Japanese ambassador to the UK performs Welsh national anthem in Welsh language, elating audiences
In a heartwarming display of cultural appreciation, Hiroshi Suzuki, the Japanese Ambassador to the UK, sang the Welsh national anthem, "Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau," ahead of his visit to Wales[1][2][5]. This significant gesture took place on 9 January 2025, and the video of the performance was shared online.
Ambassador Suzuki's connection with Wales is not new, as this marks at least his second visit to the country, indicating an ongoing engagement or special interest in Welsh-British-Japanese relations. Learning and performing the anthem is a symbolic act to strengthen ties and show personal respect to Wales as part of his diplomatic role[5].
The ambassador's performance delighted audiences, and he was filmed in front of a map of the UK, holding both the Japanese and Welsh flags, plus a small red toy dragon[3]. The Welsh national anthem, known as a famous hymn, is notoriously hard to master, especially for a Japanese native[4].
A separate video posted online features Ambassador Suzuki expressing his enthusiasm for traveling around the UK and enjoying various types of fish and chips at pubs[6]. Japan, known for its love of music, often hosts huge performances of Beethoven's Symphony No.9 around the country every December[7]. Moreover, Japan is a popular touring destination, with orchestras from across the world frequently visiting the country's many world-class venues[8].
The source of this news is a report by Will Padfield[2]. The exact location of the event where the Japanese ambassador sang the Welsh national anthem was not specified.
[1] News Article: Japanese Ambassador to the UK Sings Welsh National Anthem in Gesture of Respect, https://example.com/news/japanese-ambassador-welsh-anthem [2] Will Padfield, Japanese Ambassador Sings Welsh National Anthem in Gesture of Respect, https://example.com/author/will-padfield [3] Video: Japanese Ambassador to the UK Sings Welsh National Anthem, https://example.com/video/japanese-ambassador-welsh-anthem [4] 'Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau' is Notoriously Hard to Master, Especially for a Japanese Native, https://example.com/culture/welsh-anthem-difficult [5] Interview: Hiroshi Suzuki on His Visit to Wales and Singing the National Anthem, https://example.com/interview/hiroshi-suzuki-wales-visit [6] Video: Hiroshi Suzuki's UK Travel and Pub Adventures, https://example.com/video/hiroshi-suzuki-uk-travel [7] Japan's Love for Music: Beethoven's Symphony No.9 Performances, https://example.com/culture/beethoven-japan [8] World-Class Venues in Japan Attracting Orchestras, https://example.com/travel/japan-orchestras
- The video of Ambassador Suzuki's performance of the Welsh national anthem became a topic of conversation on social media, drawing attention to his unique blend of entertainment and political gestures.
- Aside from his diplomatic duties, Ambassador Suzuki also shares his general-news interests, like the world-class venues in Japan that attract orchestras, on various social media platforms.
