japan-Palau Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project for the Palau International Airport. (5) The construction of Gappan Port. (6) The realization of visa waivers for the people of Palau, leading to an automated immigration system through comprehensive border control and the issuance of e-passports. (7) The introduction of a Savings Bond for the improvement of financial situation, IT and financial literacy, especially for the younger generation in Palau. (8) The approval of the PNMS Revision Bill not only to secure the continuity of fishing activities by Okinawa fishing vessels, but also to boost the fishing industry and secure maritime security in Palauan waters. (9) Increased production in agriculture and fisheries through human resource support from Japan. (10) The Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) project as a direct investment from Japan. (11) Revival of the Grassroots Grant Projects (GGP). Outstanding issues must be resolved before the Government of Japan can extend financial support under this scheme. (12) Securing tangible results in ongoing projects and programs and following up the completed projects and programs for at least five years, including the health, sanitation, education, heritage conservation, and public safety sectors, through human resource support. (13) The realization of the revisit of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan and the first-ever visit of a Japanese Prime Minister to the Republic of Palau.
 
　As I have stated, the stability and prosperity of Palau are the foundation of regional stability, and indeed, Japan’s national interest. Our diplomatic relationship is strong, as are our commitments to one another. But if we achieve no results, our diplomacy has failed, regardless of what was said or how much we spend or how many we dispatched experts and volunteers. As I always say, Japan is not a NATO member; it is not the country of "No Action Talk Only". Therefore, daily mutual support, committed actions by Japanese, especially approximately 280 Japanese residence in Palau, and effective donor coordination together with USA, the Republic of China（Taiwan）, Australia and development organizations which have residential office in Palau are essential for us to accomplish our common goals. What we must do now is: utilize our collective wisdom and experience. We must focus on implementation, implementation, implementation, and we must work hard and work hard with a profound sense of urgency. At the same time, we must secure transparency and accountability for our community members as the bottom line of national development. In closing, once again, I would like to thank you all for your attendance. Though separated by the sea, our hearts are one. I do not want to say 'Sayonara' or 'Good-bye', but rather, 'See you again'.
 
Thank you very much.
 
December 5, 2025
ORIKASA Hiroyuki
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan
to the Republic of Palau